Although Kīlauea is not erupting, increased earthquake activity and ground deformation at Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone began at approximately 3:30 a.m. this morning, indicating the likely movement of magma in the subsurface.

Accordingly, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) raised the Volcano Alert Level for ground-based hazards from ADVISORY to WATCH and the Aviation Color Code from YELLOW to ORANGE.

Earthquake activity is centered near Pauahi Crater. The situation is rapidly evolving, and, at this time, it is not possible to say with certainty if this activity will lead to an eruption; the activity may remain below ground.  An eruption in Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is one potential outcome. It is not possible to say where such an outbreak may occur, but the area between Hiʻiaka crater and Maunaulu in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, is potentially at risk for a new lava outbreak based on past patterns of eruptive activity in this area. Past eruptions in this region of Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone, between Hiʻiaka crater and Maunaulu, occurred over hours to about a month.  The location of any future outbreak will determine what areas could be in the path of new lava flows.

HVO is in close contact with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park where temporary closures have been implemented as a result of this elevated activity:

HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea. Should volcanic activity change significantly, a new Volcanic Activity Notice will be issued.

USGS Photo