August 5, 2025 — Lava flowing in the north vent

During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight on the morning of August 5, geologists observed a lava pond within the north vent of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. The pond was feeding a subterranean lava tube contained within the east side of the vent cone, toward the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater. Similar precursory activity has preceded other episodes of this eruption, which began on December 23, 2024. Based on present indications, eruptive episode 30 is expected to start sometime between today, August 5 and Thursday, August 7. USGS video by M. Patrick.