November 4, 2026—Overview of western Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea

This overview photo of western Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea was captured during the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Overflight on November 4. The north vent lava pond is visible in the lower center of the frame, with the southwest vent sitting behind, somewhat obscured. The hill of tephra accumulated from past lava fountaining episodes—since early 2025—looms over both eruptive vents, perched on the former crater wall that is now almost completely buried. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.