URGENT UPDATE: Kilauea’s explosive eruption continues with high lava fountaining episodes, marking nearly a year since it began on December 23, 2024. The latest activity underscores the dynamic and hazardous nature of this iconic volcano, demanding immediate attention from both park visitors and residents.
The eruption, characterized by sustained fountaining reaching heights of up to 460 meters (1,500 feet), is a rare phenomenon at Kilauea. This remarkable activity presents breathtaking views for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park visitors but also poses significant risks. The recent episode 38, occurring on December 6, 2025, demonstrated how hazards can escalate rapidly, with fountaining intensifying to over 300 meters (1,000 feet) and impacting areas up to a mile away.
The ongoing eruption has produced a newly formed 42-meter (140-foot) hill and raised the caldera floor by 223 feet (68 meters), dramatically reshaping the landscape. However, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) warns that life-threatening hazards remain, particularly in areas of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that are closed to the public due to the risk of hot tephra and volcanic glass being ejected during fountaining episodes.
“During high fountaining, life-threatening hazards exist within the area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that is closed to the public,”
stated HVO officials.
As of December 15, 2025, the eruption is currently paused, with intermittent glow visible at the south vent. Forecasts suggest that the next fountaining episode could occur between December 22 and 27, continuing this unprecedented opportunity to witness the power of Hawaiian volcanic activity.
Modern monitoring technology has allowed HVO to document this eruption style in exceptional detail, enhancing the ability to forecast eruption onsets. HVO staff are actively observing ground deformation, earthquake activity, and tephra deposits to better understand the evolving eruption dynamics.
While Kilauea is erupting, other nearby volcanoes, including Mauna Loa, remain inactive, with a current USGS alert level of NORMAL. No significant earthquake activity has been reported in the Hawaiian Islands over the past week, but the situation remains fluid.
Visitors and residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines from the park. Follow updates from HVO for the latest developments, past articles, and critical information about Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
For more information or to ask questions, contact HVO at [email protected]. Stay safe and remain vigilant as Kilauea continues to reveal its powerful beauty.
