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Images

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

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Color photograph of volcanic landscape with car driving in the distance
September 3, 2025 — Driving on the tephra deposit in Kīlauea summit region
September 3, 2025 — Driving on the tephra deposit in Kīlauea summit region
September 3, 2025 — Driving on the tephra deposit in Kīlauea summit region

This view is taken from the flank of the new tephra mound at Kīlauea summit, over Crater Rim Drive (closed to the public) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The tire tracks of the vehicle mark the path of Crater Rim Drive.

This view is taken from the flank of the new tephra mound at Kīlauea summit, over Crater Rim Drive (closed to the public) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The tire tracks of the vehicle mark the path of Crater Rim Drive.

Color photo of a tropical looking island with palm trees and rock coast and calm seas.
September 3, 2025 – Small islands west of Ofu Island, American Samoa
September 3, 2025 – Small islands west of Ofu Island, American Samoa
September 3, 2025 – Small islands west of Ofu Island, American Samoa

This photo shows part of the western Ofu coastline and several small islands west of Ofu Island, American Samoa. These islands are considered part of Ofu-Olosega volcano in the Manuʻa Islands.

This photo shows part of the western Ofu coastline and several small islands west of Ofu Island, American Samoa. These islands are considered part of Ofu-Olosega volcano in the Manuʻa Islands.

Color photograph of volcanic vents degassing
September 3, 2025 — Kīlauea summit vents degassing with webcam
September 3, 2025 — Kīlauea summit vents degassing with webcam
September 3, 2025 — Kīlauea summit vents degassing with webcam

This view is from the south rim of the summit caldera on Kīlauea and shows the vent complex formed during the ongoing eruption. The vent area consists of overlapping lobes of spatter-fed flows, layers of tephra, and thin fluid lava flows.

This view is from the south rim of the summit caldera on Kīlauea and shows the vent complex formed during the ongoing eruption. The vent area consists of overlapping lobes of spatter-fed flows, layers of tephra, and thin fluid lava flows.

Color photograph of volcanic terrain with bucket in foreground and degassing in background
September 3, 2025 — Kīlauea summit tephra collection bucket
September 3, 2025 — Kīlauea summit tephra collection bucket
September 3, 2025 — Kīlauea summit tephra collection bucket

Tephra is the material erupted that travels through the air before falling on the ground. During the ongoing eruption of Kīlauea, tephra from each episode of lava fountaining tells us about the magma storage conditions leading to the eruption.

Tephra is the material erupted that travels through the air before falling on the ground. During the ongoing eruption of Kīlauea, tephra from each episode of lava fountaining tells us about the magma storage conditions leading to the eruption.

Color photograph of vehicle on volcanic terrain with tire tracks in the background
September 3, 2025 — The closed portion of Crater Rim Drive Road at Kīlauea summit
September 3, 2025 — The closed portion of Crater Rim Drive Road at Kīlauea summit
September 3, 2025 — The closed portion of Crater Rim Drive Road at Kīlauea summit

The tire tracks in this photo trace the path of Crater Rim Drive (closed to the public) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This part of the road is covered by more than a meter (yard) of tephra erupted since December 23, 2024. Just south of this photo, a large mound of tephra accumulated during the ongoing eruption has buried the road over 20 meters (yards) deep.

The tire tracks in this photo trace the path of Crater Rim Drive (closed to the public) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This part of the road is covered by more than a meter (yard) of tephra erupted since December 23, 2024. Just south of this photo, a large mound of tephra accumulated during the ongoing eruption has buried the road over 20 meters (yards) deep.

Color photo of a rainbow over the ocean.
September 3, 2025 – View of the north side of Ofu Island, American Samoa
September 3, 2025 – View of the north side of Ofu Island, American Samoa
September 3, 2025 – View of the north side of Ofu Island, American Samoa

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and NOAA National Weather Service Weather Service Office Pago Pago meteorologists travelled by boat between the Manuʻa Islands, American Samoa, during an outreach and monitoring network maintenance trip in early September 2025. This view is from the boat looking south towards the north side of Ofu Island.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and NOAA National Weather Service Weather Service Office Pago Pago meteorologists travelled by boat between the Manuʻa Islands, American Samoa, during an outreach and monitoring network maintenance trip in early September 2025. This view is from the boat looking south towards the north side of Ofu Island.

