Hawaiian volcanoes, lava fields, Pelee – you know the drill.

But these volcanoes are fascinating when you look at them up close, as both scientists and local natives know.

In March 2011, for instance, Pu’u O’o – an active crater on a flank of the huge shield volcano known as Kilauea – collapsed, its floor dropping almost 400 feet.

Not long after that, a rift opened up a little farther east and the ongoing East Rift Eruption began.

There is also molten lava at Kilauea’s summit, and it’s one of the most awesome sights on Earth:

Featured image:
NASA.