This video was captured from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on June 18, 2023. The video shows fountaining at the southwest wall eruptive vent, and lava pouring into a channel at the base of the spatter cone to spread onto the crater floor.
Matthew Patrick, Ph.D.
I am a geologist with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, conducting research and monitoring of active eruptions.
Science and Products
June 18, 2023 — Video of southwest wall vent in Halemaʻumaʻu
This video was captured from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on June 18, 2023. The video shows fountaining at the southwest wall eruptive vent, and lava pouring into a channel at the base of the spatter cone to spread onto the crater floor.
June 16, 2023 — Video from Kīlauea summit overflight
This video was captured during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight at the Kīlauea summit eruption on June 16, 2023. Activity is focused at the eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountaining visible at the top of the spatter cone.
This video was captured during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight at the Kīlauea summit eruption on June 16, 2023. Activity is focused at the eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountaining visible at the top of the spatter cone.
June 16, 2023 — Video of recent fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu
This video was captured June 16, 2023 from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava fountaining can be seen at the top of the spatter cone built around the southwest wall eruptive vent, with lava erupting from the base of the cone as well.
This video was captured June 16, 2023 from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava fountaining can be seen at the top of the spatter cone built around the southwest wall eruptive vent, with lava erupting from the base of the cone as well.
June 14, 2023 — Video of activity at southwest wall eruptive vent in Halemaʻumaʻu
This video shows eruptive activity within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Included are close-up views of the spatter cone built by the eruptive vent and of the lava stream exiting from the cone’s base.
This video shows eruptive activity within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Included are close-up views of the spatter cone built by the eruptive vent and of the lava stream exiting from the cone’s base.
June 7, 2023 — Video of eruption onset in Halemaʻumaʻu
The B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater captured the opening of the eastern eruptive vent in the first hour of the new Kīlauea summit eruption on June 7, 2023. The video shows a brief pulse of gas before lava blasts apart a section of the crater floor when fountaining begins.
The B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater captured the opening of the eastern eruptive vent in the first hour of the new Kīlauea summit eruption on June 7, 2023. The video shows a brief pulse of gas before lava blasts apart a section of the crater floor when fountaining begins.
September 27, 2022 — Continued endogenous growth of crater floor at Kīlauea summit
This timelapse sequence shows one image per day since March from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.
This timelapse sequence shows one image per day since March from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.
September 12 overflight video of Kīlauea summit
A routine helicopter overflight of the summit of Kīlauea provided airborne views of the lava within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The active lava lake is limited to the western portion of the crater floor, near the main source of white fume. The remainder of the crater floor consists of solidified lava flows.
A routine helicopter overflight of the summit of Kīlauea provided airborne views of the lava within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The active lava lake is limited to the western portion of the crater floor, near the main source of white fume. The remainder of the crater floor consists of solidified lava flows.
August 18, 2022 — Timelapse of lava lake motion in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
This time-lapse sequence is shown at 100x speed and shows the motion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava enters the lake at the west end (bottom of image) and flow steadily towards the east end, where the crust is consumed along the lake margins.
This time-lapse sequence is shown at 100x speed and shows the motion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava enters the lake at the west end (bottom of image) and flow steadily towards the east end, where the crust is consumed along the lake margins.
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u remains active
This video, taken on February 10, 2022, shows lava upwelling at the western vent, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea, before flowing into the lava lake to the east via a narrow channel.
This video, taken on February 10, 2022, shows lava upwelling at the western vent, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea, before flowing into the lava lake to the east via a narrow channel.
September 29, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption west vent
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, where a lava lake had been active from December 2020 until May 2021. Just after 4:40 p.m., a new vent opened on the west wall of the crater, and the initial moments were captured in this video.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, where a lava lake had been active from December 2020 until May 2021. Just after 4:40 p.m., a new vent opened on the west wall of the crater, and the initial moments were captured in this video.
September 29, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption crater wall west vents
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous vents active on the west crater wall. USGS video by M. Patrick.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous vents active on the west crater wall. USGS video by M. Patrick.
September 29, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption central lake fountaining
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous fountaining sources in the central portion of the lava lake during the evening of September 29, 2021. USGS video by M. Patrick.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous fountaining sources in the central portion of the lava lake during the evening of September 29, 2021. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Kīlauea's summit water lake comparison - September 23, 2020
HVO geologists made observations of Kīlauea's summit water lake from the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u. This view point is on the large downdropped block that subsided during the 2018 collapse events. From this spot, a view of the entire lake is possible, providing a new perspective on the growth of the lake.
HVO geologists made observations of Kīlauea's summit water lake from the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u. This view point is on the large downdropped block that subsided during the 2018 collapse events. From this spot, a view of the entire lake is possible, providing a new perspective on the growth of the lake.
May 29, 2020—Thermal map of Kīlauea summit
The May 29 overflight provided updated thermal images of Kīlauea summit, covering the caldera floor and showing the warm surface of the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. No significant changes were observed in the surface temperature of Kīlauea's summit crater lake.
The May 29 overflight provided updated thermal images of Kīlauea summit, covering the caldera floor and showing the warm surface of the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. No significant changes were observed in the surface temperature of Kīlauea's summit crater lake.
Halema'uma'u Gas Vent Huffs and Puffs
The ongoing eruption in Halema'uma'u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano has experienced several significant interruptions in activity since it began in March 2008. The latest disruption began on June 30, 2009, when a large collapse of the vent rim dumped rubble onto the lava surface and dramatically reduced gas emissions.
The ongoing eruption in Halema'uma'u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano has experienced several significant interruptions in activity since it began in March 2008. The latest disruption began on June 30, 2009, when a large collapse of the vent rim dumped rubble onto the lava surface and dramatically reduced gas emissions.
