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Color photograph of volcanic deposit with crack in the ground
May 19, 2026 — Ground crack within reticulite deposits at the summit of Kīlauea
May 19, 2026 — Ground crack within reticulite deposits at the summit of Kīlauea
May 19, 2026 — Ground crack within reticulite deposits at the summit of Kīlauea

The area south of Halema‘uma‘u has many ground cracks, many associated with the 2018 Kīlauea summit collapse and others associated with more recent earthquakes and ground deformation. While tephra from the ongoing summit eruption has covered and obscured many ground cracks, the deposit itself in places has deep cracks.

The area south of Halema‘uma‘u has many ground cracks, many associated with the 2018 Kīlauea summit collapse and others associated with more recent earthquakes and ground deformation. While tephra from the ongoing summit eruption has covered and obscured many ground cracks, the deposit itself in places has deep cracks.

Color photograph of volcanic vents degassing
May 19, 2026 — View of south and north vents at the summit of Kīlauea
May 19, 2026 — View of south and north vents at the summit of Kīlauea
May 19, 2026 — View of south and north vents at the summit of Kīlauea

This telephoto view looking northwest shows the south vent (center), with the north vent (right) just out of view, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. In the leadup to episode 47, the south vent had about 75 overflows, but only the north vent produced lava fountaining during episode 47. Both vents are degassing in the photo.

This telephoto view looking northwest shows the south vent (center), with the north vent (right) just out of view, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. In the leadup to episode 47, the south vent had about 75 overflows, but only the north vent produced lava fountaining during episode 47. Both vents are degassing in the photo.

Color photograph of lava fountain and lava flow in crater
May 14, 2026 — Episode 47 north vent lava fountain and lava flows
May 14, 2026 — Episode 47 north vent lava fountain and lava flows
May 14, 2026 — Episode 47 north vent lava fountain and lava flows

Misty weather partially obscured views of episode 47 at the summit of Kīlauea on May 14, 2026. This photo was taken approximately 2 1/2 hours into the eruptive episode, which began at 3:27 p.m. HST. Only the north vent erupted a lava fountain, which fed channelized lava flows across the crater floor within Kaluapele. USGS photo by L. Forster.


 

Misty weather partially obscured views of episode 47 at the summit of Kīlauea on May 14, 2026. This photo was taken approximately 2 1/2 hours into the eruptive episode, which began at 3:27 p.m. HST. Only the north vent erupted a lava fountain, which fed channelized lava flows across the crater floor within Kaluapele. USGS photo by L. Forster.


 

Color photograph of lava fountain
May 14, 2026 — Whisps of tephra from the episode 47 lava fountain at Kīlauea summit
May 14, 2026 — Whisps of tephra from the episode 47 lava fountain at Kīlauea summit
May 14, 2026 — Whisps of tephra from the episode 47 lava fountain at Kīlauea summit

The lava fountain erupting from the north vent during episode 47 on May 14, 2026, seen here, sent light tephra into public areas of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and surrounding communities to the northeast. Tephra is a general term for any fragmental material ejected during a volcanic eruption. USGS photo by L. Gallant. 

The lava fountain erupting from the north vent during episode 47 on May 14, 2026, seen here, sent light tephra into public areas of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and surrounding communities to the northeast. Tephra is a general term for any fragmental material ejected during a volcanic eruption. USGS photo by L. Gallant. 

Color photograph of lava fountain with smaller spattering nearby
May 14, 2026 — Episode 47 north vent lava fountain and south vent spattering
May 14, 2026 — Episode 47 north vent lava fountain and south vent spattering
May 14, 2026 — Episode 47 north vent lava fountain and south vent spattering

The north vent (right in photo) in Halemaʻumaʻu erupted a lava fountain during episode 47 at the summit of Kīlauea on May 14, 2026. It reached a maximum height of around 650 feet (200 meters). The south vent (left in photo) had intermittent spattering during the first two hours of the episode. USGS photo by L. Forster.

The north vent (right in photo) in Halemaʻumaʻu erupted a lava fountain during episode 47 at the summit of Kīlauea on May 14, 2026. It reached a maximum height of around 650 feet (200 meters). The south vent (left in photo) had intermittent spattering during the first two hours of the episode. USGS photo by L. Forster.

Color photograph of lava fountain and lava flow with crater
May 14, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 47 around the time of peak eruption
May 14, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 47 around the time of peak eruption
May 14, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 47 around the time of peak eruption

The lava fountain erupted by the north vent during episode 47 on May 14, 2026, reached about 650 feet (200 m) in height. It fed lava flows that covered portions of the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the southwest side of Kaluapele, Kīlauea's summit caldera. USGS photo by L. Gallant. 

