UPDATE: Eruption of Kilauea has paused, according to HVO

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.

The eruption that began southwest of Kilauea’s summit at approximately 12:30 a.m. this morning has paused.

However, activity in this region remains dynamic and could change quickly, according to HVO.

HVO said visual observations suggest that effusion of lava ceased by approximately 12:30 p.m.

Lava flows were sluggish between 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and had ceased moving by approximately 12:30 p.m. However, areas of incandescence and elevated volcanic gas emissions continue.

At approximately 7:45 a.m. this morning, a sulfur dioxide emission rate of approximately 15,000 tonnes per day was measured. This emission rate had decreased to 12,000 tonnes per day as of noon and has likely decreased further this afternoon.

Earthquake activity decreased greatly in the summit region of Kilauea with the onset of the eruption. All seismicity for the last eight hours is concentrated near Maunaiki at the western extent of the system of cracks that opened during this eruption.

“Ground deformation has been characterized by slow summit deflation since 2 a.m., suggesting that magma may still be moving from summit storage to the southwest into the eruption area,” according to HVO.

UPDATE 10:56 a.m.

The new eruption of Kilauea volcano that began early this morning is in a closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and no safe lava-viewing locations have been established at this time.

According to HVNP, due to the remote and unpredictable nature of the fissure eruption, the following temporary closures are in place: Hilina Pali Road from Chain of Craters Road intersection; Kulanaokuaiki Campground; Pepeiao Cabin; Kaʻu Desert Trail and pullout on Highway 11; Maunaiki Trail.

The fissure eruption is in a remote area about 2.5 miles southwest of Kilauea caldera and is not accessible. Park rangers and scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continue to assess eruption conditions.

“A beautiful red-orange lava glow was visible in the sky before dawn from overlooks along Crater Rim Trail including Uekahuna and Volcano House,” HVNP said today in a statement. “Early risers witnessed the glowing evidence of Pele, the elemental force of Hawaiian volcanoes, return for the first time since September 2023. After daybreak, a wispy distant gas plume became visible from Uekahuna and other summit overlooks.”

The park expects an influx of visitors hoping to see the latest volcanic activity, which can change at anytime. Everyone is urged to stay safe and be respectful of the sacredness of Kilauea by doing the following:

— Volcanic eruptions are hazardous. Stay on marked trails and overlooks, and do not enter closed areas. Avoid cliff edges and earth cracks which are unstable.

— Respect Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners who honor the sacred legacy of this land and give them space to practice their customs.

— Slow down and drive safely. Expect long waits for parking spaces at popular vantage points.

Most popular areas in the park remain open, including Kilauea Visitor Center, overlooks along Crater Rim Trail, Volcano House, Nahuku lava tube, and Chain of Craters Road, but no lava is visible to the public.

Coastal backcountry sites from Halape to the east remain open.

Park visitors are urged to plan ahead and check the park website for closure and hazard alerts at www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

PREVIOUSLY

Kilauea volcano is erupting.

“A new eruption began at approximately 12:30 a.m. HST on Monday, June 3, likely about a mile south of Kilauea caldera and north of the Koa‘e fault system and Hilina Pali Road, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,” the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory announced at 2:20 a.m.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said there are no threats to any communities from lava, and all eruption activity is within the national park.

The volcano alert level has been raised from watch to warning and the aviation color code from orange to red.

“Glow is visible in webcam imagery, indicating that lava is currently erupting from fissures. The most recent eruption in this region was during December 1974, which lasted only about 6 hours. At this time, it is not possible to say how long the eruption will last.”

Civil Defense officials said “some areas may experience elevate gases, take precautions if you are sensitive to volcanic gases.