Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again: Live Updates on Lava Flows, Evacuation Orders & Travel Impact

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park — May 26, 2025 Kīlauea is once again commanding the world’s attention after the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) confirmed that Episode 23 of the ongoing summit eruption ignited at 4:15 p.m. HST on Sunday, May 25. Within minutes, lava fountains leapt sky-high from multiple vents inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater, painting the night in incandescent orange and sending a fresh wave of “vog” (volcanic smog) across the Big Island. What’s happening right now • Twin vents are producing sustained fountains; the northern vent has already blasted lava more than 1,000 ft (305 m) into the air, while the southern vent is averaging roughly 230 ft (70 m). • Fresh flows are rapidly resurfacing the crater floor, adding several acres of new land overnight, according to HVO’s dawn flyover. • As of 7 a.m. Monday, sulfur-dioxide (SO₂) emissions have surged to an estimated 25,000 tons per day—five times higher than background levels. Seismic and gas monitoring Instrument clusters ringing the summit are recording continuous tremor, a hallmark of open-vent lava movement. Despite vigorous activity in the caldera, no significant earthquakes are occurring along the East or Southwest Rift Zones, suggesting magma is currently contained in the summit plumbing system. Impacts on air quality and daily life Vog concentrations are heaviest in Kaʻū and Puna districts this morning, where residents report hazy skies and a scratchy sulfur scent. The Hawai‘i State Department of Health advises people with asthma or other respiratory conditions to remain indoors, run air purifiers, and keep medications close. Is it safe to visit the Big Island? Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park remains open, and rangers have expanded viewing hours at Kīlauea Overlook and Kūpinaʻi Pali so visitors can watch the lava lake glow after dark. All access beyond designated trails is strictly prohibited; fines for venturing onto closed ground can reach $5,000. Airlines and hotels are operating normally, and major highways are unaffected. How long could Episode 23 last? Past summit episodes in 2024–25 have run anywhere from a few hours to nearly two days. HVO scientists caution that Kīlauea’s behavior is notoriously episodic; eruptions can pause without warning and restart just as quickly. Continuous monitoring of crater tilt and lava-lake height will provide the best clues about when pressure in the magma reservoir is rising or falling. Tips for witnessing the eruption responsibly • Arrive before sunset to secure parking; lots filled to capacity within 30 minutes last night. • Bring an N-95 or KN-95 mask if you’re sensitive to volcanic gases. • Use long-exposure settings for night photography—tripods are essential. • Stay on marked trails; hidden ground cracks can emit lethal concentrations of CO₂ even when lava is not visible. Bottom line With spectacular lava fountains, heightened volcanic gas output, and the dramatic renewal of Kīlauea’s summit lava lake, Episode 23 has all the ingredients of a headline-making event. Whether you’re planning to view the eruption in person or following livestreams from afar, monitor official USGS and National Park Service channels for real-time updates as Hawai‘i’s most active volcano writes its next fiery chapter.