The former Hawaiian Volcano Observatory building, perched on Kīlauea caldera rim, has spectacular views of the summit eruption. The tower was built with a vision of overlooking eruptions such as this one. This building was damaged during the 2018 summit collapse and is slated for deconstruction later this year. USGS photo by C. Gansecki.
YouTube Live: Kīlauea
See real-time video of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea Summit Eruption Sampling
The sample will provide information on magma storage and transport before it was erupted onto the surface as lava.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kīlauea's Summit Eruption
How long did the eruption last? How deep is the crater? And more...
Kīlauea was erupting at the summit most recently from September 10-16, 2023. Several roughly east-west oriented vents on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera generated lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
- Sunday, September 17, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on September 10th stopped yesterday, September 16th, and is unlikely to restart.
- Yesterday morning, HVO field crews reported that active lava was no longer flowing onto Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor and was restricted to a ponded area north of the vents on the downdropped block. They observed lava spattering at the vents cease at approximately 11:15 am September 16.
- Overnight webcam views showed some incandescence across the eruption area as lava erupted over the past week continues to cool.
- Field observations are supported by geophysical data, which show that eruptive tremor (a signal associated with fluid movement) in the summit region decreased over September 15 and 16 and returned to pre-eruption levels by 5 p.m. HST on September 16.
- Saturday, September 16, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Field crews observed eruptive activity greatly decrease or cease.
- Webcam imagery shows little or no fountaining since 7 a.m., however, intermittent spattering was seen from the westernmost large cone throughout the night.
- Webcam imagery over the past day shows that the area of active lava has retreated even further towards the vents though numerous oozeouts of lava were visible over other parts of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor overnight.
- The laser rangefinder recorded little change over the past 24 hours.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate was not measured since September 13.
- Friday, September 15, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Several vents continue to erupt. Effusion rates continue to decrease, but remain significant.
- Vigorous spattering is restricted to the westernmost large spatter cone with fountains 10-15 meters (32-50 feet).
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions from the vents and onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor.
- The laser rangefinder recorded about 10 meters (33 feet) of uplift to the western part of Halema‘uma‘u since the eruption started.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate was not measured since September 13.
- Thursday, September 14, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Vents continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera and are generating lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights reach up to about 10 meters (32 feet).
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor; however, the area of active lava has retreated even further towards the vents compared to days prior.
- The laser rangefinder has recorded nearly 9 meters (30 feet) of endogenous uplift of the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema‘uma‘u.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 20,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday afternoon, September 13.
- Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: East-west trending vents, spanning approximately 0.5 miles (750 m), continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10 meters (32 feet) high.
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor; however, the area of active lava has retreated towards the vents compared to yesterday. The area north of the eruptive vents has become perched and is about 3 meters (15 feet) higher than the surrounding ground surface.
- The laser rangefinder, aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u, not near the new eruptive activity, recorded nearly 6 m (20 feet) of uplift to this locality since the eruption started. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema‘uma‘u.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 30,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday morning, September 12.
- Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 9:30 AM HST - Several roughly east-west trending lava fountains remain active on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera. The easternmost vents on the downdropped block and the westernmost vents in Halema‘uma‘u became inactive yesterday, and the remaining active vents on the downdropped block span approximately 0.5 miles (750 m). Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) high.
- The vents are feeding channelized lava flows traveling in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor. The eastern rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater has been buried by new lava flows, and pāhoehoe lava flows cover most of the crater floor except high ground formed during previous eruptive activity in the southwest portions of the crater.
- The laser rangefinder is aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater, not near the new eruptive activity, and recorded nearly 5 m (16 feet) of uplift to this locality since the eruption started. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema'uma'u. Volcanic gas emissions in the eruption area are elevated;
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 49,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday afternoon, September 11.
- Monday, September 11, 2023, 8:55 AM HST - Multiple minor fountains remain active in a line of vents stretching approximately 0.8 miles (1.4 km), from the eastern part of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor extending into the east wall of the downdropped block. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rate, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) high.
- Lava erupted from fissures on the downdropped block is flowing in a westward direction towards Halema‘uma‘u crater, covering much of the surface with active lava.
