Lava fountaining at Halema‘uma‘u west vent

On October 18, 2021, lava fountaining at the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u was generally a few meters (10 feet) high. However, frequent larger bursts—like the one in this photo—threw lava up to the height of the cone around the vent (approximately 25 meters, or 80 feet, high). With permission, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists continue to monitor the ongoing activity at the summit of Kīlauea from within the closed are of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS image by B. Carr.