Kilauea lava fountains returned to Halemaumau crater this morning, marking the 54th episode since the ongoing eruption began on Dec. 23, 2024, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
HVO said fountains from the north vent were rising 50 to 75 feet and could build to about 500 feet within the next one to two hours. The agency noted that weak spattering picked up yesterday, then became steady after midnight. Overflows from the north vent started shortly after 6 a.m., with continuous low-level fountaining beginning around 9 a.m.
Kilauea lava fountains and current alert status
The volcano alert level remains at watch and the aviation color code is orange, HVO reported.
Winds are blowing from the northeast, so volcanic gases and material may drift to areas southwest of the crater. Moderate amounts of tephra, or small glassy fragments, could be generated by the fountaining. Larger pieces are expected to fall near the vents, but fine ash and Pele’s hair may reach Pahala or other communities in Kau, HVO said.
Residents who experienced recent severe weather, including those tracking the 90% chance a tropical cyclone southeast of Hawaii forms, are being reminded that changing wind patterns can quickly shift where volcanic emissions travel.
