May 22, 2026 — View into the south vent at Kīlauea summit

During a monitoring overflight on May 22, 2026, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists captured this aerial view looking down into the south vent in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea. Magma was visible within both the south and north vents during the overflight; the north vent is visible degassing on the right side of this image. Forecast models suggest that episode 48 of lava fountaining will occur sometime between Sunday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 27. USGS photo by M. Cappos.