As the Lava Churns
On June 3, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera.
On June 3, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera.
Science and Products
June 18, 2023 — Video of southwest wall vent in Halemaʻumaʻu
This video was captured from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on June 18, 2023. The video shows fountaining at the southwest wall eruptive vent, and lava pouring into a channel at the base of the spatter cone to spread onto the crater floor.
This video was captured from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on June 18, 2023. The video shows fountaining at the southwest wall eruptive vent, and lava pouring into a channel at the base of the spatter cone to spread onto the crater floor.
June 16, 2023 — Video from Kīlauea summit overflight
This video was captured during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight at the Kīlauea summit eruption on June 16, 2023. Activity is focused at the eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountaining visible at the top of the spatter cone.
This video was captured during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight at the Kīlauea summit eruption on June 16, 2023. Activity is focused at the eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountaining visible at the top of the spatter cone.
June 16, 2023 — Video of recent fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu
This video was captured June 16, 2023 from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava fountaining can be seen at the top of the spatter cone built around the southwest wall eruptive vent, with lava erupting from the base of the cone as well.
This video was captured June 16, 2023 from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava fountaining can be seen at the top of the spatter cone built around the southwest wall eruptive vent, with lava erupting from the base of the cone as well.
June 14, 2023 — Video of activity at southwest wall eruptive vent in Halemaʻumaʻu
This video shows eruptive activity within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Included are close-up views of the spatter cone built by the eruptive vent and of the lava stream exiting from the cone’s base.
This video shows eruptive activity within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Included are close-up views of the spatter cone built by the eruptive vent and of the lava stream exiting from the cone’s base.
June 7, 2023 — Video of eruption onset in Halemaʻumaʻu
The B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater captured the opening of the eastern eruptive vent in the first hour of the new Kīlauea summit eruption on June 7, 2023. The video shows a brief pulse of gas before lava blasts apart a section of the crater floor when fountaining begins.
The B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater captured the opening of the eastern eruptive vent in the first hour of the new Kīlauea summit eruption on June 7, 2023. The video shows a brief pulse of gas before lava blasts apart a section of the crater floor when fountaining begins.
September 27, 2022 — Continued endogenous growth of crater floor at Kīlauea summit
This timelapse sequence shows one image per day since March from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.
This timelapse sequence shows one image per day since March from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.
September 12 overflight video of Kīlauea summit
A routine helicopter overflight of the summit of Kīlauea provided airborne views of the lava within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The active lava lake is limited to the western portion of the crater floor, near the main source of white fume. The remainder of the crater floor consists of solidified lava flows.
A routine helicopter overflight of the summit of Kīlauea provided airborne views of the lava within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The active lava lake is limited to the western portion of the crater floor, near the main source of white fume. The remainder of the crater floor consists of solidified lava flows.
August 18, 2022 — Timelapse of lava lake motion in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
This time-lapse sequence is shown at 100x speed and shows the motion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava enters the lake at the west end (bottom of image) and flow steadily towards the east end, where the crust is consumed along the lake margins.
This time-lapse sequence is shown at 100x speed and shows the motion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava enters the lake at the west end (bottom of image) and flow steadily towards the east end, where the crust is consumed along the lake margins.
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u remains active
This video, taken on February 10, 2022, shows lava upwelling at the western vent, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea, before flowing into the lava lake to the east via a narrow channel.
This video, taken on February 10, 2022, shows lava upwelling at the western vent, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea, before flowing into the lava lake to the east via a narrow channel.
September 29, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption west vent
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, where a lava lake had been active from December 2020 until May 2021. Just after 4:40 p.m., a new vent opened on the west wall of the crater, and the initial moments were captured in this video.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, where a lava lake had been active from December 2020 until May 2021. Just after 4:40 p.m., a new vent opened on the west wall of the crater, and the initial moments were captured in this video.
September 29, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption crater wall west vents
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous vents active on the west crater wall. USGS video by M. Patrick.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous vents active on the west crater wall. USGS video by M. Patrick.
September 29, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption central lake fountaining
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous fountaining sources in the central portion of the lava lake during the evening of September 29, 2021. USGS video by M. Patrick.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous fountaining sources in the central portion of the lava lake during the evening of September 29, 2021. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Kīlauea's summit water lake comparison - September 23, 2020
HVO geologists made observations of Kīlauea's summit water lake from the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u. This view point is on the large downdropped block that subsided during the 2018 collapse events. From this spot, a view of the entire lake is possible, providing a new perspective on the growth of the lake.
HVO geologists made observations of Kīlauea's summit water lake from the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u. This view point is on the large downdropped block that subsided during the 2018 collapse events. From this spot, a view of the entire lake is possible, providing a new perspective on the growth of the lake.
May 29, 2020—Thermal map of Kīlauea summit
The May 29 overflight provided updated thermal images of Kīlauea summit, covering the caldera floor and showing the warm surface of the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. No significant changes were observed in the surface temperature of Kīlauea's summit crater lake.
The May 29 overflight provided updated thermal images of Kīlauea summit, covering the caldera floor and showing the warm surface of the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. No significant changes were observed in the surface temperature of Kīlauea's summit crater lake.
Halema'uma'u Gas Vent Huffs and Puffs
The ongoing eruption in Halema'uma'u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano has experienced several significant interruptions in activity since it began in March 2008. The latest disruption began on June 30, 2009, when a large collapse of the vent rim dumped rubble onto the lava surface and dramatically reduced gas emissions.
The ongoing eruption in Halema'uma'u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano has experienced several significant interruptions in activity since it began in March 2008. The latest disruption began on June 30, 2009, when a large collapse of the vent rim dumped rubble onto the lava surface and dramatically reduced gas emissions.
As the Lava Churns
On June 3, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera.
On June 3, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera.