Episode 48 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at Kīlauea’s summit ended abruptly at 1:37 p.m. HST on June 1, 2026, following about nine hours of continuous lava fountaining from the north vent, according to scientists. Activity is currently paused.
The ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption now holds the record for the most episodes in an episodic fountaining eruption, surpassing Puʻu ʻŌʻō’s 47 documented fountain episodes. Officials noted that while some eruptions have additional episodes tied to shifting vents or activity, this record applies specifically to episodic fountaining.
Most tephra fell within the closed areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Sparse pieces of reticulite up to 1 inch, or 2 centimeters, were observed at the Uēkahuna overlook and along Highway 11 west of Nāmakanipaio campground.
Fine ash and Pele’s hair were reported from the park and in communities to the northeast, including Mauna Loa Estates, ʻŌhiʻa Estates, Volcano village, and Royal Hawaiian Estates.
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Episode 48 of lava fountaining at Halemaʻumaʻu began at 4:40 a.m. Monday, June 1. More than 90 overflow events from the south vent were recorded beginning at 5:41 p.m. on May 30.
By Monday morning, activity had concentrated at the north vent with fountains exceeding 650 feet. Seismic and deformation data indicated the episode had already reached peak height and effusion rate, though fountaining was expected to continue for many hours before it ceased in the early afternoon.
The eruptive plume rose to about 24,000 feet above sea level, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The National Weather Service reported south winds between 10,000 and 20,000 feet that could carry tephra to the north.
Halemaʻumaʻu eruption ashfall advisory
With the plume and winds aligned, the National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory for communities near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including Mountain View and Pāhoa. Light ash and tephra were expected north of the park.
Residents were urged to take precautions such as closing windows and doors and using masks, gloves, and eye protection. Households with water catchment systems were advised to cover or disconnect them to protect water supplies.
Kīlauea has been erupting intermittently since Dec. 23, 2024, with individual lava fountaining episodes typically lasting a day or less. Information on closures and safety can be found through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