- The laser rangefinder is aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater, not near the new eruptive activity, and recorded about 2.5 m (8 feet) of rise to that part of the crater floor.
- Preliminary sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates of up to 100,000 tonnes per day or more were measured between 4 and 5 p.m. yesterday.
- Sunday, September 10, 2023, 3:18 PM HST - Kīlauea summit begins erupting at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST. Vents erupt on the down dropped block to the east of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, and in the crater, within Kīlauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption was preceded by a period of strong seismicity and rapid uplift of the summit.
Photo and Video Chronology
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Photo and Video Chronology – Views of Kīlauea summit eruption – September 15, 2023
Several vents continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera and are generating lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor.
Photo and Video Chronology – Analyzing Kīlauea summit eruption samples – September 14, 2023
Kīlauea's summit eruption continues. HVO staff are work on analyzing lava samples, with analytical help from partners at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH-Hilo) Geology Department.
Photo and Video Chronology – Kīlauea summit eruption continues – September 13, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on September 10th, continues. Eruptive activity is confined to the downdropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kīlauea's summit caldera. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Photo and Video Chronology – New eruption at Kīlauea summit continues – September 11, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began yesterday at 3:15 p.m., September 10th, continues this morning. Eruptive activity is confined to the downdropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kīlauea's summit caldera. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Photo and Video Chronology – New eruption at Kīlauea summit – September 10, 2023
Kīlauea volcano is erupting. At approximately 3:15 p.m. HST on September 10, 2023, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observed eruptive activity in Kīlauea summit webcam images and from field reports indicating that an eruption has commenced within Halemaʻumaʻu crater and on the down dropped block to the east in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Kīlauea's Summit Eruption | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
-
Subscribe to the USGS Volcano Notification Service to receive eruption updates
-
General Hawai‘i County Civil Defense information or subscribe to CD alerts and updates
-
Volcano viewing information from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This eruption is taking place within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Please visit the Park website to learn more about their operations.
B1cam captures the onset of Kīlauea summit eruption - September 10, 2023
The B1cam, located on the east margin of the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera, captured the start of another eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano that began at 3:13 p.m. on September 10, 2023. This video shows a lava fountain bursting from a degassing area in the eastern portion of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with the downdropped block in the foreground.
The former Hawaiian Volcano Observatory building, perched on Kīlauea caldera rim, has spectacular views of the summit eruption. The tower was built with a vision of overlooking eruptions such as this one. This building was damaged during the 2018 summit collapse and is slated for deconstruction later this year. USGS photo by C. Gansecki.
The former Hawaiian Volcano Observatory building, perched on Kīlauea caldera rim, has spectacular views of the summit eruption. The tower was built with a vision of overlooking eruptions such as this one. This building was damaged during the 2018 summit collapse and is slated for deconstruction later this year. USGS photo by C. Gansecki.
The former Hawaiian Volcano Observatory building, perched on Kīlauea caldera rim, has spectacular views of the summit eruption. The tower was built with a vision of overlooking eruptions such as this one. This building was damaged during the 2018 summit collapse and is slated for deconstruction later this year. USGS photo by C. Gansecki.
A helicopter overflight on September 12, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
A helicopter overflight on September 12, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
On September 12, 2023, HVO geologists landed on the downdropped block to collect samples of tephra from the now-inactive easternmost fissures of the new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea. These samples will be analyzed to better understand how and why the new eruption occurred. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
On September 12, 2023, HVO geologists landed on the downdropped block to collect samples of tephra from the now-inactive easternmost fissures of the new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea. These samples will be analyzed to better understand how and why the new eruption occurred. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
An aerial view of the eruption at the summit of Kīlauea at approximately 12:20 p.m. H.S.T. on September 12, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active on the downdropped block (right) within Kīlauea's summit caldera. USGS photo by N. Deligne.
An aerial view of the eruption at the summit of Kīlauea at approximately 12:20 p.m. H.S.T. on September 12, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active on the downdropped block (right) within Kīlauea's summit caldera. USGS photo by N. Deligne.
