NPS Photo by N. Judd 04/18/08

The new fuming vent in Halema`uma`u crater is best viewed from the Jaggar Museum overlook.

Your next stop on the Crater Rim Drive Tour will be Jaggar Museum (the next left turn after leaving Kilauea Overlook). This is one of the busiest locations in the park. Be careful when parking. Look out for nene, the endangered Hawaiian goose.

The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum is a museum on volcanology with displays of equipment used by scientists in the past to study the volcano, working seismographs, and an exhibit of clothing and gear from scientists who got a bit too close to lava. There is also a gift shop with books, videos, cds, maps, and other special items for sale.

The Museum has large windows which affords a sheltered view of the caldera and main crater, Halema`uma`u, when weather is inclement. The overlook outside the building offers an incredible view of the volcano with interpretive displays about Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes.

The US Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is adjoining the Jaggar Museum. It is not open to the public.