October 22, 2026—Helicopter overflight of Halema‘uma‘u

This close-up view of the west vent within Halema‘uma‘u crater was taken during a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight on October 22, 2026. A portion of the lava surface is visible deep within the vent following episode 55 which occurred on October 17. The thick white volcanic gas plume from the north vent (which is out of view to the lower left) covers the upper left part of the image. USGS photo taken by L. DeSmither.