Pauahi, Volcanic crater in Hawaii County, US

Pauahi is a volcanic crater located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park along the Chain of Craters Road. The crater displays steep walls and a significant depression in the landscape, showing the geological structure that volcanic activity has created in this part of Hawaii.

Pauahi erupted three times in the 1970s. On 5 May 1973 a fissure opened briefly on its floor during the Mauna Ulu eruption. From 10 to 11 November 1973, fissures on the east wall fed a small lava lake in the southern half of the floor, and related fissures ran about 1,600 m east toward Puʻu Huluhulu. On 16–17 December 1979, lava from fissures northwest of the crater poured down the north wall and covered most of the floor.

Pauahi lies on the flank of Kīlauea between Hiʻiaka and Puʻu Huluhulu, and the Chain of Craters Road runs along its southwest rim, with a viewpoint at the northwest end. The 1973 fissures opened in the eastern wall at 21:45 on 10 November, feeding a small lava lake on the southern half of the crater floor.

The crater is accessible from a designated parking area near the main road through the park. Wear sturdy shoes because the dark volcanic rock is rough and uneven, making the terrain challenging to walk on.

The November 1973 eruption opened fissures on the crater's east wall at 21:45, feeding a small lava lake on the southern half of the floor. Fissures then opened about 1,600 m east toward Puʻu Huluhulu, and the hardened surface sagged chaotically about 1.5 m while liquid lava kept flowing beneath it.