A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist collects a cooled sample of episode 43 lava from the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Sampling in this area, which is culturally significant to the Native Hawaiian community, is down with permission from and coordination with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The chemistry of these samples is analyzed to better understand the magmatic plumbing system and hazards associated with the ongoing episodic lava fountaining eruption at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

This photograph was taken from the eastern part of the crater floor of Halemaʻumaʻu on March 25, 2026, after episode 43 of lava fountaining that occurred in this area on March 10, 2026. The north and south vents are visible with yellow sulfur crystals decorating its surface. The impressive hill of tephra that has been progressively getting higher with each episode is visible above and behind these vents. USGS photo by D. Downs.

This vertical aerial view, taken during a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitoring helicopter overflight on March 25, 2026, shows a small area of weak spattering deep within the south vent, at the summit of Kīlauea. The south vent and spattering (orange dot) are visible at the bottom of the photo. USGS photo by M. Patrick. 

On March 25, 2026, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff conducted a routine helicopter overflight to collect samples from the crater floor and thermal and visual images around Halemaʻumaʻu after episode 43 that occurred on March 10, 2026. The north and south vents have a robust gas plume emanating from them and spatter could be seen far down in the south vent (not visible in photo). Yellow sulfur crystals are visible over much of the edifice of the north and south vents. USGS photo by D. Downs.