The lava fountain erupted by the north vent during episode 47 on May 14, 2026, reached about 650 feet (200 m) in height. It fed lava flows that covered portions of the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the southwest side of Kaluapele, Kīlauea's summit caldera. USGS photo by L. Gallant. 

Videos

Color webcam image showing lava fountain and lava flow within crater as sunsets Color webcam image showing lava fountain and lava flow within crater as sunsets
May 14-15, 2026 — KWcam timelapse video of episode 47 of lava fountaining at Kīlauea summit
May 14-15, 2026 — KWcam timelapse video of episode 47 of lava fountaining at Kīlauea summit

This video was taken by the KWcam, located on the north rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, during episode 47 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on May 14-15, 2026. The episode began at 3:27 p.m., with a lava fountains from the north vent feeding lava flows that progressively traverse across the floor of the crater.

This video was taken by the KWcam, located on the north rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, during episode 47 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on May 14-15, 2026. The episode began at 3:27 p.m., with a lava fountains from the north vent feeding lava flows that progressively traverse across the floor of the crater.

Color webcam image showing visitors at a National Park overlook viewing a lava fountain Color webcam image showing visitors at a National Park overlook viewing a lava fountain
May 14-15, 2026 — K2cam timelapse video of visitors viewing lava fountain during episode 47 at Kīlauea summit
May 14-15, 2026 — K2cam timelapse video of visitors viewing lava fountain during episode 47 at Kīlauea summit

This video was taken by the K2cam, located on the north rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, during episode 47 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on May 14-15, 2026. visitors at Uēkahuna overlook in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park view the lava fountain from the north vent.

Color photograph of lava fountain and lava flow within crater Color photograph of lava fountain and lava flow within crater
May 14-15, 2026 — B1cam timelapse video of episode 47 of lava fountaining at Kīlauea summit
May 14-15, 2026 — B1cam timelapse video of episode 47 of lava fountaining at Kīlauea summit

This video was taken by the B1cam, located on the south rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, during episode 47 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on May 14-15, 2026. The episode began at 3:27 p.m., with a lava fountaining feeding lava flows across the floor of the crater. Although lava stopped erupting from the north vent at 12:27 a.m.

This video was taken by the B1cam, located on the south rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, during episode 47 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on May 14-15, 2026. The episode began at 3:27 p.m., with a lava fountaining feeding lava flows across the floor of the crater. Although lava stopped erupting from the north vent at 12:27 a.m.

Color photograph of lava fountain Color photograph of lava fountain
May 5, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 46 timelapse video
May 5, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 46 timelapse video

This timelapse video shows Kīlauea summit eruption lava fountaining episode 46 on May 5, 2026, captured by a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory research camera on the south rim of the caldera. Although both vents erupted precursory lava flows, only the north vent erupted a lava fountain during the 9-hour-long eruptive episode. USGS video.


 

This timelapse video shows Kīlauea summit eruption lava fountaining episode 46 on May 5, 2026, captured by a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory research camera on the south rim of the caldera. Although both vents erupted precursory lava flows, only the north vent erupted a lava fountain during the 9-hour-long eruptive episode. USGS video.


 

Color webcam image showing lava fountaining and lava flows within a volcanic crater Color webcam image showing lava fountaining and lava flows within a volcanic crater
May 5, 2026 — Video of episode 46 lava fountain and tephra fall from KWcam
May 5, 2026 — Video of episode 46 lava fountain and tephra fall from KWcam

This video was taken by the KWcam located on the northwest rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater during episode 46 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on May 5, 2026. The episode began at 8:17 a.m.

Color photograph of lava fountain base and lava channel Color photograph of lava fountain base and lava channel
May 5, 2026 — Video highlights of Kīlauea summit lava fountaining episode 46
May 5, 2026 — Video highlights of Kīlauea summit lava fountaining episode 46

This video shows various views during episode 46 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on May 5, 2026. USGS video by M. Patrick. 