An HVO geologist makes observations of the vents erupting on the floor of the downdropped block in Kīlauea summit caldera on September 12, 2023. Field crews measure the height of the cones around the vents, the height of the lava fountains, and the height of the lava flow field as it becomes perched above the surrounding pre-eruptive landscape. USGS photo by N.
An HVO geologist makes observations of the vents erupting on the floor of the downdropped block in Kīlauea summit caldera on September 12, 2023. Field crews measure the height of the cones around the vents, the height of the lava fountains, and the height of the lava flow field as it becomes perched above the surrounding pre-eruptive landscape. USGS photo by N.
This view of the eruption site within Kīlauea caldera was captured in the afternoon of Tuesday, September 12 from the southeast rim of Kaluapele. Multiple vents are spattering and effusing lava as the Kīlauea summit eruption nears the end of its second full day. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.
This view of the eruption site within Kīlauea caldera was captured in the afternoon of Tuesday, September 12 from the southeast rim of Kaluapele. Multiple vents are spattering and effusing lava as the Kīlauea summit eruption nears the end of its second full day. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.
During the afternoon of September 12, 2023, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted an overflight of the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. The eruption is occurring on the downdropped block east of Halema‘uma‘u, which formed during the 2018 summit collapse.
During the afternoon of September 12, 2023, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted an overflight of the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. The eruption is occurring on the downdropped block east of Halema‘uma‘u, which formed during the 2018 summit collapse.
An aerial view of the eruption at the summit of Kīlauea at approximately 12:30 p.m. H.S.T. on September 12, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
An aerial view of the eruption at the summit of Kīlauea at approximately 12:30 p.m. H.S.T. on September 12, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists collected samples that erupted on September 10th, 2023, during the ongoing eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. The samples were collected from within strategically placed buckets along the rim of the crater. The samples will be analyzed later for information about the lava erupted during the eruption.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists collected samples that erupted on September 10th, 2023, during the ongoing eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. The samples were collected from within strategically placed buckets along the rim of the crater. The samples will be analyzed later for information about the lava erupted during the eruption.
A dried sample of the recent Kīlauea summit eruption is ready for processing at the University of Hawai‘i. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
A dried sample of the recent Kīlauea summit eruption is ready for processing at the University of Hawai‘i. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
A photo showing what completed pellet look like, with a sharpie pen for scale. The rough and uneven lava sample has been transformed into a pellet that is dense, fine-grained, and has a flat surface that can be analyzed. USGS photo by S. Lundblad.
A photo showing what completed pellet look like, with a sharpie pen for scale. The rough and uneven lava sample has been transformed into a pellet that is dense, fine-grained, and has a flat surface that can be analyzed. USGS photo by S. Lundblad.
A sample of the recent Kīlauea summit eruption that was collected and quenched (cooled) with water is dried later that day in a warm oven at the University of Hawai‘i. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
A sample of the recent Kīlauea summit eruption that was collected and quenched (cooled) with water is dried later that day in a warm oven at the University of Hawai‘i. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
After preparing the lava samples, the pressed pellets are loaded into the energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) instrument for analysis (box on the left in the image). The computer screen shows the spectral spikes for certain elements measured in the sample during the analysis.
After preparing the lava samples, the pressed pellets are loaded into the energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) instrument for analysis (box on the left in the image). The computer screen shows the spectral spikes for certain elements measured in the sample during the analysis.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo geology major Paige Johnson compresses a lava sample, collected by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists during the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, into a solid pellet that can be analyzed. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo geology major Paige Johnson compresses a lava sample, collected by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists during the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, into a solid pellet that can be analyzed. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
A UH-Hilo undergraduate research assistant Paige Johnson places a sample of the Kīlauea summit eruption into the shatterbox, which will turn the sample into a homogenous powder. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
A UH-Hilo undergraduate research assistant Paige Johnson places a sample of the Kīlauea summit eruption into the shatterbox, which will turn the sample into a homogenous powder. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists monitor the ongoing activity within Kīlauea summit caldera. They measure lava fountain and lake surface heights and document the location of still active vents. USGS photo by A. Nalesnik.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists monitor the ongoing activity within Kīlauea summit caldera. They measure lava fountain and lake surface heights and document the location of still active vents. USGS photo by A. Nalesnik.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
Kīlauea was erupting at the summit most recently from September 10-16, 2023. Several roughly east-west oriented vents on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera generated lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
- Sunday, September 17, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on September 10th stopped yesterday, September 16th, and is unlikely to restart.
