May 26, 2025 – Hawaiʻi – Kīlauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island erupted late Sunday, sending dramatic lava fountains into the sky and reminding visitors why it’s one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Episode 23 Brings Six Hours of Lava Fountains
According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), the latest eruptive episode began at about 4:15 p.m. HST on May 25 and lasted until 10:25 p.m., marking six hours of sustained fountaining at Halemaʻumaʻu crater within the summit caldera USGS. This is the 23rd such episode since the eruption began on December 23, 2024 USGS.
- North vent: Lava fountains quickly reached over 1,000 feet (300 meters) within 30 minutes of the onset and remained vigorous for most of the episode.
- South vent: Began erupting around 5:20 p.m., with fountains up to 800 feet (250 meters) high.
All lava flows remained confined to the closed Halemaʻumaʻu area inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with no impact on residential zones or public roads CBS News.
Gas, Ash and “Pele’s Hair”
HVO reported sulfur dioxide emissions between 50,000 and 75,000 tons per day, and ash and volcanic glass “Pele’s hair” pose the primary hazards downwind of the summit USGS. Vog (volcanic smog) may drift into nearby communities, so visitors and residents with respiratory issues should monitor local air quality advisories.
Looking Ahead
Summit inflation has resumed and low-level seismic tremor persists, indicating magma is still pressurized beneath the crater. At the current rate of recharge, HVO scientists expect another fountaining episode in the coming weeks USGS.
Visitor Information
Halemaʻumaʻu crater remains closed to the public for safety. Visitors can still view the eruption from designated overlooks along Crater Rim Drive in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. For the latest updates, follow the HVO website and park alerts.
