Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

HVO has lowered the Volcano Alert Level for Kīlauea from WATCH to ADVISORY, and the Aviation Color Code from ORANGE to YELLOW, following the end of episode 46 lava fountaining. View All Messages.

Kilauea Message 2026-05-05 17:24:56 HST

Episode 46 fountaining ended at 5:22 PM on May 5. View All Messages.

Kilauea Message 2026-05-05 14:49:50 HST

North vent fountains are currently around 330 ft (100 m) high. South vent is inactive. Minor tephra fall continues around summit. Fine ash and Pele's hair have been reported in Mountain View as the high level plume moves northeastward. View All Messages.

Kilauea Message 2026-05-05 10:56:57 HST

Episode 46 has reached its peak effusion rate and is unlikely to generate taller lava fountains from this point onwards. North vent fountains are reaching 650 ft (200 m). South vent fountains are small and intermittent. View All Messages.

Kilauea Message 2026-05-05 10:37:18 HST

Kilauea Volcano Alert Level remains at WATCH, and Aviation Color Code remains at ORANGE. North vent fountains are 650 ft (200 m). The plume is 20,000 ft (6,000 m) asl and will be carried northeast with higher-level winds. View All Messages.

HVO monitors earthquakes and the active volcanoes in Hawaii, assesses their hazards, issues warnings, and advances scientific understanding to reduce the impacts of volcanic eruptions. Communicating the results of our work to the public, emergency managers, and the scientific community is an important aspect of the HVO mission.

Active Volcanoes in Hawaii

Very High Threat Potential
Kīlauea
Mauna Loa
High Threat Potential
Hualālai
Moderate Threat Potential
Haleakalā
Mauna Kea
Not Ranked
Kama‘ehuakanaloa (Lō‘ihi Seamount)
View the threat rankings of US Volcanoes

Episodic eruption at Kīlauea summit

This eruption is within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Lava flows are contained to the caldera, but fallout from the lava fountains can affect communities downwind.

Eruption Information

Is tephra falling? We want to know.

Color photograph of tephra covering a picnic table

If you live in an area downwind of Kīlauea summit and are experiencing tephra fall, support science and community awareness by making a tephra fall report.

Report here

Where has tephra fallout been reported?

Color map showing area of volcanic fallout

Tephra is material erupted from a volcano that travels through the air. Volcanic ash, Pele's hair, and other tephra have fallen on communities downwind during lava fountaining episodes at the summit of Kīlauea.

See map of current tephra fall reports