Kīlauea Summit Erupts in Early-Morning Lava Display

Lead Lava fountaining resumed today at Kīlauea volcano’s summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, beginning Episode 33 at 3:11 a.m. HST and sending molten rock over 500 feet high with a 10,000-foot plume above the crater.

Nut Graf This marks the 33rd eruptive episode within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater since December 2024, underscoring Kīlauea’s ongoing episodicity and the need for continued monitoring as fountaining and gas emissions pose localized hazards to park closures and aviation.

Main Part

Episode 33 at Halemaʻumaʻu

• Episode 33 began at 3:11 a.m. HST with vigorous lava fountains reaching >500 feet (150 m) and a convective plume rising approximately 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above ground level.
• All activity remains confined to the summit caldera within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park; airports in Hawaii County (KOA, ITO) are unaffected.

Precursory Activity and Gas Pistoning

• Since September 16, cyclic gas pistoning and vent overflows built pressure, generating dome fountains up to 20 feet (6 m) and small lava flows across the crater floor.
• Inflationary tilt at Uēkahuna Recorded roughly 23 microradians before a sharp deflation and tremor spike marked the start of fountaining.

Hazards and Precautions

• Volcanic gases and ash remain concentrated downwind; northeasterly winds may carry emissions southwest across the Kaʻū Desert.
• Pele’s hair and spatter can fall within 1-3 miles of the vent, posing skin and eye irritation risks.
• Ground cracking, rockfalls, and caldera-rim instability persist; the crater area remains closed to visitors.

Outlook Past episodes typically last under 24 hours, separated by multi-day pauses. HVO maintains Alert Level WATCH and Aviation Color Code ORANGE, with continuous summit livestreams available for public viewing. Regular updates will be issued if activity escalates.