News Release

Save the date to talk story about the future use of the Great Crack

The Great Crack in Kīlauea volcano's Southwest Rift Zone, with Mauna Loa in background

NPS PHoto/Janice Wei

News Release Date: February 12, 2020

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

Hawaii National Park, HAWAI‘I  – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park wants to hear from the community about the future use of the Great Crack and will host a community “talk story” meeting at Pāhala Plantation House, 96-3209 Maile St. in Pāhala, on Thursday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m. 

The park acquired the 1,951-acre Great Crack, a geologically rich and rugged area on the remote Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano, in 2018. The area is mostly barren lava rock, with no surface water, few trees, and little shade, but it is a superb example of the geologic dynamism of the area. The Pacific Ocean borders this exposed, windward shoreline.  

The park is working to create a long-term plan for managing the Great Crack area. It was designated as potential wilderness in 1978 while under private ownership. Over the years, various commercial developments were proposed by the previous landowner, including a space launch facility, but none were implemented. 

The public may also submit comments via mail or email to the park superintendent: 

Attention: Superintendent
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park 
P.O. Box 52
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 
Or email [e-mail] 

The mission of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is to protect, conserve, and study the volcanic landscapes and associated natural and cultural resources and processes, and to facilitate safe public access to active volcanism, diverse geographic settings, and wilderness for public education and enjoyment.  

-NPS-