Lava fountains reach 650 feet high in latest episode of Kilauea’s eruption

UPDATE

Episode 18 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption ended abruptly at 1:28 p.m.

PREVIOUSLY

Episode 18 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu crater eruption resumed today with lava overflowing the south vent at 3:20 a.m., followed by the onset of fountaining from both vents at 3:30 a.m.

Lava began overflowing the north vent at 3:47 a.m. Fountains this morning were over 650 feet (200 meters) high at the south vent, and over 160 feet (50 meters) at the north vent. Both fountains are feeding a vigorous flow on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

Lava has covered about over 20% of the floor of crater.

Prior to the onset of high fountaining, intermittent spattering began at the north vent around 1:30 a.m. and increased in frequency until 3:20 a.m. when lava began erupting.

Kilauea’s current eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kaluapele (the summit caldera) began on Dec. 23, 2024. There have now been 18 episodes separated by pauses in activity.

All eruptive activity remains within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. No significant activity has been noted along Kilauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. Current hazards include volcanic gas emissions and windblown volcanic glass (Pele’s hair) and tephra that have impacted the national park and nearby communities.