List of volcanoes in Hawaii facts for kids

The beautiful islands of Hawaii were created by powerful volcanoes. Most of these volcanoes are no longer active, meaning they won't erupt again. However, the Big Island and Maui still have volcanoes that are active and can erupt. These Hawaiian volcanoes are special because they are fed by something called a hotspot deep within the Earth, instead of being at the edge of tectonic plates like many other volcanoes around the world.

How Hawaii's Volcanoes Formed

The Hawaiian Islands are unique because they formed over a "hotspot." Imagine a super hot spot deep inside the Earth, like a giant blowtorch. This hotspot melts rock, creating magma that rises to the surface. When this magma erupts, it builds up layers of lava, forming volcanoes.

What is a Hotspot?

A hotspot is a place where magma from deep within the Earth's mantle rises to the surface. The Earth's outer layer, called the crust, is broken into huge pieces called tectonic plates. These plates are always moving, but the hotspot stays in the same place. As a plate moves over the hotspot, new volcanoes form. This is why the Hawaiian Islands are like a chain, with older, extinct volcanoes further away from the hotspot and newer, active ones closer to it.

Meet Hawaii's Volcanoes

Hawaii is home to many volcanoes, each with its own story. Some are still active, while others have been quiet for a very long time. Scientists classify volcanoes into different types based on how active they are.

Active, Dormant, and Extinct Volcanoes

• Active volcanoes are those that have erupted recently or are expected to erupt soon. They are still building up the land.
• Dormant volcanoes haven't erupted for a long time, but they could erupt again in the future. They are like sleeping giants.
• Extinct volcanoes are those that scientists believe will never erupt again. Their "fire" has gone out.

Famous Hawaiian Volcanoes

Hawaii has some of the world's most famous volcanoes. On the Big Island, you'll find Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, which last erupted in 2018. Nearby is Mauna Loa, another active giant that last erupted in 1984. The tallest mountain in Hawaii, Mauna Kea, is a dormant volcano that last erupted around 2460 BCE. On Maui, Haleakalā is a huge dormant volcano that last erupted around 1600.

List of Hawaiian Volcanoes

Here is a list of some of the volcanoes found in Hawaii, showing their status and when they last erupted: