Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Pillow lava flowing underwater off the coast of Hawaii

1905 (approx.)

Detailed Description

The formation of pillow lava in the deep ocean has never been observed, but it probably looks a lot like this. This movie shows pillow lava flowing underwater off the coast of Hawaii, after it was erupted on land and flowed into the ocean. Video footage from the movie "Pele Meets the Sea" courtesy of Richard Pyle at Lava Video Productions.