- Yesterday morning, HVO field crews reported that active lava was no longer flowing onto Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor and was restricted to a ponded area north of the vents on the downdropped block. They observed lava spattering at the vents cease at approximately 11:15 am September 16.
- Overnight webcam views showed some incandescence across the eruption area as lava erupted over the past week continues to cool.
- Field observations are supported by geophysical data, which show that eruptive tremor (a signal associated with fluid movement) in the summit region decreased over September 15 and 16 and returned to pre-eruption levels by 5 p.m. HST on September 16.
- Saturday, September 16, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Field crews observed eruptive activity greatly decrease or cease.
- Webcam imagery shows little or no fountaining since 7 a.m., however, intermittent spattering was seen from the westernmost large cone throughout the night.
- Webcam imagery over the past day shows that the area of active lava has retreated even further towards the vents though numerous oozeouts of lava were visible over other parts of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor overnight.
- The laser rangefinder recorded little change over the past 24 hours.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate was not measured since September 13.
- Friday, September 15, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Several vents continue to erupt. Effusion rates continue to decrease, but remain significant.
- Vigorous spattering is restricted to the westernmost large spatter cone with fountains 10-15 meters (32-50 feet).
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions from the vents and onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor.
- The laser rangefinder recorded about 10 meters (33 feet) of uplift to the western part of Halema‘uma‘u since the eruption started.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate was not measured since September 13.
- Thursday, September 14, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Vents continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera and are generating lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights reach up to about 10 meters (32 feet).
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor; however, the area of active lava has retreated even further towards the vents compared to days prior.
- The laser rangefinder has recorded nearly 9 meters (30 feet) of endogenous uplift of the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema‘uma‘u.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 20,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday afternoon, September 13.
- Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: East-west trending vents, spanning approximately 0.5 miles (750 m), continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10 meters (32 feet) high.
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor; however, the area of active lava has retreated towards the vents compared to yesterday. The area north of the eruptive vents has become perched and is about 3 meters (15 feet) higher than the surrounding ground surface.
- The laser rangefinder, aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u, not near the new eruptive activity, recorded nearly 6 m (20 feet) of uplift to this locality since the eruption started. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema‘uma‘u.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 30,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday morning, September 12.
- Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 9:30 AM HST - Several roughly east-west trending lava fountains remain active on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera. The easternmost vents on the downdropped block and the westernmost vents in Halema‘uma‘u became inactive yesterday, and the remaining active vents on the downdropped block span approximately 0.5 miles (750 m). Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) high.
- The vents are feeding channelized lava flows traveling in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor. The eastern rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater has been buried by new lava flows, and pāhoehoe lava flows cover most of the crater floor except high ground formed during previous eruptive activity in the southwest portions of the crater.
- The laser rangefinder is aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater, not near the new eruptive activity, and recorded nearly 5 m (16 feet) of uplift to this locality since the eruption started. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema'uma'u. Volcanic gas emissions in the eruption area are elevated;
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 49,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday afternoon, September 11.
- Monday, September 11, 2023, 8:55 AM HST - Multiple minor fountains remain active in a line of vents stretching approximately 0.8 miles (1.4 km), from the eastern part of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor extending into the east wall of the downdropped block. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rate, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) high.
- Lava erupted from fissures on the downdropped block is flowing in a westward direction towards Halema‘uma‘u crater, covering much of the surface with active lava.
- The laser rangefinder is aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater, not near the new eruptive activity, and recorded about 2.5 m (8 feet) of rise to that part of the crater floor.
- Preliminary sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates of up to 100,000 tonnes per day or more were measured between 4 and 5 p.m. yesterday.
- Sunday, September 10, 2023, 3:18 PM HST - Kīlauea summit begins erupting at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST. Vents erupt on the down dropped block to the east of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, and in the crater, within Kīlauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption was preceded by a period of strong seismicity and rapid uplift of the summit.
