Photo & Video Chronology — Kīlauea summit episode 55

By Hawaiian Volcano Observatory October 17, 2026

Episode 55 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 3:19 a.m. HST on October 17, 2026.

Color photograph of lava fountain and flows at night

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After nearly two months since episode 54 of lava fountaining (Aug. 25, 2026), episode 55 of Kīlauea summit lava fountaining began at 3:19 a.m. HST on October 17, 2026. This is the 55th lava fountaining episode in the Kīlauea summit caldera eruption in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that began on December 23, 2024. It occurs following weeks of intermittent spatter, low-dome fountains, and lava flows from the eruptive vent complex. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Color photograph of lava fountain at night

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A misty view of the north vent lava fountain feeding streams of lava flows down the shield-like structure that has built up around the vent. This photograph, from the Steam Vents in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, was taken around 5:45 a.m. HST on October 17, 2026. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Color photograph of lava fountain — Episode 55 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 3:19 a.m. HST on October 17, 2026. Lava fountained from the north vent, with the maximum height of just over 700 feet (220 m) reached by 5:00 a.m. HST. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Color photograph of eruptive plume and mountain in sunrise — Episode 55 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 3:19 a.m. HST on October 17, 2026. This view, taken just before 6 a.m. HST, shows the Kīlauea summit eruptive plume, with the silhouette of Mauna Loa. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.