Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park staff is seeking input on how to manage the "Great Crack" area/NPS

Curious geological formations are interesting aspects of a number of National Park System units, whether you're talking about the Grand Tetons or caves. At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, there's the "Great Crack," a fracture in the earth the park acquired in 2018 and now is working on a plan to determine how it's managed. 

On March 19 the park staff will host a community meeting at the Pāhala Plantation House, 96-3209 Maile St. in Pāhala, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss what should go into the plan.

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 area 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 [email protected]