August 25, 2026 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 54

The landscape at the summit of Kīlauea has changed during the course of the episodic lava fountaining eruption that began in December 2024. This photograph, taken during episode 54 on August 25, 2026, shows the impressive hill of tephra on the west rim of the caldera, that has built up in the predominant downwind direction from the lava fountains. The vent complex within the caldera has grown with the eruption and is approaching the crater rim as shown in this photograph.  USGS photo by M. Patrick.