Photo and Video Chronology
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Photo and Video Chronology – Views of Kīlauea summit eruption – September 15, 2023
Several vents continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera and are generating lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor.
Photo and Video Chronology – Analyzing Kīlauea summit eruption samples – September 14, 2023
Kīlauea's summit eruption continues. HVO staff are work on analyzing lava samples, with analytical help from partners at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH-Hilo) Geology Department.
Photo and Video Chronology – Kīlauea summit eruption continues – September 13, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on September 10th, continues. Eruptive activity is confined to the downdropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kīlauea's summit caldera. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Photo and Video Chronology – New eruption at Kīlauea summit continues – September 11, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began yesterday at 3:15 p.m., September 10th, continues this morning. Eruptive activity is confined to the downdropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kīlauea's summit caldera. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Photo and Video Chronology – New eruption at Kīlauea summit – September 10, 2023
Kīlauea volcano is erupting. At approximately 3:15 p.m. HST on September 10, 2023, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observed eruptive activity in Kīlauea summit webcam images and from field reports indicating that an eruption has commenced within Halemaʻumaʻu crater and on the down dropped block to the east in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Kīlauea's Summit Eruption | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
-
Subscribe to the USGS Volcano Notification Service to receive eruption updates
-
General Hawai‘i County Civil Defense information or subscribe to CD alerts and updates
-
Volcano viewing information from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This eruption is taking place within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Please visit the Park website to learn more about their operations.
B1cam captures the onset of Kīlauea summit eruption - September 10, 2023
The B1cam, located on the east margin of the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera, captured the start of another eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano that began at 3:13 p.m. on September 10, 2023. This video shows a lava fountain bursting from a degassing area in the eastern portion of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with the downdropped block in the foreground.
The former Hawaiian Volcano Observatory building, perched on Kīlauea caldera rim, has spectacular views of the summit eruption. The tower was built with a vision of overlooking eruptions such as this one. This building was damaged during the 2018 summit collapse and is slated for deconstruction later this year. USGS photo by C. Gansecki.
The former Hawaiian Volcano Observatory building, perched on Kīlauea caldera rim, has spectacular views of the summit eruption. The tower was built with a vision of overlooking eruptions such as this one. This building was damaged during the 2018 summit collapse and is slated for deconstruction later this year. USGS photo by C. Gansecki.
The former Hawaiian Volcano Observatory building, perched on Kīlauea caldera rim, has spectacular views of the summit eruption. The tower was built with a vision of overlooking eruptions such as this one. This building was damaged during the 2018 summit collapse and is slated for deconstruction later this year. USGS photo by C. Gansecki.
The former Hawaiian Volcano Observatory building, perched on Kīlauea caldera rim, has spectacular views of the summit eruption. The tower was built with a vision of overlooking eruptions such as this one. This building was damaged during the 2018 summit collapse and is slated for deconstruction later this year. USGS photo by C. Gansecki.
A helicopter overflight on September 12, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
A helicopter overflight on September 12, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
On September 12, 2023, HVO geologists landed on the downdropped block to collect samples of tephra from the now-inactive easternmost fissures of the new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea. These samples will be analyzed to better understand how and why the new eruption occurred. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
On September 12, 2023, HVO geologists landed on the downdropped block to collect samples of tephra from the now-inactive easternmost fissures of the new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea. These samples will be analyzed to better understand how and why the new eruption occurred. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
An aerial view of the eruption at the summit of Kīlauea at approximately 12:20 p.m. H.S.T. on September 12, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active on the downdropped block (right) within Kīlauea's summit caldera. USGS photo by N. Deligne.
An aerial view of the eruption at the summit of Kīlauea at approximately 12:20 p.m. H.S.T. on September 12, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active on the downdropped block (right) within Kīlauea's summit caldera. USGS photo by N. Deligne.
An HVO geologist makes observations of the vents erupting on the floor of the downdropped block in Kīlauea summit caldera on September 12, 2023. Field crews measure the height of the cones around the vents, the height of the lava fountains, and the height of the lava flow field as it becomes perched above the surrounding pre-eruptive landscape. USGS photo by N.
