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Hawaiian Volcano Observatory images of eruptive activity, field work, and more.

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Color photograph of distant volcanic gas plume
June 4, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift eruption from Mauna Loa
June 4, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift eruption from Mauna Loa
June 4, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift eruption from Mauna Loa

View to the southwest of Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone eruption vents emitting volcanic gas, as seen from the Red Hill Cabin on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone midday on June 4, 2024. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

View to the southwest of Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone eruption vents emitting volcanic gas, as seen from the Red Hill Cabin on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone midday on June 4, 2024. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

Color images of temperatures of new lava flows
June 4, 2024 — Thermal maps of Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 4, 2024 — Thermal maps of Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 4, 2024 — Thermal maps of Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption

These two thermal maps were constructed from images captured during USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflights on June 3, 2024, at 6:00 a.m. HST (left) and June 4, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. HST (right). Covering the same extent and using the same thermal color scale, you may notice slight expansion of lava flows to the south following the first overflight.

These two thermal maps were constructed from images captured during USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflights on June 3, 2024, at 6:00 a.m. HST (left) and June 4, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. HST (right). Covering the same extent and using the same thermal color scale, you may notice slight expansion of lava flows to the south following the first overflight.

Color photograph of scientists documenting eruption
June 3, 2024 — Geologists collecting data from the Kīlauea eruption
June 3, 2024 — Geologists collecting data from the Kīlauea eruption
June 3, 2024 — Geologists collecting data from the Kīlauea eruption

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists document the early phases of the eruption southwest of Kīlauea summit on June 3, 2024. On the left, a geologist photographs the activity while a geologist on the right uses the laser rangefinder to measure the length of the fissure and height of the fountains. USGS image by C. Sealing.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists document the early phases of the eruption southwest of Kīlauea summit on June 3, 2024. On the left, a geologist photographs the activity while a geologist on the right uses the laser rangefinder to measure the length of the fissure and height of the fountains. USGS image by C. Sealing.

orange glow of lava from Kīlauea seen in the dark
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House. 

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House. 

Color image of eruption glow and night sky
Kīlauea eruption glow from Mauna Kea
Kīlauea eruption glow from Mauna Kea
Kīlauea eruption glow from Mauna Kea

Kīlauea volcano is erupting. A new eruption began at approximately 12:30 a.m. HST on Monday, June 3, likely about a mile (1-2 km) south of Kīlauea caldera and north of the Koa'e fault system and Hilina Pali Road, within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Kīlauea volcano is erupting. A new eruption began at approximately 12:30 a.m. HST on Monday, June 3, likely about a mile (1-2 km) south of Kīlauea caldera and north of the Koa'e fault system and Hilina Pali Road, within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Color photograph of eruption glow at night and the silhouette of trees in the foreground
Kīlauea eruption glow - June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption glow - June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption glow - June 3, 2024

Kīlauea's eruption plume illuminated during the early morning hours of June 3, 2024, visible from the Volcano Golf Course area. USGS image by D.A. Phillips. 

Kīlauea's eruption plume illuminated during the early morning hours of June 3, 2024, visible from the Volcano Golf Course area. USGS image by D.A. Phillips. 

orange glow of lava in the distance in the dark
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House. 

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House. 

orange glow of lava in the distance at night
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House.

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House.

Color image of eruption plume, with road in foreground
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:15 a.m. on June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:15 a.m. on June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:15 a.m. on June 3, 2024

At approximately 3:15 a.m. HST, the eruption south of Kīlauea's summit remained active. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists captured this view on route to the eruption area. USGS image by N. Deligne. 

At approximately 3:15 a.m. HST, the eruption south of Kīlauea's summit remained active. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists captured this view on route to the eruption area. USGS image by N. Deligne. 

Color photograph of eruption plume and stars
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024

By approximately 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024, the glow from the eruption that started just hours prior at Kīlauea had significantly decreased. USGS image by D. Downs. 

By approximately 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024, the glow from the eruption that started just hours prior at Kīlauea had significantly decreased. USGS image by D. Downs. 

lava erupting from a fissure
Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea

Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, viewed during an overflight at approximately 6 a.m. on June 3, 2024. USGS image.

Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, viewed during an overflight at approximately 6 a.m. on June 3, 2024. USGS image.

Color photograph of scientist deploying webcam
June 3, 2024 - HVO geologists observe new Kīlauea eruption deposits
June 3, 2024 - HVO geologists observe new Kīlauea eruption deposits
June 3, 2024 - HVO geologists observe new Kīlauea eruption deposits

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists visited the young lava flows formed within the past 9 hours on the upper Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano. At the eruption site, geologists documented lava flow margins, collected samples, and deployed a new webcam to monitor the eruption. USGS image taken the morning of June 3, 2024. USGS image by N.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists visited the young lava flows formed within the past 9 hours on the upper Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano. At the eruption site, geologists documented lava flow margins, collected samples, and deployed a new webcam to monitor the eruption. USGS image taken the morning of June 3, 2024. USGS image by N.

Ground cracks spider into the distance on a gravelly black landscape. In the background, bigger cracks emit plumes of gas
Ground cracks near the new eruptive fissures in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone, June 3, 2024
Ground cracks near the new eruptive fissures in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone, June 3, 2024
Ground cracks near the new eruptive fissures in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone, June 3, 2024

Scientists observed cracks in previous eruptive surfaces near the new fissure eruption southwest of Kīlauea's summit on June 3, 2024. These cracks ranged from a few centimeters (inches) to approximately 2 meters (6.6 feet) wide.

