Hawaii Volcano Eruption 2025: Live Updates, Lava Maps & Travel Alerts

LATEST ACTIVITY AT A GLANCE Lava fountains soared over 1,000 ft (300 m) from two vents inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater on 25 May as Episode 23 of Kilauea’s 2024–25 summit eruption lit up Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that the six-hour event ended at 10:25 p.m. HST, but inflation and seismic tremor resumed almost immediately—signaling magma is still close to the surface and another episode could follow within days or weeks. WHY THIS ERUPTION STANDS OUT • Tallest lava fountains since the early Puʻu ʻŌʻō days: jets exceeded 1,000 ft within 30 minutes. • SO₂ gas peaked between 50,000 – 75,000 tons per day, lofting a plume to 14,000 ft and generating widespread volcanic smog (vog). • Half of the crater floor was resurfaced by fresh lava in a matter of hours, creating new incandescent lakes easily visible from park overlooks. TRAVEL IMPACT: IS HAWAIʻI’S BIG ISLAND STILL SAFE TO VISIT? The eruption remains confined to a closed area inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, far from residential zones and resort corridors. Flights to Kona and Hilo airports continue on schedule, and major highways are unaffected. Visitors should, however, take these precautions: 1. Check the park’s real-time webcam feeds before heading to summit overlooks. 2. Bring N95 masks if you have respiratory issues; vog concentrations rise when trade winds weaken. 3. Stay on marked trails—crater rim cracks and hidden ash can collapse without warning. HEALTH WATCH: DEALING WITH VOG AND PELE’S HAIR Persistent sulfur dioxide can irritate eyes and lungs, especially for children, the elderly, and pets. Fine strands of volcanic glass known as Pele’s hair may drift miles downwind and cause skin or eye irritation. Keep car windows closed, use recirculated air, and rinse outdoor gear after hikes. WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT USGS tiltmeters recorded 13 microradians of deflation during the fountaining, followed by steady rebound. Similar inflation rates preceded each of the past 22 episodes by roughly 5–10 days, so volcanologists say the crater could re-awaken with little notice. The alert level remains WATCH and the aviation color code ORANGE, meaning pilots should stay updated on ash-cloud advisories. TIPS FOR VOLCANO WATCHERS • Best viewing times: dawn and dusk, when incandescent lava contrasts with steam plumes. • Where to go: Kūpinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge) and Kīlauea Overlook offer the safest elevated views inside the park. • Photography gear: use a tripod and telephoto lens; long-exposure shots reveal lava rivers even when daylight masks the glow. LOCAL ECONOMY GETS A BOOST Big Island tour operators report a surge in bookings for helicopter flyovers and guided night hikes. Hotels in Volcano Village are nearing capacity for Memorial Day week, mirroring the uptick seen during previous eruptive cycles in 2021 and 2023. SCIENCE CORNER Episodic fountaining like this last occurred in Hawaiʻi during the opening years of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō eruption in the 1980s. Geologists believe rapid pressure build-up in the shallow magma chamber triggers short-lived fissures that drain quickly, followed by magma recharge that starts the cycle anew. STAY INFORMED • USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory daily updates • Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense text alerts • National Park Service closure notices BOTTOM LINE Kilauea’s latest fireworks are a reminder that Hawaii’s most active volcano never truly sleeps. For travelers eager to witness Earth’s raw power, the show is on—but smart, safety-minded planning is essential to make the most of this spectacular natural event.