July 15, 2026 — Top of the north vent lava fountain, Kīlauea summit

A telephoto view of the top of the north vent lava fountain during episode 51 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at the summit of Kīlauea on July 15, 2026. Darker-colored solidified lava is visible wafting above the lava fountain. During episode 51, tephra mostly fell within the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, though a very light fall of Pele's hair was reported at Uēkahuna overlook and Kaʻū Desert trailhead on Highway 11 within the park boundary. The eruptive plume from episode 51 reached an estimated 18,000 feet (5,500 m) above sea level. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.