Scientists observed cracks in previous eruptive surfaces near the new fissure eruption southwest of Kīlauea's summit on June 3, 2024. These cracks ranged from a few centimeters (inches) to approximately 2 meters (6.6 feet) wide.

A shiny black lava flow is bordered by angular, frothy fragments of glassy rock scattered over a gravelly landscape
Fresh lava spatter litters the ground next to a new lava flow from the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3 2024
Fresh lava spatter litters the ground next to a new lava flow from the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3 2024
Fresh lava spatter litters the ground next to a new lava flow from the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3 2024

Frothy, glassy fragments of lava from the fountains of Kīlauea's June 3 eruption fissures were found scattered around newly-erupted lava flows. These tephra contain valuable geochemical information about the magma which fueled the eruption. USGS image by D. Downs. 

Frothy, glassy fragments of lava from the fountains of Kīlauea's June 3 eruption fissures were found scattered around newly-erupted lava flows. These tephra contain valuable geochemical information about the magma which fueled the eruption. USGS image by D. Downs. 

A distant crack in a field of lava emits glowing orange fountains of molten rock and plumes of white and gray clouds
Lava fountains and an ash plume from Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3
Lava fountains and an ash plume from Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3
Lava fountains and an ash plume from Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3

In this photo taken at about 6 a.m. HST on June 3, both lava fountains (left) and emissions of volcanic ash (right) are visible erupting from the new fissures in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone. The ash is dark gray, while the remainder of the whitish plumes are composed of steam and other volcanic gases. USGS photo by Tricia Nadeau (HVO)

In this photo taken at about 6 a.m. HST on June 3, both lava fountains (left) and emissions of volcanic ash (right) are visible erupting from the new fissures in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone. The ash is dark gray, while the remainder of the whitish plumes are composed of steam and other volcanic gases. USGS photo by Tricia Nadeau (HVO)

A tiny helicopter hovers over a fissure eruption that is emitting glowing molten lava and large clouds of volcanic gases
Helicopter carrying HVO scientists flies over Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone eruption, June 3, 2024
Helicopter carrying HVO scientists flies over Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone eruption, June 3, 2024
Helicopter carrying HVO scientists flies over Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone eruption, June 3, 2024

Around 6 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024, a helicopter overflight by USGS HVO scientists was observed by a field crew taking gas measurements of the new fissure eruption in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone.  USGS photo by Tricia Nadeau (HVO)

Around 6 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024, a helicopter overflight by USGS HVO scientists was observed by a field crew taking gas measurements of the new fissure eruption in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone.  USGS photo by Tricia Nadeau (HVO)

The shadows of four field scientists stretch out towards a distant rainbow arcing into a gray cloud of volcanic gas
A rainbow appears over the site of Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone eruption on June 3, 2024
A rainbow appears over the site of Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone eruption on June 3, 2024
A rainbow appears over the site of Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone eruption on June 3, 2024

While observing the new fissure eruption in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone, HVO scientists in the field were treated to views of rainbow terminating in the cloud of volcanic gases. USGS photo by Tricia Nadeau (HVO)

While observing the new fissure eruption in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone, HVO scientists in the field were treated to views of rainbow terminating in the cloud of volcanic gases. USGS photo by Tricia Nadeau (HVO)

Color photograph of scientist collecting lava samples
June 3, 2024 — Collecting samples from Kīlauea's newest eruption
June 3, 2024 — Collecting samples from Kīlauea's newest eruption
June 3, 2024 — Collecting samples from Kīlauea's newest eruption

On June 3, 2024, HVO field crews collected cooled spatter from the then inactive vents of Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone eruption. Samples are processed in the laboratory to determine their chemistry, which helps HVO scientists understand where the magmas were stored prior to eruption. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

On June 3, 2024, HVO field crews collected cooled spatter from the then inactive vents of Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone eruption. Samples are processed in the laboratory to determine their chemistry, which helps HVO scientists understand where the magmas were stored prior to eruption. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

Color photograph of fragmented lava samples
June 3, 2024 — Analyzing spatter from recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
June 3, 2024 — Analyzing spatter from recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
June 3, 2024 — Analyzing spatter from recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea

The recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea produced small volumes of lava, and fountains left volcanic spatter on top of and beyond the extent of the newly erupted flows. The collected pieces of spatter range in size up to 4 inches (1 to 10 centimeters). USGS image by A.R. Nalesnik.

The recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea produced small volumes of lava, and fountains left volcanic spatter on top of and beyond the extent of the newly erupted flows. The collected pieces of spatter range in size up to 4 inches (1 to 10 centimeters). USGS image by A.R. Nalesnik.

Color photograph of volcanic spatter bomb
June 3, 2024 — Pancake spatter from the recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
June 3, 2024 — Pancake spatter from the recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
June 3, 2024 — Pancake spatter from the recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea

The recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea produced small volumes of lava and spatter. When very fluid lava lands on the ground, it may flatten upon impact and produce spatter known as 'pancake bombs.' When lava is stretched even further when cooling, thin strands of glass (Pele's hair) are created.

The recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea produced small volumes of lava and spatter. When very fluid lava lands on the ground, it may flatten upon impact and produce spatter known as 'pancake bombs.' When lava is stretched even further when cooling, thin strands of glass (Pele's hair) are created.

Color image of glow from eruption in night sky
June 3, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 3, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 3, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption

Early morning glow of the eruption southwest of Kīlauea summit on June 3, 2024. This image was taken at 4:27 a.m. HST looking southeast toward the eruptive fissures. USGS image by H Winslow.

Early morning glow of the eruption southwest of Kīlauea summit on June 3, 2024. This image was taken at 4:27 a.m. HST looking southeast toward the eruptive fissures. USGS image by H Winslow.

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