Jaggar Museum and Overlook
Much of Hawai'i Volcanoes Volcanoes National Park including the Kīlauea Visitor Center is comprised of lush rain forest. A mere two and a half miles from The Kīlauea Visitor Center is Jaggar Museum, the gateway to the Kaū Desert Wilderness.
Some History
In 1908, an earthquake killed 125,000 people near Mt. Etna in Italy. With this disaster, Jaggar declared that "something must be done" to support systematic, ongoing studies of volcanic and seismic activity. He traveled to Hawai'i in 1909 at his own expense and after a lecture on his Martinique expedition in Honolulu, Jaggar was approached by Lorrin A. Thurston, a prominent Honolulu attorney and businessman. Thurston believed that Kīlauea was a prime site for a permanent volcano observatory. The question of money was brought up and within a year, Thurston and other businessmen raised the financial backing for the Hawai'i Volcano Research Association. A small observing station was set up on the rim of Halema'uma'u crater. In 1912, support was forthcoming from M.I.T. alumnus and construction of the new Hawai'i Volcano Observatory (HVO) began. Jaggar remained Director of HVO until 1940. The present site of the museum was built in 1985. The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is named for him.
In 1908, an earthquake killed 125,000 people near Mt. Etna in Italy. With this disaster, Jaggar declared that "something must be done" to support systematic, ongoing studies of volcanic and seismic activity. He traveled to Hawai'i in 1909 at his own expense and after a lecture on his Martinique expedition in Honolulu, Jaggar was approached by Lorrin A. Thurston, a prominent Honolulu attorney and businessman. Thurston believed that Kīlauea was a prime site for a permanent volcano observatory. The question of money was brought up and within a year, Thurston and other businessmen raised the financial backing for the Hawai'i Volcano Research Association. A small observing station was set up on the rim of Halema'uma'u crater. In 1912, support was forthcoming from M.I.T. alumnus and construction of the new Hawai'i Volcano Observatory (HVO) began. Jaggar remained Director of HVO until 1940. The present site of the museum was built in 1985. The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is named for him.
Jaggar Museum Overlook
The overlook outside of the museum offers a breath taking panoramic view of Kīlauea Caldera with several interpretive displays about Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. From this newly renovated overlook, one can view the March 19, 2008, on-going gas eruption of Halema'uma'u crater. On a clear night, viewing of the erupting Halema'uma'u crater can be quite spectacular. Prior to this March 19, 2008 eruption, this erupting vents diameter was approximately 125 feet. At present, this vent diameter has grown to approximately 525 feet.
The overlook outside of the museum offers a breath taking panoramic view of Kīlauea Caldera with several interpretive displays about Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. From this newly renovated overlook, one can view the March 19, 2008, on-going gas eruption of Halema'uma'u crater. On a clear night, viewing of the erupting Halema'uma'u crater can be quite spectacular. Prior to this March 19, 2008 eruption, this erupting vents diameter was approximately 125 feet. At present, this vent diameter has grown to approximately 525 feet.
Geological and Cultural Exhibits
Jaggar Museum is a museum on volcanology. In this museum are several displays of the types of lava, eruption "by-product" displays, real-time monitors, equipment used by scientists in the past to study the volcano and working "state of the art" electronic seismographs.
There are several Hawaiian cultural exhibits that demonstrate the close relationship of Pelehonuamea, the Hawaiian deity of volcanoes.
Jaggar Museum is a museum on volcanology. In this museum are several displays of the types of lava, eruption "by-product" displays, real-time monitors, equipment used by scientists in the past to study the volcano and working "state of the art" electronic seismographs.
There are several Hawaiian cultural exhibits that demonstrate the close relationship of Pelehonuamea, the Hawaiian deity of volcanoes.
Gift Shop
Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association (HPPA) operates a gift shop in the museum with many interesting books on volcanology, geology, culture, plants and birds for all ages. There are DVD's of eruptions of the past and present and many logoed clothing and specialty items.
HPPA is a nonprofit cooperating association working in partnership with six national parks in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. Store proceeds support interpretation, educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association (HPPA) operates a gift shop in the museum with many interesting books on volcanology, geology, culture, plants and birds for all ages. There are DVD's of eruptions of the past and present and many logoed clothing and specialty items.
HPPA is a nonprofit cooperating association working in partnership with six national parks in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. Store proceeds support interpretation, educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.