This area below the Chain of Craters Rd is close to the ocean and is the site of a national park visitors center that was overrun by lava and demolished in 1989. Nearby is a huge heiau dating to the 13th century.
The stone platform was the site of human sacrifices to appease the gods. The platform was surrounded by a stone wall and once contained house sites and the sacrificial heiau. The road beyond the area is closed because of repeated lava flows.
Check with rangers at the Kileaua Visitor Center about hikes to new flows and beaches in the area. Visitors should stick to established trails and obey signs and guidelines since the area is still active.
