Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is experiencing renewed activity with fiery lava streams emerging from its summit vents, signaling an imminent eruption expected within the next few days. This event continues a series of episodic eruptions that began in late December 2024, with no immediate threats to populated areas but highlighting ongoing volcanic hazards in the region.
Periodic overflows of molten lava have been observed from the south vent since Friday, November 22, with nighttime flows producing dome-shaped fountains reaching up to 30 feet in height. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that these precursory activities, combined with inflationary tilt and seismic tremor, indicate magma is standing high in the conduits. Models suggest the onset of episode 37—the 37th in the current eruption cycle—is most likely between November 23 and 25, though the forecast window extends to November 26.
The current eruption series started on December 23, 2024, and has been characterized by intermittent lava fountaining from two vents within Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Each episode typically lasts from a few hours to over a week, accompanied by summit deflation during eruptions and rapid inflation during pauses. This pattern has resulted in approximately weekly to bi-weekly eruptions, reinforcing Kilauea’s status as one of the world’s most active volcanoes and providing valuable data for volcanic monitoring.
Key hazards associated with the activity include high emissions of sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases, which can form vog (volcanic smog) downwind, potentially causing respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. Fallout of Pele’s hair—strands of volcanic glass—and other fragments may travel over 10 miles from the vents, posing risks to skin, eyes, and water catchment systems. However, all lava flows are confined to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, with no current danger to infrastructure or homes.
Visitors to the national park can safely view the volcanic activity from designated areas, as the eruption is contained within the closed crater. Park officials and USGS maintain close coordination, providing regular updates via webcams, livestreams, and advisories to ensure public safety. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory emphasizes that while the event is spectacular, it requires caution due to potential gas exposure and falling debris.
The most recent eruption, episode 36 on November 9, lasted about five hours and featured lava fountains up to 1,200 feet high from the south vent and 750 feet from the north vent. It emitted nearly 11 million cubic yards of lava, covering approximately 80% of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor. At its peak, the eruption rate was sufficient to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool every 5.5 seconds, demonstrating the immense scale and power of Kilauea’s activity.
Looking ahead, scientists anticipate that episode 37 will follow a similar pattern, with fountaining likely to begin soon based on ongoing indicators. Continuous monitoring by USGS and collaboration with local agencies ensure timely communication of any changes. The persistence of this eruption series underscores the dynamic nature of Kilauea and the importance of sustained vigilance in managing volcanic risks for both residents and visitors.
