UPDATE: The ongoing eruption at Kilauea’s Halema‘uma‘u crater has paused, but officials warn that the next fountaining episode could ignite between December 22 and 27, 2025. This remarkable volcanic activity has captivated visitors and scientists alike for nearly a year, showcasing stunning high lava fountains not seen in 40 years.
The eruption commenced on December 23, 2024, bringing with it sustained fountaining that has propelled molten lava upwards of 460 meters (1,500 feet) into the air. According to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), this unique eruptive style has dramatically reshaped the landscape and poses significant hazards to the surrounding areas, particularly within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
During the latest episode on December 6, 2025, fountaining reached explosive heights, causing hot tephra to rain down as far as one mile from the vent, burying monitoring stations under 10 meters (32 feet) of volcanic material. HVO officials emphasize that during these high-fountaining episodes, life-threatening hazards can emerge rapidly, highlighting the need for caution in closed areas.
Park officials note that despite the current pause, the summit is reinflating, and intermittent glow has been detected at the south vent. The potential for another fountaining episode looms large, with forecasts indicating an eruption may begin as early as next week. Visitors are urged to adhere to park guidelines and remain cautious about the dangers posed by volcanic activity.
The eruption has provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the public and scientists to witness the power and beauty of Hawaiian fountain eruptions, enabled by modern monitoring technologies. HVO geologists and engineers continue to monitor the situation closely, documenting changes, measuring tephra deposits, and forecasting future episodes with precision.
As of now, Kilauea’s USGS Volcano Alert level remains at WATCH, with no unusual activity reported in the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone, and neighboring Mauna Loa is currently at NORMAL alert status. No significant earthquakes have been recorded in the Hawaiian Islands over the past week.
Stay updated on the latest from HVO as they provide critical insights into the evolving situation at Kilauea, and be aware of potential impacts from volcanic air pollution (vog) that can affect air quality across nearby islands. For continuous updates, visit the HVO website or contact them directly at [email protected].
This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as officials continue to monitor this extraordinary volcanic event.