Color photograph of lava fountain
S2cam view of Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32
S2cam view of Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32
S2cam view of Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32

This image was taken by the S2cam during episode 32 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, on September 2, 2025. The S2cam is a temporary webcamera positioned on the south rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauae summit caldera) and the view is to the west. USGS webcam image. 

This image was taken by the S2cam during episode 32 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, on September 2, 2025. The S2cam is a temporary webcamera positioned on the south rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauae summit caldera) and the view is to the west. USGS webcam image. 

Color photograph of lava fountain
S2cam image of eruption at Kīlauea summit
S2cam image of eruption at Kīlauea summit
S2cam image of eruption at Kīlauea summit

This image was taken by the S2cam during the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, and it has been cropped from the original version. The S2cam is a temporary webcamera positioned on the south rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauae summit caldera) and the view is to the west. USGS webcam image.  USGS photo. 

This image was taken by the S2cam during the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, and it has been cropped from the original version. The S2cam is a temporary webcamera positioned on the south rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauae summit caldera) and the view is to the west. USGS webcam image.  USGS photo. 

Color photograph of lava fountaining
September 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32
September 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32
September 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32

From the Kīlauea Overlook within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists documented episode 32 of the Kīlauea summit eruption that began on December 23, 2025.

From the Kīlauea Overlook within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists documented episode 32 of the Kīlauea summit eruption that began on December 23, 2025.

Color photograph of eruption within crater
September 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit aerial overview during episode 32
September 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit aerial overview during episode 32
September 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit aerial overview during episode 32

Aerial view of the episode 32 lava fountain within Halema‘uma‘u during a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitoring helicopter overflight at approximately 1:00 pm on September 2, 2025. Three vents were erupting from the western side of Halemaʻumaʻu, and feeding lava flows into the western side of the crater.

Aerial view of the episode 32 lava fountain within Halema‘uma‘u during a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitoring helicopter overflight at approximately 1:00 pm on September 2, 2025. Three vents were erupting from the western side of Halemaʻumaʻu, and feeding lava flows into the western side of the crater.

Color photograph of eruption plume
September 2, 2025 — Aerial photo of episode 32 lava fountain, Kīlauea summit
September 2, 2025 — Aerial photo of episode 32 lava fountain, Kīlauea summit
September 2, 2025 — Aerial photo of episode 32 lava fountain, Kīlauea summit

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists conducted an overflight of Kīlauea summit to conduct an aerial photo survey and collect lava samples of the current episode. This photo shows the helicopter passing in front of the outgassing plume on its way into the caldera. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists conducted an overflight of Kīlauea summit to conduct an aerial photo survey and collect lava samples of the current episode. This photo shows the helicopter passing in front of the outgassing plume on its way into the caldera. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of lava channel flowing during eruption
September 2, 2025 —Lava flows during Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32
September 2, 2025 —Lava flows during Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32
September 2, 2025 —Lava flows during Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32

Lava fountaining from the north vent during episode 32 of Kīlauea's summit eruption fed a wide channel on Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor. USGS photo by N. Kohagura.

Color photo looking down at Aunu‘u Island from the air during a flight.
September 2, 2025 – Photo of Aunu‘u Island while on a flight from Tutuila to Ofu Island in American Samoa.
September 2, 2025 – Photo of Aunu‘u Island while on a flight from Tutuila to Ofu Island in American Samoa.
September 2, 2025 – Photo of Aunu‘u Island while on a flight from Tutuila to Ofu Island in American Samoa.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists took this photo of Aunu‘u Island while on a flight from Tutuila to Ofu Island in American Samoa on September 2, 2025. The view is from the south looking north. Aunu‘u Island is a tuff cone less than 1 mile southeast of Tutuila Island and is considered part of Tutuila volcano.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists took this photo of Aunu‘u Island while on a flight from Tutuila to Ofu Island in American Samoa on September 2, 2025. The view is from the south looking north. Aunu‘u Island is a tuff cone less than 1 mile southeast of Tutuila Island and is considered part of Tutuila volcano.

Color photograph of scientists monitoring eruption
September 2, 2025 — Observing Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32
September 2, 2025 — Observing Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32
September 2, 2025 — Observing Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32

From the north rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists document eruptive activity during episode 32 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

From the north rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists document eruptive activity during episode 32 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Color photograph of lava fountain
September 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32
September 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32
September 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 32

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists documented episode 32 of Kīlauea's ongoing summit eruption from the Kīlauea Overlook within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. There, tephra from the lava fountain was visibly lofted high into the air by buoyant degassing during the eruption. USGS photo by C. Cauley. 

