Overview
What Kilauea is
Kilauea is one of Hawaii's active shield volcanoes, with a summit caldera and rift zones that guide lava toward lower slopes and coastal plains.
Its record emphasizes lava-flow geography rather than steep cone building.
Shield Form
Caldera, rifts, and lava plains
Rift zones focus eruptions along linear corridors. Basalt lava spreads across broad surfaces and can extend toward the coast.
Summit
Caldera structure
Collapse and vent activity shape the upper volcano.
Flanks
Rift-zone flow
Lava moves through long eruption corridors.
Island
Terrain growth
New lava adds to the volcanic island surface.