Green Lake (Hawaii) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green Lake |
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| Ka Wai o Pele | |
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Green Lake, photographed in the 1890s
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 Green Lake
Location in Hawaii
Green Lake
Location in Pacific Ocean
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| Location | Hawaiʻi, United States |
| Coordinates | 19°30′08″N 154°50′22″W / 19.5023164°N 154.8393238°W |
| Type | Volcanic crater lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 0.5 ha (1.2 acres) |
| Max. depth | 61 m (200 ft) |
Green Lake (also known as Hawaiian: Ka Wai o Pele) was a beautiful freshwater lake. It was located inside a crater called Puʻu Kapoho on the island of Hawaiʻi.
This lake was very special. It was the largest natural freshwater lake in the Hawaiian Islands. Green Lake was about 0.8 hectares (2 acres) wide. It was also very deep, reaching about 61 meters (200 feet) at its deepest point. Along with Lake Waiau, it was one of only two freshwater lakes on Hawaiʻi Island.
The Legend of Pele and Green Lake
According to Hawaiian myths, Green Lake held a special place. It was believed to be the first spot visited by Pele. Pele is a very important goddess in Hawaiian culture. She is known as the goddess of volcanoes and fire.
The lake was a popular place for both locals and visitors. People loved to swim in its cool waters. Many trees, especially Hibiscus tiliaceus (a type of hibiscus), grew around the lake. These trees hung over the water, shading about 20% of the lake's surface.
How Green Lake Disappeared
Green Lake existed for a very long time. However, it was completely destroyed on June 2, 2018. This happened during a large volcanic event.
lava from the Kīlauea volcano began to flow. This was part of the lower Puna eruption. The hot lava flowed directly into the lake. The extreme heat caused the lake's water to boil away. Soon, the lava filled the entire crater where the lake once was. Green Lake vanished completely.
Images for kids
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Ka Wai o Pele