An HVO geologist makes observations of the vents erupting on the floor of the downdropped block in Kīlauea summit caldera on September 12, 2023. Field crews measure the height of the cones around the vents, the height of the lava fountains, and the height of the lava flow field as it becomes perched above the surrounding pre-eruptive landscape. USGS photo by N.
This view of the eruption site within Kīlauea caldera was captured in the afternoon of Tuesday, September 12 from the southeast rim of Kaluapele. Multiple vents are spattering and effusing lava as the Kīlauea summit eruption nears the end of its second full day. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.
This view of the eruption site within Kīlauea caldera was captured in the afternoon of Tuesday, September 12 from the southeast rim of Kaluapele. Multiple vents are spattering and effusing lava as the Kīlauea summit eruption nears the end of its second full day. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.
During the afternoon of September 12, 2023, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted an overflight of the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. The eruption is occurring on the downdropped block east of Halema‘uma‘u, which formed during the 2018 summit collapse.
During the afternoon of September 12, 2023, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted an overflight of the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. The eruption is occurring on the downdropped block east of Halema‘uma‘u, which formed during the 2018 summit collapse.
An aerial view of the eruption at the summit of Kīlauea at approximately 12:30 p.m. H.S.T. on September 12, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
An aerial view of the eruption at the summit of Kīlauea at approximately 12:30 p.m. H.S.T. on September 12, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists collected samples that erupted on September 10th, 2023, during the ongoing eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. The samples were collected from within strategically placed buckets along the rim of the crater. The samples will be analyzed later for information about the lava erupted during the eruption.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists collected samples that erupted on September 10th, 2023, during the ongoing eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. The samples were collected from within strategically placed buckets along the rim of the crater. The samples will be analyzed later for information about the lava erupted during the eruption.
A dried sample of the recent Kīlauea summit eruption is ready for processing at the University of Hawai‘i. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
A dried sample of the recent Kīlauea summit eruption is ready for processing at the University of Hawai‘i. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
A photo showing what completed pellet look like, with a sharpie pen for scale. The rough and uneven lava sample has been transformed into a pellet that is dense, fine-grained, and has a flat surface that can be analyzed. USGS photo by S. Lundblad.
A photo showing what completed pellet look like, with a sharpie pen for scale. The rough and uneven lava sample has been transformed into a pellet that is dense, fine-grained, and has a flat surface that can be analyzed. USGS photo by S. Lundblad.
A sample of the recent Kīlauea summit eruption that was collected and quenched (cooled) with water is dried later that day in a warm oven at the University of Hawai‘i. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
A sample of the recent Kīlauea summit eruption that was collected and quenched (cooled) with water is dried later that day in a warm oven at the University of Hawai‘i. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
After preparing the lava samples, the pressed pellets are loaded into the energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) instrument for analysis (box on the left in the image). The computer screen shows the spectral spikes for certain elements measured in the sample during the analysis.
After preparing the lava samples, the pressed pellets are loaded into the energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) instrument for analysis (box on the left in the image). The computer screen shows the spectral spikes for certain elements measured in the sample during the analysis.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo geology major Paige Johnson compresses a lava sample, collected by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists during the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, into a solid pellet that can be analyzed. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo geology major Paige Johnson compresses a lava sample, collected by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists during the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, into a solid pellet that can be analyzed. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
A UH-Hilo undergraduate research assistant Paige Johnson places a sample of the Kīlauea summit eruption into the shatterbox, which will turn the sample into a homogenous powder. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
A UH-Hilo undergraduate research assistant Paige Johnson places a sample of the Kīlauea summit eruption into the shatterbox, which will turn the sample into a homogenous powder. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists monitor the ongoing activity within Kīlauea summit caldera. They measure lava fountain and lake surface heights and document the location of still active vents. USGS photo by A. Nalesnik.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists monitor the ongoing activity within Kīlauea summit caldera. They measure lava fountain and lake surface heights and document the location of still active vents. USGS photo by A. Nalesnik.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.
HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.