Floor of Kilauea Caldera

In this scene of lava overflowing from Halema'uma'u Crater onto the floor of Kilauea Caldera, Mauna Loa is seen in the background with snow on its summit. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are both active volcanoes on the island of Hawai'i. Portions of both are within the boundaries of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Hitchcock was inspired by the "Volcano School," a significant art movement that arose due to the frequent eruptions of Kilauea during the 19th century, as well as the popularity of American landscape art.