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Kīlauea images of eruptive activity, field work, and more.

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Color photograph looking down into an active volcanic vent
April 23, 2026 — Kīlauea north vent post lava fountaining episode 45
April 23, 2026 — Kīlauea north vent post lava fountaining episode 45
April 23, 2026 — Kīlauea north vent post lava fountaining episode 45

During a monitoring helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit on April 23, 2026, shortly after the end of episode 45 of lava fountaining, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists got views into the north vent that show a complex structure with multiple openings.

During a monitoring helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit on April 23, 2026, shortly after the end of episode 45 of lava fountaining, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists got views into the north vent that show a complex structure with multiple openings.

Color satellite image of an area affected by volcanic fallout
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Kilauea Military Camp and Volcano Golf Course
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Kilauea Military Camp and Volcano Golf Course
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Kilauea Military Camp and Volcano Golf Course

Satellite image of Kilauea Military Camp near Kīlauea summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and neighboring Volcano Golf Course subdivision taken on April 22, 2026, and showing tephra covering the ground and roofs.

Satellite image of Kilauea Military Camp near Kīlauea summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and neighboring Volcano Golf Course subdivision taken on April 22, 2026, and showing tephra covering the ground and roofs.

Color satellite image showing eruptive vents glowing red within a crater covered with dark colored lava flows
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of eruptive vents in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of eruptive vents in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of eruptive vents in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea

Satellite image of the north and south vents in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea on April 22, 2026. Incandescent lava is visible in both vents, and episode 45 of lava fountaining started shortly later during the early morning hours of April 23, 2026. Image credit: WorldView ©2026 Maxar, USG Plus.

 


 

Satellite image of the north and south vents in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea on April 22, 2026. Incandescent lava is visible in both vents, and episode 45 of lava fountaining started shortly later during the early morning hours of April 23, 2026. Image credit: WorldView ©2026 Maxar, USG Plus.

 


 

Color satellite image of infrastructure near summit of volcano
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Volcano House Hotel, Kīlauea Visitor Center, and infrastructure nearby
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Volcano House Hotel, Kīlauea Visitor Center, and infrastructure nearby
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Volcano House Hotel, Kīlauea Visitor Center, and infrastructure nearby

Satellite image of Volcano House Hotel (lower right in image), Kīlauea Visitor Center (middle right in image), and neighboring infrastructure near Kīlauea summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park taken on April 22, 2026.

Color satellite image showing area affected by volcanic fallout
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Kilauea Military Camp
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Kilauea Military Camp
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Kilauea Military Camp

Satellite image of Kilauea Military Camp near Kīlauea summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park taken on April 22, 2026, and showing tephra covering the ground and roofs. This area was affected by tephra deposition during lava fountaining episodes 43 (March 10, 2026) and 44 (April 9, 2026) at the summit of Kīlauea, in part due to wind conditions.

Satellite image of Kilauea Military Camp near Kīlauea summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park taken on April 22, 2026, and showing tephra covering the ground and roofs. This area was affected by tephra deposition during lava fountaining episodes 43 (March 10, 2026) and 44 (April 9, 2026) at the summit of Kīlauea, in part due to wind conditions.

Color satellite image of caldera at the summit of a volcano
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Halemaʻumaʻu and Kaluapele at the summit of Kīlauea
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Halemaʻumaʻu and Kaluapele at the summit of Kīlauea
April 22, 2026 — Satellite image of Halemaʻumaʻu and Kaluapele at the summit of Kīlauea

Satellite image of Halemaʻumaʻu and Kaluapele at Kīlauea summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Two eruptive vents (named the north and south vents) in Halemaʻumaʻu have been erupting lava fountains episodically since December 23, 2024. Forty-five episodes have occurred to date, depositing tephra around and in Kaluapele, and lava flows within Halemaʻumaʻu.

Satellite image of Halemaʻumaʻu and Kaluapele at Kīlauea summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Two eruptive vents (named the north and south vents) in Halemaʻumaʻu have been erupting lava fountains episodically since December 23, 2024. Forty-five episodes have occurred to date, depositing tephra around and in Kaluapele, and lava flows within Halemaʻumaʻu.

Color map graphic showing earthquakes and ground deformation at summit of volcano
April 15, 2026—InSAR image of Kīlauea deformation associated with episode 44 of ongoing summit eruption
April 15, 2026—InSAR image of Kīlauea deformation associated with episode 44 of ongoing summit eruption
Color photograph of field engineer checking laptop
April 14, 2026 — HVO field engineer checks laptop
April 14, 2026 — HVO field engineer checks laptop
April 14, 2026 — HVO field engineer checks laptop

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field engineer uses a field laptop to configure the connection between the new radio that was installed on the cell tower in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This radio receives monitoring data via a radio link from another tower located at Uēkahuna, which collects data from various volcano-monitoring stations.

