The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported on April 17, 2025, that Kīlauea is currently at a WATCH alert level with an ORANGE aviation color code. Recent precursory activity indicates the onset of episode 18, characterized by spattering bursts and lava overflow from the north vent.

• Episode 18 activity: Episode 18 began on April 16, 2025, with spattering bursts occurring every 10-20 seconds and lava overflowing from the north vent, reaching approximately 100 meters before activity ceased. The main fountaining phase is expected to start soon. 1 2
• Current hazards and observations: The eruption has been ongoing since December 23, 2024, with significant glow and strong degassing from both vents. Hazards include volcanic gas emissions and windblown volcanic glass affecting nearby areas. 

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 began on December 23, 2024, and has had 16 episodes of varying lava fountaining intensity.

  • Expected Next Activity: Based on inflation data, a new lava fountaining episode is expected within 7-10 days (April 10-13, 2025). Further updates will refine the prediction window.

  • Eruption activity is confined to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, with no significant activity in Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

• Recent Observations:

  • The cessation of lava fountaining (Episode 16) occurred at 12:03 p.m. HST on April 2.

  • Gas emissions are high but have decreased slightly from the fountaining levels, with sulfur dioxide (SO2) being the primary component. The plume is blowing northward.

  • The volcano has been undergoing summit inflation, indicating magma re-pressurization and suggesting that another fountaining episode may begin in the next week (April 10–13, 2025).

  • Pele's Hair and volcanic glass fragments remain present around the summit area, with wind potentially spreading these hazards.

• Volcanic Hazards:

  • Gas emissions (including SO2 and vog) pose health risks, especially downwind.

  • Pele's Hair—fine volcanic glass—can irritate skin and eyes and be dispersed by wind.

  • Rockfalls, ground cracking, and wall instability around the summit and caldera remain significant hazards, particularly near the closed area of Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

• Rift Zone:

  • Seismic activity and ground deformation are minimal in the East and Southwest Rift Zones.

  • Sulfur dioxide emissions from the rift zone are below detection limits.

• Expected Next Activity:

  • Based on inflation data, a new lava fountaining episode is expected within 7-10 days (April 10-13, 2025). Further updates will refine the prediction window.

• Additional Information:

  • Cameras and sensors have been temporarily offline due to damage sustained during high fountaining events on March 26, 2025.

  • Continued monitoring by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and coordination with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and local Civil Defense.

Episode 15 of the volcanic eruption concluded on March 26, 2025, leaving orange glow from cooling lava visible at night. The condition of the vents after this episode is notably different from previous eruptions. The south vent continues to degas weakly, while the north vent, largely filled with tephra and spatter, has been inactive and shows little glow, suggesting possible blockage. Overall, vent glow is much reduced compared to earlier episodes.

Tiltmeter measurements at Uēkahuna (UWD) and Sand Hill (SDH) recorded deflation during the eruption, followed by inflation during the pause. Seismic tremor decreased sharply after the eruption, though it returned intermittently on March 27 at lower levels.

Gas emissions, especially sulfur dioxide (SO2), remain elevated, but conditions like weak winds are causing lingering vog in the area, complicating measurement efforts. Additionally, volcanic glass (Pele's Hair) and small tephra chunks have been found around the summit and surrounding areas.

3/10/2025  The Kīlauea summit eruption remains paused. Scientists anticipate the next eruptive episode to commence shortly. Given the current rates of reinflation, the next eruptive episode is expected to begin within the next 1-2 days, with Monday being the most likely day. We will keep you updated with the latest information as it becomes available.