Kilauea Eruption: All Eyes on Episode 30 – Could Start by July 31

Kīlauea Eruption: All Eyes on Episode 30 – Could Start by July 31

The summit eruption at Kīlauea Volcano remains in a paused state, but scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory say we might not have to wait much longer for the next show. Based on current inflation data, Episode 30 of the ongoing eruption could begin as early as July 31, 2025.

According to the latest update from the USGS, the volcano’s alert level remains at WATCH, with no unusual activity detected in either the East Rift Zone or the Southwest Rift Zone.

Meanwhile, inflation at the summit resumed almost immediately after Episode 29 ended on July 20, signaling that magma is once again building pressure beneath the surface. Low-level seismic tremor and volcanic gas emissions continue in the area.

A Pattern of Weekly Fireworks

This eruption has followed a striking pattern of episodic lava fountaining—something not seen at Kīlauea since the early days of the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption in the 1980s. So far, lava has erupted from two active vents within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, referred to as the north and south vents.

Each fountaining episode has lasted anywhere from a few hours to more than a week, typically ending with a noticeable deflation of the summit region. These pauses are then followed by a rapid return to inflation as the magma chamber recharges.

Since the eruption began on December 23, 2024, these lava events have occurred on an almost weekly cycle—meaning, if the pattern holds, we’re likely just days away from the next spectacular display.

Stay tuned for updates as we approach the anticipated start of Episode 30.