A Fountain-Filled Year at Kīlauea - Infographic

It's been one year since a unique episodic lava fountaining eruption began at Kīlauea’s summit on December 23, 2024—a style of activity not seen in nearly 40 years! Over the past 12 months, Halemaʻumaʻu crater has hosted 38 eruptive episodes, each lasting from a few hours to more than a week, separated by quiet pauses. These episodes have produced spectacular lava fountains soaring up to 1,500 feet (460 m), reshaping the summit landscape: A new 140-foot (42 m) puʻu (cone) now adorns the west rim; the caldera floor has risen by over 220 feet (68 m); thick blankets of tephra have transformed the terrain.

This eruption is a reminder of the dynamic nature of Hawai‘i’s volcanoes—and the importance of staying informed and safe. While the eruption is occurring in a closed area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, it remains visible from many vantage points along the caldera rim and tephra fall can happen in communities downwind or neighboring Kīlauea summit region. 

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors Hawaii's volcanoes and earthquakes, providing forecasts of this rare eruption style. We work closely with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.