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists documented episode 32 of Kīlauea's ongoing summit eruption from the Kīlauea Overlook within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. There, tephra from the lava fountain was visibly lofted high into the air by buoyant degassing during the eruption. USGS photo by C. Cauley. 

Color photograph of eruption within crater
September 2, 2025 — Aerial photo of episode 32 lava fountain, Kīlauea summit
September 2, 2025 — Aerial photo of episode 32 lava fountain, Kīlauea summit
September 2, 2025 — Aerial photo of episode 32 lava fountain, Kīlauea summit

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists conducted an aerial overflight during episode 32 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. This view, taken at approximately 12:45 p.m. HST on September 2, 2025, shows three vents erupting from the western side of Halemaʻumaʻu, with lava flows reaching close to the eastern side of the crater floor. USGS photo by D.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists conducted an aerial overflight during episode 32 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. This view, taken at approximately 12:45 p.m. HST on September 2, 2025, shows three vents erupting from the western side of Halemaʻumaʻu, with lava flows reaching close to the eastern side of the crater floor. USGS photo by D.

Color photograph of lava channels flowing during eruption
September 2, 2025 — Lava flows on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea
September 2, 2025 — Lava flows on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea
September 2, 2025 — Lava flows on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea

Vigorous lava fountaining during episode 32 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, on September 2, 2025, fed multiple lava channels on Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor. These lava channels transported erupted material from the west part of the crater, where the eruption was occuring, to the east side of the crater. USGS photo by N. Kohagura. 

Vigorous lava fountaining during episode 32 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, on September 2, 2025, fed multiple lava channels on Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor. These lava channels transported erupted material from the west part of the crater, where the eruption was occuring, to the east side of the crater. USGS photo by N. Kohagura. 

Color photograph of volcanic vent degassing, with recent lava flows and tephra material nearby
August 29, 2025 — Kīlauea summit observations and monitoring site maintenance
August 29, 2025 — Kīlauea summit observations and monitoring site maintenance
August 29, 2025 — Kīlauea summit observations and monitoring site maintenance

The ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater remains paused following the end of episode 31 on August 23. Intermittent glow is visible from the north vent (lower right) in nighttime views. Small lava channels are visible near the center of this telephoto image cutting through the tephra blanket on the western crater floor.

The ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater remains paused following the end of episode 31 on August 23. Intermittent glow is visible from the north vent (lower right) in nighttime views. Small lava channels are visible near the center of this telephoto image cutting through the tephra blanket on the western crater floor.

Color photograph of scientists servicing volcano monitoring camera
August 29, 2025 — Kīlauea summit observations and monitoring site maintenance
August 29, 2025 — Kīlauea summit observations and monitoring site maintenance
August 29, 2025 — Kīlauea summit observations and monitoring site maintenance

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientists visited the V1cam livestream camera site on the morning of August 29 for some maintenance work.

Desolate caldera with a steaming volcanic vent in the background under cloudy skies.
Kīlauea summit caldera from B1 camera on August 29, 2025
Kīlauea summit caldera from B1 camera on August 29, 2025
Kīlauea summit caldera from B1 camera on August 29, 2025

View of Kaluapele (Kīlauea's summit caldera) from the B1 webcam on August 29, 2025, acquired between lava fountaining episodes 31 and 32.

Color photograph of glove with volcanic glass material
August 29, 2025 — Kīlauea summit observations and monitoring site maintenance
August 29, 2025 — Kīlauea summit observations and monitoring site maintenance
August 29, 2025 — Kīlauea summit observations and monitoring site maintenance

A close-up view of tiny volcanic glass fragments on a leather glove. These particles are abundant around the western rim of Kīlauea summit caldera, an area that is closed to the public due to hazardous conditions. Volcanic glass fragments can cause irritation to eyes, lungs, and skin, and exposure should be avoided.

A close-up view of tiny volcanic glass fragments on a leather glove. These particles are abundant around the western rim of Kīlauea summit caldera, an area that is closed to the public due to hazardous conditions. Volcanic glass fragments can cause irritation to eyes, lungs, and skin, and exposure should be avoided.

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