Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Videos

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory videos of eruptive activity, field work, and more.

Filter Total Items: 775
Color photograph of crater October 28, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Overflight
October 28, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Overflight
October 28, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Overflight

An overflight, at approximately 10 a.m., on October 28, 2022, provided aerial views of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater. Lava continues to erupt from the west vent area, supplying the lava pond in the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u.

An overflight, at approximately 10 a.m., on October 28, 2022, provided aerial views of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater. Lava continues to erupt from the west vent area, supplying the lava pond in the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u.

Color photograph of scientists in field Kīlauea summit gas team fieldwork – October 22, 2022
Kīlauea summit gas team fieldwork – October 22, 2022
Kīlauea summit gas team fieldwork – October 22, 2022

HVO volcanic gas specialists make sulfur dioxide (SO~2~) emission rate measurements downwind of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit. This video shows the typical fieldwork involved with measuring SO2 emission rates, during which HVO scientists drive traverses beneath the plume in the closed area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

HVO volcanic gas specialists make sulfur dioxide (SO~2~) emission rate measurements downwind of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit. This video shows the typical fieldwork involved with measuring SO2 emission rates, during which HVO scientists drive traverses beneath the plume in the closed area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Color photograph of lava lake with text overlain September 29, 2022 — One year of eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea (AD)
September 29, 2022 — One year of eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea (AD)
September 29, 2022 — One year of eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea (AD)

Kīlauea volcano's summit eruption, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, began one year ago—on September 29, 2021. This three-minute video, produced by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, features footage from the past year and summarizes the eruption.

Kīlauea volcano's summit eruption, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, began one year ago—on September 29, 2021. This three-minute video, produced by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, features footage from the past year and summarizes the eruption.

Color photograph of lava lake with text overlain September 29, 2022 — One year of eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
September 29, 2022 — One year of eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
September 29, 2022 — One year of eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea

Kīlauea volcano's summit eruption, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, began one year ago—on September 29, 2021. This three-minute video, produced by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, features footage from the past year and summarizes the eruption.

Kīlauea volcano's summit eruption, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, began one year ago—on September 29, 2021. This three-minute video, produced by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, features footage from the past year and summarizes the eruption.

Color photograph of crater floor September 27, 2022 — Continued endogenous growth of crater floor at Kīlauea summit
September 27, 2022 — Continued endogenous growth of crater floor at Kīlauea summit
September 27, 2022 — Continued endogenous growth of crater floor at Kīlauea summit

This timelapse sequence shows one image per day since March from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.

This timelapse sequence shows one image per day since March from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.

Color photo of eruption at summit of volcano September 12 overflight video of Kīlauea summit
September 12 overflight video of Kīlauea summit
September 12 overflight video of Kīlauea summit

A routine helicopter overflight of the summit of Kīlauea provided airborne views of the lava within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The active lava lake is limited to the western portion of the crater floor, near the main source of white fume. The remainder of the crater floor consists of solidified lava flows.

A routine helicopter overflight of the summit of Kīlauea provided airborne views of the lava within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The active lava lake is limited to the western portion of the crater floor, near the main source of white fume. The remainder of the crater floor consists of solidified lava flows.

Color photograph of lava lake with title text September 8, 2022 — Evening views of Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea
September 8, 2022 — Evening views of Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea
September 8, 2022 — Evening views of Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea

Evening views of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater on September 8, 2022. Solidified crust founders and sinks at the lava lake margin, and the lava lake sloshes. Lava spatters along the margin of the lake. 

Evening views of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater on September 8, 2022. Solidified crust founders and sinks at the lava lake margin, and the lava lake sloshes. Lava spatters along the margin of the lake. 

Color photograph of lava lake August 18, 2022 — Timelapse of lava lake motion in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
August 18, 2022 — Timelapse of lava lake motion in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
August 18, 2022 — Timelapse of lava lake motion in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea

This time-lapse sequence is shown at 100x speed and shows the motion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava enters the lake at the west end (bottom of image) and flow steadily towards the east end, where the crust is consumed along the lake margins. 

This time-lapse sequence is shown at 100x speed and shows the motion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava enters the lake at the west end (bottom of image) and flow steadily towards the east end, where the crust is consumed along the lake margins. 

Color photograph of crater floor Timelapse showing rise of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor
Timelapse showing rise of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor
Timelapse showing rise of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor

This timelapse sequence shows activity in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, from March to August. The video shows the rise of the crater floor due to lava supplied beneath the surface crust, lifting the crater floor in an "endogenous" process. In addition, lava flows erupt sporadically and resurface portions of the crater floor.

This timelapse sequence shows activity in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, from March to August. The video shows the rise of the crater floor due to lava supplied beneath the surface crust, lifting the crater floor in an "endogenous" process. In addition, lava flows erupt sporadically and resurface portions of the crater floor.

Color photograph of lava lake June 15 — Small collapse into lava lake at Kīlauea summit
June 15 — Small collapse into lava lake at Kīlauea summit
June 15 — Small collapse into lava lake at Kīlauea summit

The lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active. On Wednesday, June 15, a small collapse of a portion of the lake rim created a dusty plume and lake agitation, including waves that traveled across the lake surface. 

The lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active. On Wednesday, June 15, a small collapse of a portion of the lake rim created a dusty plume and lake agitation, including waves that traveled across the lake surface. 

Color video preview image June 13, 2022 — Thermal camera timelapse of Kīlauea summit lava lake growth
June 13, 2022 — Thermal camera timelapse of Kīlauea summit lava lake growth
June 13, 2022 — Thermal camera timelapse of Kīlauea summit lava lake growth

This timelapse sequence shows the evolution of the lava lake and rise of the crater floor in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, since the eruption start in September 2021. Much of the the crater floor rise is driven by lava supplied beneath the surface crust. The camera is located on the west rim of the summit caldera, looking east.

