July 29, 2026—Kīlauea Iki and East Rift Zone

During the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory overflight on July 29, geologists had clear views to the east of Kīlauea summit—a somewhat rare occurrence, as this area is often cloaked in misty rain. Here, Kīlauea Iki is seen in the foreground, with the East Rift Zone stretching across the background. The prominent Maunaulu lava shield that erupted from 1969–1974 is just left of the center of the frame, with steam visible to the left (east) of it from multiple intrusions into upper and middle parts of the rift over the past few decades. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.