Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano nears 40th eruptive episode as activity increases
Recent activity suggests that an eruption could begin at any time, following the last eruption, Episode 39, which began on Dec. 23.
Watch: Activity at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano hints at nearing 40th eruption
Video shows continued dome-shaped lava fountains reaching 50 feet at Halemaʻumaʻu, feeding lava flows from both north and south vents. A 40th eruption is approaching and could happen anywhere between Sunday and Wednesday as activity intensifies.
KILAUEA, Hawaii - Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is on the brink of its 40th eruption due to recent activity, as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) projects that sustained lava fountaining could occur anytime between Sunday and Wednesday.
The current eruptive episode began on Dec. 23, 2024, and Kilauea is currently among one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
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Image 1 of 3Fountaining at Kīlauea summit has increased in vigor on December 29. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists on the crater rim the morning of December 29 observed an increase in height throughout their field shift, up to about 40 m (Hawaiian Volcano Observatory/USGS) ( )
![The volnado during Kilauea's 37th eruption on Tuesday, Nov. 25.]()
Image 2 of 3The volcano during Kilauea's 37th eruption on Tuesday, Nov. 25. (Alyssa Lee (@alee_maui_photography) via Storyful)
![A swirling cloud that looked like a dust devil or tornado was spotted within Halema’uma’u crater during the 32nd eruptive episode at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano on Sept. 2, 2025.]()
Image 3 of 3A swirling cloud that looked like a dust devil or tornado was spotted within Halema’uma’u crater during the 32nd eruptive episode at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano on Sept. 2, 2025. (@USGSVolcanoes/X)
WATCH AS LAVA FLOW ERUPTS FROM KILAUEA CRATER IN HAWAII
According to the USGS, the volcano is currently at a Volcano Alert Level of "Watch" and an Aviation Color Code of "Orange."
This designation indicates heightened volcanic unrest with an increased potential for an eruption, or an eruption that poses limited hazards, typically with none or only minor volcanic ash emissions.
On Saturday morning, volcanic tremors intensified, and by night, dome-shaped lava fountains reaching 50 feet continued at Halemaʻumaʻu, feeding lava flows from both north and south vents.
Overnight, intermittent overflows occurred with short pauses. However, lava overflows began Jan. 8, suggesting that eruptive activity may have effectively started then, even though the official declaration has not been made yet.
An update from the USGS on Saturday night reported that, at around 3:15 p.m. HST, lava overflowing from both the north and south vents fed a flow about 250 to 500 feet wide, extending over half a mile into the crater.
At around 4:35 p.m. HST, the south vent drained, leaving the north vent active, while a new lava dome rose within the south vent, with vigorous overflows resuming three minutes later.
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted on Wednesday for the 39th time in a year
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted again, marking the one-year anniversary of a continuous on-off volcano eruption. More than 1,400 feet of lava spewed into the air from the north and south vents of the volcano. According to the National Park Service, Kilauea is the youngest and most active volcano on the island of Hawai’i.
This recent activity suggests that an eruption could begin at any time, following the last eruption, Episode 39, which began on Dec. 23.