Buffalo Soldiers at Kīlauea, 1915–1917

Between 1915 and 1917, African American soldiers from the Twenty-fifth Infantry Regiment, known as 'Buffalo Soldiers,' played a pivotal role in the development of Kīlauea Volcano on Hawai‘i Island. Their contributions spanned trail-building, tourism, and security, while also advancing scientific research at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (established 1912). This period saw the establishment of Kilauea Military Camp and Hawaii National Park (later formally opened in 1921), marking a significant milestone in the region's history. The study leverages historical records and newspaper coverage to shed light on the soldiers' experiences, their interactions with Hawai‘i’s multicultural society, and their lasting impact on the landscape and infrastructure of Kīlauea.

Hoverson, M. (2015). Buffalo Soldiers at Kīlauea, 1915–1917. Hawaiian Journal of History, 49(1), 73–90. https://doi.org/10.1353/hjh.2015.0005