Kīlauea volcano’s Halemaʻumaʻu crater has seen the end of its 16th eruption episode. That episode concluded yesterday, April 2nd, at noon HST, when the dramatic lava fountaining ceased. However, volcanic activity remains dynamic. Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are closely monitoring the summit magma reservoir, which is now showing signs of reinflation. This reinflation is a key indicator that another episode of lava fountaining could begin later next week.

Kīlauea’s current eruptive period, confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater within the Kaluapele summit caldera, initiated on December 23rd, 2024. Since then, there have been 16 distinct episodes of varying lava fountain activity, each separated by periods of pause. All eruptive activity is contained within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and there has been no significant activity observed along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

Residents and visitors should be aware that ongoing hazards include volcanic gas emissions, and the potential for windblown volcanic glass, known as Pele’s Hair, and tephra. These hazards have impacted areas within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and surrounding communities. Stay informed through official channels for the latest updates.

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Information and photo credit to USGS