This timelapse sequence shows the evolution of the lava lake and rise of the crater floor in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, since the eruption start in September 2021. Much of the the crater floor rise is driven by lava supplied beneath the surface crust. The camera is located on the west rim of the summit caldera, looking east.

Color photograph of lava lake Rise of the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor
Rise of the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor
Rise of the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor

This timelapse sequence shows one image per day over the past two months from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.

This timelapse sequence shows one image per day over the past two months from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.

Color image of active lava May 26, 2022 — Kīlauea — Lava lake activity continues at the summit
May 26, 2022 — Kīlauea — Lava lake activity continues at the summit
May 26, 2022 — Kīlauea — Lava lake activity continues at the summit

Lava lake activity continues in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. A small stream of lava was pouring into a small pond northwest of the main lava lake, near the west vent.

Lava lake activity continues in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. A small stream of lava was pouring into a small pond northwest of the main lava lake, near the west vent.

Color photograph of lava lake Kīlauea summit overflight video – May 10, 2022
Kīlauea summit overflight video – May 10, 2022
Kīlauea summit overflight video – May 10, 2022

An overflight at approximately 10 a.m. on May 10, 2022, provided aerial views of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater. Lava continues to erupt from the west vent area, supplying an active lava pond in the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u within Kīlauea summit caldera.

An overflight at approximately 10 a.m. on May 10, 2022, provided aerial views of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater. Lava continues to erupt from the west vent area, supplying an active lava pond in the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u within Kīlauea summit caldera.

Color photograph of volcanic eruption Lava lake at Kīlauea summit on April 26, 2022
Lava lake at Kīlauea summit on April 26, 2022
Lava lake at Kīlauea summit on April 26, 2022

This video was recorded by a webcam on the northwest rim of Kīlauea caldera, and shows the active lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u. The lava flows from west to east (right to left in this image) and plunges down a cascade into a smaller pit, where the lava is highly agitated. USGS video by M. Patrick.

This video was recorded by a webcam on the northwest rim of Kīlauea caldera, and shows the active lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u. The lava flows from west to east (right to left in this image) and plunges down a cascade into a smaller pit, where the lava is highly agitated. USGS video by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of lava spattering 29 March 2022– Kīlauea volcano, spattering within Halema‘uma‘u crater
29 March 2022– Kīlauea volcano, spattering within Halema‘uma‘u crater
29 March 2022– Kīlauea volcano, spattering within Halema‘uma‘u crater

This video, captured by a webcam on the northwest rim of Kīlauea caldera of March 29, 2022, shows spattering from a cone that has developed on the crater surface in the eastern part of Halema‘uma‘u. The presence of these features demonstrates that molten material is present beneath the solidified surface of the crater floor. 

This video, captured by a webcam on the northwest rim of Kīlauea caldera of March 29, 2022, shows spattering from a cone that has developed on the crater surface in the eastern part of Halema‘uma‘u. The presence of these features demonstrates that molten material is present beneath the solidified surface of the crater floor. 

Color photograph of lava lake Continued lava lake activity at Kīlauea summit on March 29, 2022
Continued lava lake activity at Kīlauea summit on March 29, 2022
Continued lava lake activity at Kīlauea summit on March 29, 2022

Activity continues in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Today, spattering was present at the margin of the active lava lake, along with lava pouring from a small cone in the northeast portion of the crater floor. The video ends with crustal foundering in an area of ponded lava in the central portion of the crater floor. 

Activity continues in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Today, spattering was present at the margin of the active lava lake, along with lava pouring from a small cone in the northeast portion of the crater floor. The video ends with crustal foundering in an area of ponded lava in the central portion of the crater floor. 

Color photograph of lava March 25, 2022 — Kīlauea summit continued lava lake activity
March 25, 2022 — Kīlauea summit continued lava lake activity
March 25, 2022 — Kīlauea summit continued lava lake activity

The summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, continues with lava lake activity. This video, taken on March 24, 2022, shows lava from the main lake pouring into a smaller lake in the western portion of the crater. 

The summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, continues with lava lake activity. This video, taken on March 24, 2022, shows lava from the main lake pouring into a smaller lake in the western portion of the crater. 

Color map of eruption at summit of volcano March 17, 2022 — Kīlauea summit eruption overflight video
March 17, 2022 — Kīlauea summit eruption overflight video
March 17, 2022 — Kīlauea summit eruption overflight video

A routine helicopter overflight on March 17, 2022, provided airborne views of the summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. At the start of the video, the helicopter flies over the edge of the large collapse depression formed during the 2018 eruption.

A routine helicopter overflight on March 17, 2022, provided airborne views of the summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. At the start of the video, the helicopter flies over the edge of the large collapse depression formed during the 2018 eruption.

Color photograph of lava lake March 2, 2022 — Kīlauea summit overflight
March 2, 2022 — Kīlauea summit overflight
March 2, 2022 — Kīlauea summit overflight

A morning overflight of Kīlauea summit on March 2, 2022, provided aerial views of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u. Lava erupts from the west vent area and pours into the active lava lake area. 

A morning overflight of Kīlauea summit on March 2, 2022, provided aerial views of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u. Lava erupts from the west vent area and pours into the active lava lake area. 

Color photograph of lava flow February 17, 2022 — Typical activity at the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
February 17, 2022 — Typical activity at the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
February 17, 2022 — Typical activity at the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea

This video clip shows typical activity at the west vent, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava upwells in a small pond and then flows into the main lake via a narrow channel.

This video clip shows typical activity at the west vent, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava upwells in a small pond and then flows into the main lake via a narrow channel.