March 31, 2026 — Erosion of tephra deposit

Despite the expansive nature of the tephra deposit from the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, recent rains from Kona low storms have taken their toll. In this photo captured during the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight on March 31, an ephemeral stream has eroded through the deposit to expose the much older lava flows underneath. This view is downslope to the southwest, with the KAMAKAIA Hills visible in the far distance near the center of the frame. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.