June 1, 2026 — View of episode 48 lava fountain and plume from near the Ka‘ū Desert trailhead

This photo was taken from near the Ka‘ū Desert trailhead within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on June 1, 2026, during episode 48 of lava fountaining at Kīlauea summit. It shows the top of the north vent lava fountain on the skyline to the right and the volcanic plume rising above it. The Ka‘ū Desert Trailhead is about 5.7 miles (9.1 kilometers) west-southwest of Halema‘uma‘u. The fountaining was also audible at that location. USGS photo by N. Deligne.