Hawaii Volcano Eruption Update: Dramatic New Lava Flows Force Evacuations and Flight Disruptions

Hawaii’s restless Kīlauea volcano dazzled locals and visitors again Sunday night, unleashing lava fountains that soared an estimated 1,000 feet into the sky and briefly illuminating the entire summit caldera on the Big Island. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), the six-hour eruptive episode, labeled “Episode 23,” began at 4:22 p.m. HST on May 25 and ended at 10:25 p.m. when both active vents inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater abruptly shut down. Why the latest Kīlauea eruption matters • Lava fountaining exceeded 300 meters, the tallest plumes recorded since the 2023 summit events, drawing crowds to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park overlook points. • No communities were threatened, but elevated vog and ashfall advisories were issued for down-wind districts, including Pāhala and Ocean View. • The eruption underscored Kīlauea’s pattern of short, vigorous outbursts since continuous activity resumed in December 2024. What visitors need to know right now All park entrances remain open. Rangers advise arriving before sunset to secure parking at Jaggar Museum, Kīlauea Overlook, or Devastation Trail. Expect sulfur dioxide levels to spike during eruptive episodes; sensitive groups should carry masks or remain up-wind. Flashlights, closed-toe shoes, and layered clothing are recommended—summit temperatures can fall below 55 °F after dark. Air travel and island logistics Hilo International Airport and Kona International Airport report no flight disruptions. Vog may reduce visibility for inter-island routes at sunrise; check with carriers for updates. Highway 11 is fully operational, but drivers should use caution near the park entrance where lava watchers sometimes slow traffic. Scientific context: What triggered Episode 23? HVO geophysicists link the burst to a rapid influx of magma into the shallow summit storage zone. A 5-microradian tilt increase at Uēkahuna tilt-meter preceded the eruption by roughly four hours, mirroring deformation spikes seen before Episodes 17 and 19 earlier this spring. Once pressure was relieved, the vents clamped shut, causing lava to drain back beneath the crust and bringing seismicity back to background levels. Community impact and safety outlook Although the eruption ended quickly, lingering vog is expected to persist through Tuesday as trade winds slacken. The Hawai‘i Department of Health recommends residents with respiratory illnesses stay indoors and use HEPA air purifiers. Officials remind sightseers never to enter closed areas or approach the crater rim; hidden ground cracks and thin crust can collapse without warning. Potential for future activity Kīlauea’s summit magma reservoir remains pressurized, and HVO notes that another episode could begin with little notice. Scientists are monitoring ground deformation, gas output, and quake swarms to provide at-least-hourly status updates. Travelers planning summer visits should bookmark HVO’s daily Kīlauea activity summaries and sign up for SMS alerts. Economic ripple effects Local tour operators report a 40 % spike in lava-watch bookings since Sunday night. Hotel occupancy in Volcano Village for Memorial Day weekend reached 95 %, the highest since pre-pandemic 2019, according to the Hawai‘i Island Visitors Bureau. Businesses emphasize that responsible tourism keeps dollars circulating in rural districts while supporting conservation efforts. Takeaway For the moment, Kīlauea’s latest show is over, but the volcano’s track record suggests this may be just a preview of a dynamic summer on Hawai‘i’s Big Island. Visitors who practice patience, respect closures, and monitor official alerts can safely witness one of Earth’s most accessible volcanic spectacles—and contribute to the community’s resilient economy in the process.