April 9, 2026 — Episode 44 tephra on Crater Rim Drive near Steaming Bluff

During lava fountaining episode 44 at the summit of Kīlauea, winds transported gas and tephra in a narrow band to the north-northeast of Halemaʻumaʻu. Tephra fallout was strongest in the direction of Kilauea Military Camp and the Volcano Golf Course subdivision, with pieces of lightweight reticulite up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) reported falling in these areas. Tephra fall was also reported as far east as Volcano House within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This photo shows Crater Rim Drive near Steaming Bluff in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with the increasing density of tephra on the road evident in the direction of the Kilauea Military Camp (not visible in the background of the photo). USGS photo by M. Patrick.