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field engineer uses a field laptop to configure the connection between the new radio that was installed on the cell tower in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This radio receives monitoring data via a radio link from another tower located at Uēkahuna, which collects data from various volcano-monitoring stations.

Color photograph of field engineer checking cables
April 14, 2026 — HVO field engineer checks cables
April 14, 2026 — HVO field engineer checks cables
April 14, 2026 — HVO field engineer checks cables

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field engineer checks cables at the base of a cell tower in Hawaiʻi Volcano National Park as part of a new point-to-point radio being installed. The previous point-to-point radio was damaged during recent storms, resulting in partial volcano-monitoring data outages since April 11, 2026.

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field engineer checks cables at the base of a cell tower in Hawaiʻi Volcano National Park as part of a new point-to-point radio being installed. The previous point-to-point radio was damaged during recent storms, resulting in partial volcano-monitoring data outages since April 11, 2026.

Color map showing area covered by lava flows in recent volcanic eruption
April 13, 2026—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
April 13, 2026—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
April 13, 2026—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map

This reference map depicts the Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater that began on December 23, 2024. The data for this map were collected during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight on March 31, 2026; as such, the provided statistics are reflective of the first forty-three episodes of the eruption through March 10, 2026.

This reference map depicts the Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater that began on December 23, 2024. The data for this map were collected during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight on March 31, 2026; as such, the provided statistics are reflective of the first forty-three episodes of the eruption through March 10, 2026.

Color photograph of lava fountain and lava flow
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 44
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 44
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 44

Episode 44 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 11:10 a.m. HST on April 9, 2026. Precursory lava flows began on April 3, primarily from the south vent, and continued intermittently until the episode began. The predominant lava fountain during episode 44, however, came from the north vent.

Episode 44 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 11:10 a.m. HST on April 9, 2026. Precursory lava flows began on April 3, primarily from the south vent, and continued intermittently until the episode began. The predominant lava fountain during episode 44, however, came from the north vent.

Color photograph of eruptive plume
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 eruptive plume from Volcano village
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 eruptive plume from Volcano village
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 eruptive plume from Volcano village

The eruptive plume associated with episode 44 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea was transported by wind in a northeast direction. This photo shows the plume from Volcano village, about 4 miles (6.5 km) northeast of the eruptive vents in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. USGS photo by P. Dotray. 

The eruptive plume associated with episode 44 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea was transported by wind in a northeast direction. This photo shows the plume from Volcano village, about 4 miles (6.5 km) northeast of the eruptive vents in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. USGS photo by P. Dotray. 

Color photograph of volcanic plume
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 eruption plume from Hilo
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 eruption plume from Hilo
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 eruption plume from Hilo

Episode 44 at the summit of Kīlauea generated a plume of ash and gas, which strong southerly winds transported in a narrow band to the north-northeast of Halemaʻumaʻu, where it widened over a large section of east Hawaiʻi. This photo shows the eruption plume from Hilo, about 25 miles (40 km) to the northeast of the eruptive vents. USGS photo by C.

Episode 44 at the summit of Kīlauea generated a plume of ash and gas, which strong southerly winds transported in a narrow band to the north-northeast of Halemaʻumaʻu, where it widened over a large section of east Hawaiʻi. This photo shows the eruption plume from Hilo, about 25 miles (40 km) to the northeast of the eruptive vents. USGS photo by C.

Color photograph of road covered with volcanic fallout
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 tephra on Crater Rim Drive
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 tephra on Crater Rim Drive
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 tephra on Crater Rim Drive

Crater Rim Drive near Kilauea Military Camp in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was covered with tephra from episode 44 lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on April 9, 2026. This photo shows recent tire tracks in the newly deposited tephra. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Crater Rim Drive near Kilauea Military Camp in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was covered with tephra from episode 44 lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on April 9, 2026. This photo shows recent tire tracks in the newly deposited tephra. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Color webcam image of volcanic eruption in crater
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 from the B1cam
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 from the B1cam
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea episode 44 from the B1cam

This photograph shows Kīlauea summit eruption lava fountaining episode 44 on April 9, 2026, captured by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory B1cam on the south rim of the caldera. Although the south vent erupted most of the precursory lava flows, only the north vent erupted a lava fountain during the eruptive episode. USGS video.


