Local time Friday 2:16 PM | ||
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Weather 29°C, Wind NE at 18 km/h, 51% Humidity | ||
Kalapana is a town and region in the Puna District on the Island of Hawaiʻi in the Hawaiian Islands and can be reached either by Hawaii Route 130 from Pāhoa or by Hawaii Route 137.
Map of Kalapana, HI 96778, USA
In 1986, lava flows from the Kupaianaha vent of Kīlauea destroyed and partly buried most of the town, as well as Kalapana Gardens and nearby Royal Gardens subdivisions. The lava flow that destroyed Kalapana erupted from the southeast rift zone of Kīlauea. Along with the destruction of Kalapana were those of the nearby town of Kaimū and Kaimū Bay, both of which now lie buried beneath more than 50 feet of lava. The lava flow also created a new coastline.
Although most access to the town has been cut off, a few people still live there, but mostly need to get in and out by 4-wheel drive vehicles.
In July 2010, lava from Kīlauea continued into the Kalapana region destroying a home that was only 5 years old, leaving 35 homes remaining in the Kalapana Gardens Subdivision. The latest flow partly covered the 1986–1992 flow field again, while attracting thousands of visitors a day.