| Green Lake | |
| Other Name: | Ka Wai o Pele |
| Location: | Hawaiʻi, United States |
| Coordinates: | 19.5023°N -154.8393°W |
| Type: | Volcanic crater lake |
| Basin Countries: | United States |
| Area: | 0.5ha |
| Max-Depth: | 61m (200feet) |
| Pushpin Map: | Hawaii#Pacific Ocean |
| Pushpin Map Alt: | Location of Green Lake in Hawaii, US |
Green Lake (Hawaiian: Ka Wai o Pele)[1] was a freshwater crater lake in Puʻu Kapoho crater on the island of Hawaiʻi. With a surface area of and a maximum depth of,[2] it was the largest natural freshwater lake in the Hawaiian Islands,[3] and, along with Lake Waiau, was one of two freshwater lakes on Hawaiʻi Island.
Hawaiian myths state that the lake was the first place visited by Pele, the volcano deity.[4] The lake was a popular swimming spot for locals and tourists.[5] Extensive vegetation, mainly Hibiscus tiliaceus, overhung the lake, shading about twenty percent of the lake's surface.
On June 2, 2018, the lake was destroyed when lava flowing from Kīlauea's lower Puna eruption boiled it away and completely filled the entire basin.[6] [7]