Audio

Color photograph of lava fountain and lava channel
May 5, 2026 — Episode 46 north vent lava fountain and channel
May 5, 2026 — Episode 46 north vent lava fountain and channel
Volcano Minute — Forecasting fountaining episodes at Kīlauea's summit
Volcano Minute — Forecasting fountaining episodes at Kīlauea's summit
CVO Seismologist Wes Thelen pointing out a small earthquake at Mount Adams.
CVO Seismologist Wes Thelen pointing out a small earthquake at Mount Adams.
CVO Seismologist Wes Thelen pointing out a small earthquake at Mount Adams.
Volcano Minute — Magnitude-4.8 deep beneath Pāhala on November 5, 2024
Volcano Minute — Magnitude-4.8 deep beneath Pāhala on November 5, 2024
Kīlauea's Summit Vent Churns and Pops as Rocks Fall Into the Lava L...
Kīlauea's Summit Vent Churns and Pops as Rocks Fall Into Lava Lake
Kīlauea's Summit Vent Churns and Pops as Rocks Fall Into Lava Lake
Lava lake activity from inside Halema`uma`u Crater
Lava lake activity from inside Halema`uma`u Crater
Kīlauea's Summit Vent Churns and Pops as Rocks Fall Into the Lava L...
Kīlauea's Summit Vent Churns and Pops as Rocks Fall Into Lava Lake
Kīlauea's Summit Vent Churns and Pops as Rocks Fall Into Lava Lake
Lava lake activity from inside Halema`uma`u Crater

Sounds of lava lake activity within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent inside Halema`uma`u Crater on the afternoon of February 14, 2011. The continuous "crashing wave" noise is the sound of churning lava as gases are released from the lake surface, which is in nearly constant motion.

Sounds of lava lake activity within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent inside Halema`uma`u Crater on the afternoon of February 14, 2011. The continuous "crashing wave" noise is the sound of churning lava as gases are released from the lake surface, which is in nearly constant motion.

USGS CoreCast
USGS CoreCast Series
USGS CoreCast Series
Dramatic Developments at Kilauea Volcano
Dramatic Developments at Kilauea Volcano
USGS CoreCast
USGS CoreCast Series
USGS CoreCast Series
Dramatic Developments at Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii has experienced its first explosive eruption in more than 80 years and is now spewing noxious gas at 10 times the normal rate. John Eichelberger, head of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, fills us in on the situation.

Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii has experienced its first explosive eruption in more than 80 years and is now spewing noxious gas at 10 times the normal rate. John Eichelberger, head of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, fills us in on the situation.

Webcams

Color webcam image
[V3cam] Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii (south Halemaʻumaʻu crater)
[V3cam] Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii (south Halemaʻumaʻu crater)
[V3cam] Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii (south Halemaʻumaʻu crater)

Last 24 Hours - Live view of Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera), from the south rim of the crater [V3cam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.

Disclaimer

Last 24 Hours - Live view of Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera), from the south rim of the crater [V3cam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.

Disclaimer

Color image of caldera
[V2cam] Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii (east Halemaʻumaʻu crater)
[V2cam] Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii (east Halemaʻumaʻu crater)
[V2cam] Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii (east Halemaʻumaʻu crater)

Live view of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) and Halemaʻumaʻu crater, from the northeast rim of the caldera [V2cam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.

Disclaimer

Live view of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) and Halemaʻumaʻu crater, from the northeast rim of the caldera [V2cam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.

Disclaimer

Color image of volcano
[KOcam] Live Image of upper East Rift Zone from Maunaulu
[KOcam] Live Image of upper East Rift Zone from Maunaulu
[KOcam] Live Image of upper East Rift Zone from Maunaulu

This image is from a temporary research camera positioned near Maunaulu, looking northwest toward the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea.

Disclaimer

Color webcam image
[MITDcam] Kīlauea upper Southwest Rift Zone
[MITDcam] Kīlauea upper Southwest Rift Zone
[MITDcam] Kīlauea upper Southwest Rift Zone

[MITDcam] Live view of Kīlauea's upper Southwest Rift Zone, looking northwest from a seismic station in the Kaʻū Desert.

[MITDcam] Live view of Kīlauea's upper Southwest Rift Zone, looking northwest from a seismic station in the Kaʻū Desert.

Live webcam of Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii
Kīlauea Volcano Live Stream - Halemaʻumaʻu crater
Kīlauea Volcano Live Stream - Halemaʻumaʻu crater
Kīlauea Volcano Live Stream - Halemaʻumaʻu crater

Live view of the eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu, from the northwest rim of the caldera, looking east [V1cam] on the USGS YouTube Channel.

Webcam image view of volcanic vent in summit crater
[V1cam] Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii (west Halemaʻumaʻu crater)
[V1cam] Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii (west Halemaʻumaʻu crater)
[V1cam] Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii (west Halemaʻumaʻu crater)

Live view of Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera), from the northwest rim of the crater [V1cam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.

Disclaimer

Live view of Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera), from the northwest rim of the crater [V1cam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.

Disclaimer

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