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The 17th episode of the ongoing eruption at Kīlauea volcano began at 10:15 p.m. HST on April 7, 2025, with lava overflowing from the south vent. The eruption started earlier than expected, as scientists had anticipated it between April 10 and 13. The lava flow was preceded by an increase in glow from the south vent, indicating rising lava levels. By 2:50 a.m. HST on April 8, lava was overflowing, spreading across the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu, with low spatter fountains reaching 15-30 feet high.

Kīlauea Volcano Update (April 3, 2025)

• Current Status:

  • Alert Level: WATCH

  • Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

  • The ongoing eruption at Halemaʻumaʻu crater (Kīlauea's summit) entered Episode 16 on April 2, 2025, with lava fountaining stopping by noon HST.

The eruption at Kīlauea's summit has paused after Episode 13 ended on March 11. Scientists from the USGS observed and collected samples during a monitoring flight. The eruption caused significant changes in Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava flows covering over 60% of the crater floor. The USGS Volcano Alert Level remains at WATCH, and no changes have been detected in the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

March 7, 2025   The summit eruption of Kīlauea is currently paused, with the USGS Volcano Alert Level set to WATCH. A new episode (Episode 13) is expected within the next 5-7 days, likely involving high lava fountaining from vents within Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Since December 23, 2024, Kīlauea has experienced 12 episodes of dual lava fountains. Historical eruptions with similar characteristics include the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption (1983), the Maunaulu eruption (1969), and the Kīlauea Iki eruption (1959).

February 26, 2025

The Kilauea eruption has resumed, with Episode 11 lava fountains reaching heights of up to 600 feet. As of 9:50 p.m. on Tuesday night, February 25th. Lava fountains continue to erupt from both the north and south vents within Halemaʻumaʻu. Scientists from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that fountains from the north vent reached a maximum height of 500 to 600 feet before decreasing around 9 p.m., while south vent fountains increased. The red glow from Episode 11 was visible from as far away as Hilo on Tuesday night