Kīlauea continues to put on a show! After 12 straight hours of lava fountaining on August 23, scientists say the volcano isn’t finished yet. Another eruption episode is likely in the coming weeks — most likely in early September or later — as part of the on-again, off-again rhythm we’ve seen since last December.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that signs like small seismic tremors, faint nighttime glow, and underground “gas pistoning” all suggest the volcano is recharging for its next act. In simple terms: the magma system is building pressure, and Kīlauea is getting ready to breathe fire again.

What this means for visitors:

• All of the action is still happening safely inside the summit caldera of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

• You can often catch glowing views on the USGS webcams — and sometimes even from overlooks inside the park.

• Scientists continue to keep the Volcano Alert Level at WATCH, meaning the activity is closely monitored but not currently threatening nearby communities.

If you’re planning a trip to Volcano Village, you’re in for a treat. The timing of these episodic eruptions means there’s always the chance to witness Earth’s raw power in action — and then retreat back to the calm of the rainforest for a good night’s sleep.

?✨ At Aloha Junction B&B, we’re just a mile from the park entrance — leave the bumper to bumper traffic behnd. Here you will be close enough to catch the glow, yet tucked away in peaceful rainforest surroundings. Book a two-night stay and enjoy a complimentary breakfast omelette made your way by Executive Chef Q. The perfect way to start a day of volcano adventures!

? Book your stay at Aloha Junction B&B 

Kīlauea Eruption: All Eyes on Episode 30 – Could Start by July 31

The summit eruption at Kīlauea Volcano remains in a paused state, but scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory say we might not have to wait much longer for the next show. Based on current inflation data, Episode 30 of the ongoing eruption could begin as early as July 31, 2025.

According to the latest update from the USGS, the volcano’s alert level remains at WATCH, with no unusual activity detected in either the East Rift Zone or the Southwest Rift Zone.

Meanwhile, inflation at the summit resumed almost immediately after Episode 29 ended on July 20, signaling that magma is once again building pressure beneath the surface. Low-level seismic tremor and volcanic gas emissions continue in the area.

A Pattern of Weekly Fireworks

This eruption has followed a striking pattern of episodic lava fountaining—something not seen at Kīlauea since the early days of the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption in the 1980s. So far, lava has erupted from two active vents within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, referred to as the north and south vents.

Each fountaining episode has lasted anywhere from a few hours to more than a week, typically ending with a noticeable deflation of the summit region. These pauses are then followed by a rapid return to inflation as the magma chamber recharges.

Since the eruption began on December 23, 2024, these lava events have occurred on an almost weekly cycle—meaning, if the pattern holds, we’re likely just days away from the next spectacular display.

Stay tuned for updates as we approach the anticipated start of Episode 30.

Kīlauea summit viewing area reopens in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Release date: May 28, 2025

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – An observation deck at Kīlauea volcano’s summit that provides panoramic views of the caldera has reopened in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Photos available.

Called Uēkahuna, the highest point on Kīlauea is a wahi pana (legendary place) steeped in centuries of Hawaiian tradition. Here one can look across the caldera, into the ever-changing Halemaʻumaʻu crater, gaze upslope to the summit of Mauna Loa, and watch koaʻe kea (white-tailed tropicbirds) soar above the crater walls.  

The area has been closed since May 2018, following two large earthquakes, a catastrophic eruption and summit collapse that triggered thousands of smaller earthquakes over a four-month period. The park’s historic Jaggar Museum and two buildings used by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory were badly damaged and removed. Deconstruction began in April 2024 and is now complete. 

Although the buildings are gone, the observation deck and historic stone walls, once crumbling and riddled with fractures from the 2018 earthquakes, are repaired. An outline of the former Jaggar Museum footprint includes stones from the original columns to commemorate the historic building. And a new USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field station is being built near the historic ballfield by Kilauea Military Camp, further away from the rim of the caldera.

“We are delighted to welcome everyone back to Uēkahuna,” said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. “We deeply appreciate how understanding the community and park visitors have been during the construction process, and mahalo those who provided feedback on the options.” 

A new path now connects the observation deck to Crater Rim Trail along the rim of the caldera, and the area is replanted with native shrubs, grasses and trees near the observation deck. A historic stone bench was restored, and several new benches that replicate the historic look have been added.  

The restrooms and comfort station at Uēkahuna will reopen once the new water tank is complete and passes inspection, projected for later this summer.

Uēkahuna is deeply revered by generations of Native Hawaiians who were the first to observe and interpret the volcanic processes within Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) and an important site for western science ever since Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar founded the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in 1912.   

Jaggar Museum will not be rebuilt. Instead, the renovated Kīlauea Visitor Center (KVC) will accommodate the lost visitor services provided at Jaggar Museum.  KVC is slated to reopen by summer 2026.  

Visitors are urged to stay behind the stone walls and post-and-cable barriers at Uēkahuna and elsewhere along the caldera rim for their safety. Steep and unstable cliff edges along Kaluapele drop approximately 500 feet to the crater floor.

Currently in eruption, Kilauea is unleashing lava through over a dozen fissures, consuming everything in its path—including entire neighborhoods—and forcing thousands to evacuate. At times, lava fountains have soared higher than the torch of New York’s Statue of Liberty.

Believe it or not, this fiery landscape once hosted a golf course. Just east of the visitor center, the remains of the old club still stand, where golfers once stayed overnight. The 19th hole? The volcano’s massive caldera.

Tune in and watch the smoldering craters and glowing lava flows, right from your screen. This is nature in its most untamed form—mesmerizing, powerful, and unforgettable.

Don’t miss your front-row seat to this fiery spectacle—available anytime, anywhere.

And this is just the beginning. Explore even more volcanic wonders with our live webcams from famous volcanoes around the world.

Exploring the Wonders Around Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

A visit to Kilauea isn’t just about the volcano—it’s a journey through ancient landscapes, rich Hawaiian culture, and natural marvels. Here are a few must-see stops to complete your adventure:

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Home to both Kilauea and Mauna Loa, this park offers an extraordinary look into the geological forces that shaped the islands. Hike along lava trails, explore rainforests, and drive the scenic Crater Rim Drive for panoramic views of volcanic landscapes.

Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku)

Step into the earth’s past as you walk through this fascinating underground tunnel, formed centuries ago by flowing lava. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it's a surreal and otherworldly experience.

Jaggar Museum Observation Deck

While the museum itself remains closed due to volcanic activity, the observation deck near Halemaʻumaʻu Crater still provides one of the best vantage points for viewing volcanic activity and learning about the island’s volcanic heritage.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Just a short drive from Kilauea, this iconic beach features jet-black volcanic sand and often hosts endangered Hawaiian sea turtles basking in the sun—a peaceful counterpoint to the island’s fiery heart.

 Chain of Craters Road

Take this scenic drive through dramatic lava fields and along steep cliffs where the island meets the sea. Witness the ever-evolving landscape where lava meets ocean, forging new land in real-time.

Kilauea Visitor Center

Your gateway to the volcano. Get the latest updates on volcanic activity, safety guidelines, and learn about local conservation efforts. Participate in ranger-led talks and explore interactive exhibits that deepen your appreciation of this unique environment.