Green Lake, Freshwater crater lake in Kapoho, Hawaii.
Green Lake was a freshwater crater lake in Kapoho that occupied a small basin formed by volcanic activity. Its water sat deep within steep crater walls that rose sharply around the edges.
The lake persisted for roughly four centuries before Kilauea's eruption in June 2018 sent lava into its basin. The incoming lava rapidly heated and evaporated the entire body of water.
The site held deep significance in Hawaiian tradition as Ka Wai o Pele, marking where Pele, the volcano goddess, first arrived in the Hawaiian islands. Local stories and spiritual beliefs centered on this connection between the water and the sacred figure.
The lake sat close to the ocean and was accessible from nearby areas, though visitors needed to be aware of the active volcanic region. The location meant that volcanic conditions could change suddenly.
The crater walls created a visual effect that made the water appear to have no bottom, even though the depth could be measured. This optical illusion gave the lake a mysterious quality that visitors found striking.
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