Kaimū[1] was a small town in the Puna District on Island of Hawaiʻi that was completely destroyed by an eruptive flow of lava from the Kūpaʻianahā vent of the Kīlauea volcano in 1990.[2] In Hawaiian, kai mū means "gathering [at the] sea" as to watch surfing.[3] The lava flow that destroyed Kaimū and nearby Kalapana erupted from the southeast rift zone of Kīlauea.
Kaimū was located on Kaimū Bay. The bay was noteworthy for its spectacularly beautiful black sand beach which was surrounded by shady palm trees. Now both the bay and the town are buried under some 50 feet of lava. A large section of State Route 130 (Kaimu-Chain of Craters Road) was also covered by the lava.[2][4][5] The road is on top of the cooled lava now, with some homes built on top of the lava. There is also the New Beach, black sand like the old, where locals and caring visitors are helping to restore what was lost for future generations by bringing sprouted coconuts and planting them.[6]
[edit] Gallery
[edit] Before volcanic destruction
House showing native and western styles in 1888
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[edit] After volcanic destruction
New Beach on on Kaimū Bay, formed by volcanic flows in 1990, as seen in 2009.
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Visitor planting sprouted coconut to help restore beach for future generations, 2009
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View from shoreline of New Beach looking toward Kalapana, 2009. Newly-planted palm trees can be seen in the foreground, while in the background the steam plumes mark the active vent and lava flow.
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[edit] References
Coordinates: 19°21′30″N 154°58′30″W / 19.35833°N 154.975°W / 19.35833; -154.975
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