July 29, 2026—Overview of Halema‘uma‘u

On July 29, clear skies provided USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists with excellent views of Halema‘uma‘u during a morning helicopter overflight after Kīlauea summit eruption episode 52 ended overnight. In fact, the only cloud casting shadows over the crater was the residual gas plume from the eruptive vents, which was rising vertically due to calm winds. In the distance on the left, the Ka‘ū coast is visible, stretching from Punalu‘u to Kalae (South Point). USGS photo by M. Zoeller.