At approximately 3:15 p.m. HST today, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observed eruptive activity in Kilauea summit webcam images and from field reports.
These reports indicate that an eruption has commenced within Halemaʻumaʻu crater and on the down dropped block to the east in Kilauea’s summit caldera, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The eruption was preceded by a period of strong seismicity and rapid uplift of the summit
HVO is elevating Kilauea’s volcano alert level from WATCH to WARNING and its aviation color code from ORANGE to RED as this eruption and associated hazards are evaluated.
The opening phases of eruptions are dynamic. Webcam imagery shows fissures at the base of Halemaʻumaʻu crater generating lava flows on the surface of the crater floor. The activity is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu and the hazards will be reassessed as the eruption progresses.
HVO will continue to monitor this activity closely and report any significant changes in future notices.
To view HVNP’s webcams, see https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm .
For more information about the meaning of volcano alert levels and aviation color codes, see https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes .