March 25, 2026 — Aerial view of the actively degassing vents at the summit of Kīlauea

On March 25, 2026, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff conducted a routine helicopter overflight to collect samples from the crater floor and thermal and visual images around Halemaʻumaʻu after episode 43 that occurred on March 10, 2026. The north and south vents have a robust gas plume emanating from them and spatter could be seen far down in the south vent (not visible in photo). Yellow sulfur crystals are visible over much of the edifice of the north and south vents. USGS photo by D. Downs.