Loloru

Loloru is a shield volcano on Bougainville Island that features two nested calderas at its summit. A crescent-shaped crater lake occupies much of the summit area, with its surface spanning roughly one square kilometer.

The volcano last erupted roughly three thousand years ago, a significant moment in the region's geological history. This distant activity shapes how geologists understand the volcanic character of the Bougainville landscape.

Local South Bougainvillian communities regard the crater lake as sacred ground where the spirits of ancestors are believed to pass. The water holds deep significance in oral traditions and ceremonies passed down through generations.

The summit reaches roughly 1,900 meters in elevation, requiring proper gear and local guidance for safe exploration. Visitors should expect rugged terrain on the slopes and come prepared with adequate fitness levels.

The crater lake contains water with distinctive chemical properties that set it apart from other crater lakes in the region. These characteristics make it a notable subject of study for volcanologists and hydrogeologists interested in volcanic systems.