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Volcano Hawaii Travel Tips from Aloha Juncton

 

 

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.

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. 

The 17th episode of the ongoing eruption at Kīlauea volcano began at 10:15 p.m. HST on April 7, 2025, with lava overflowing from the south vent. The eruption started earlier than expected, as scientists had anticipated it between April 10 and 13. The lava flow was preceded by an increase in glow from the south vent, indicating rising lava levels. By 2:50 a.m. HST on April 8, lava was overflowing, spreading across the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu, with low spatter fountains reaching 15-30 feet high.

The eruption is accompanied by a steady increase in seismic tremor and slight deflation in the UWD tilt. Lava fountains are expected to grow higher, as seen in previous episodes, where fountains reached over 1,000 feet. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions are elevated, potentially reaching 50,000 tonnes per day, similar to previous episodes. Visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and nearby residents may be exposed to volcanic glass fragments (Peleʻs hair) carried in the plume, just as in episode 16.

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.

 

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.

    • 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.

The eruption at Kīlauea's summit has paused after Episode 13 ended on March 11. Scientists from the USGS observed and collected samples during a monitoring flight. The eruption caused significant changes in Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava flows covering over 60% of the crater floor. The USGS Volcano Alert Level remains at WATCH, and no changes have been detected in the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

 

 

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.

March 7, 2025   The summit eruption of Kīlauea is currently paused, with the USGS Volcano Alert Level set to WATCH. A new episode (Episode 13) is expected within the next 5-7 days, likely involving high lava fountaining from vents within Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Since December 23, 2024, Kīlauea has experienced 12 episodes of dual lava fountains. Historical eruptions with similar characteristics include the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption (1983), the Maunaulu eruption (1969), and the Kīlauea Iki eruption (1959).

 Episode 11 of the Kīlauea summit eruption is paused within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. A new episode is expected in 2-4 days.