Photo & Video Chronology — August 5, 2025 — Kīlauea summit fieldwork

By Hawaiian Volcano Observatory August 5, 2025

The ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption is currently paused. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists conducted an observational helicopter overflight and ground visit to the crater rim on August 5, in anticipation of the 30th eruptive episode.

Color photograph of volcanic caldera — This wide-angle view of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) was captured during the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's helicopter overflight on August 5, showing the eastern caldera floor (near) along with more recent lava flows (far, darker circular zone) covering the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater. Mauna Loa (left background) and Mauna Kea (right background) are visible in the distance. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of volcanic eruptive vents in crater — This aerial view of the complex tephra cone built in recent months around the Halemaʻumaʻu eruptive vents was captured on August 5. The cone has been built against the western wall of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera), with tephra also forming a hill atop the caldera rim. The cone around the vent is built from hot tephra deposited by the lava fountains, and portions can remain semi-fluid for hours. These hot, unstable portions of the cone will flow during and shortly after the lava fountaining, creating large cracks in the cone flank and producing a deposit that resembles rubbly ʻaʻā lava. USGS photo by M. Bagnardi.

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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.

Color photograph of lava pond in volcanic vent — During a monitoring overflight on August 5 at approximately 9:45 a.m. HST, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists documented a lava pond within the north vent of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. The pond was flowing into a subterranean lava tube contained within the east side of the vent cone, toward the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS photo K. Lynn.

Color photograph of scientist on volcanic crater rim — On August 5, USGS geologists used a laser rangefinder to measure the elevation of the small lava pond spotted today within the Halema‘uma‘u north vent at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

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The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's helicopter overflight on August 5 provided aerial views of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) and the outgassing plume from the eruptive vents in Halema‘uma‘u crater. Mauna Loa can be seen in the background. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

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This closer view of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea was captured during the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's helicopter overflight on August 5. The circular black zone consists of recent lava flows that have been filling the crater in recent months, and the outgassing plume from the eruptive vents is carried southwest by the trade winds. USGS photo by M. Patrick.