 

This photograph shows Kīlauea summit eruption lava fountaining episode 44 on April 9, 2026, captured by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory B1cam on the south rim of the caldera. Although the south vent erupted most of the precursory lava flows, only the north vent erupted a lava fountain during the eruptive episode. USGS video.


 

Color photograph of geologist walking road covered with volcanic fallout
April 9, 2026 — Episode 44 tephra on Crater Rim Drive near Steaming Bluff
April 9, 2026 — Episode 44 tephra on Crater Rim Drive near Steaming Bluff
April 9, 2026 — Episode 44 tephra on Crater Rim Drive near Steaming Bluff

During lava fountaining episode 44 at the summit of Kīlauea, winds transported gas and tephra in a narrow band to the north-northeast of Halemaʻumaʻu. Tephra fallout was strongest in the direction of Kilauea Military Camp and the Volcano Golf Course subdivision, with pieces of lightweight reticulite up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) reported falling in these areas.

During lava fountaining episode 44 at the summit of Kīlauea, winds transported gas and tephra in a narrow band to the north-northeast of Halemaʻumaʻu. Tephra fallout was strongest in the direction of Kilauea Military Camp and the Volcano Golf Course subdivision, with pieces of lightweight reticulite up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) reported falling in these areas.

Color photograph of lava fountain base
April 9, 2026 — Base of the north vent fountain during episode 44
April 9, 2026 — Base of the north vent fountain during episode 44
April 9, 2026 — Base of the north vent fountain during episode 44

This telephoto view, taken from the south rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, shows the base of the north vent lava fountain, which feeds a lava flow on to the crater floor during episode 44 on April 9, 2026. USGS photo by L. Gallant

This telephoto view, taken from the south rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, shows the base of the north vent lava fountain, which feeds a lava flow on to the crater floor during episode 44 on April 9, 2026. USGS photo by L. Gallant

Color photograph of lava fountain
April 9, 2026 — North vent in Halemaʻumaʻu erupting lava fountain and lava flow during episode 44
April 9, 2026 — North vent in Halemaʻumaʻu erupting lava fountain and lava flow during episode 44
April 9, 2026 — North vent in Halemaʻumaʻu erupting lava fountain and lava flow during episode 44

During episode 44, the north vent at the summit of Kīlauea erupted a lava fountain about 500 feet (150 meters) high at 4 p.m. HST, feeding a lava flow on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater on April 9, 2026. This photograph shows the view from the south rim of the caldera. USGS photo by M. Patrick. 

During episode 44, the north vent at the summit of Kīlauea erupted a lava fountain about 500 feet (150 meters) high at 4 p.m. HST, feeding a lava flow on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater on April 9, 2026. This photograph shows the view from the south rim of the caldera. USGS photo by M. Patrick. 

Color photograph of eruption plume with tephra falling
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 44 plume and tephra falling
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 44 plume and tephra falling
April 9, 2026 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 44 plume and tephra falling

During episode 44 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea, the NOAA Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center reported the plume reached up to 16,000 feet (about 4,900 meters) above sea level. This photo shows the plume close the eruptive vents, and tephra is visibly falling through the air as the photo was taken. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

During episode 44 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea, the NOAA Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center reported the plume reached up to 16,000 feet (about 4,900 meters) above sea level. This photo shows the plume close the eruptive vents, and tephra is visibly falling through the air as the photo was taken. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Color photograph of tephra and volcanic plume
April 9, 2026 — Episode 44 tephra and volcanic plume
April 9, 2026 — Episode 44 tephra and volcanic plume
April 9, 2026 — Episode 44 tephra and volcanic plume

At the Kilauea Military Camp in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, tephra from episode 44 lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on April 9, 2026, covers the ground surface as the eruptive plume traverses overhead. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

At the Kilauea Military Camp in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, tephra from episode 44 lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea on April 9, 2026, covers the ground surface as the eruptive plume traverses overhead. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Color photograph of tephra covering paved ground surface
April 9, 2026 — Episode 44 tephra covers the ground surface near Kilauea Military Camp
April 9, 2026 — Episode 44 tephra covers the ground surface near Kilauea Military Camp
April 9, 2026 — Episode 44 tephra covers the ground surface near Kilauea Military Camp

During episode 44 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea, tephra fallout was strongest in the direction of Kilauea Military Camp and the Volcano Golf Course subdivision, with pieces of lightweight reticulite up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) reported falling in these areas.

During episode 44 of lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea, tephra fallout was strongest in the direction of Kilauea Military Camp and the Volcano Golf Course subdivision, with pieces of lightweight reticulite up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) reported falling in these areas.

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