Visit Hawai`i Island: Pahoa Lava Zone Museum

Since we were in the area, we decided to check out the Pahoa Lava Zone Museum.

I honestly was not expecting much, but this tiny, free museum run by volunteers houses very interesting exhibits from the 2018 Kilauea eruption, as well as ones that were once displayed at the Jaggar Museum at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which shut down after earthquakes damaged the structure.   

There were all sorts of lava rocks on displays in various formations and colors, along with explanations of how the different types of rocks were formed.

There are also many photos depicting the before and after of images of various lava flows.

The images were incredible and heartbreaking at the same time - seeing how homes and businesses were covered in lava, or how so many were just mere inches from being destroyed - the photos were amazing.

It was an informative and educational visit explaining the various lava flows and how it has created the current, ever-evolving landscape, and it was a glimpse into the power of Pele.

Pahoa Lava Zone Museum
15-2959 Pahoa Village Rd

Pāhoa, HI 96778