Eruptive activity returns to Kīlauea summit as Episode 11 of ongoing eruption begins

A new eruptive phase is underway in the ongoing eruption of the Big Island’s Kīlauea volcano.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Episode 11 of the eruption in the southwest portion of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater of Kaluapele, the summit caldera of the volcano, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park began at 6:26 p.m. Feb. 25 with low intensity spatter of lava erupting onto the caldera floor through a spillway from the north vent.

The intensity and height of fountaining has continued to escalate since, reaching heights of more than 200 feet by 6:50 p.m.

Lava flows had covered between 10% and 15% of the crater floor by 6:53 p.m. Tuesday.

Inflation reached just less than 7 microradians since the end of Episode 10 before the new eruptive activity began.

Each episode of lava fountaining since the summit eruption began Dec. 23, 2024, has continued for between 13 hours and 8 days, with pauses between activity lasting from less than 24 hours up to as much as 12 days.

This episodic eruption is occurring within a closed area of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

High levels of volcanic gas — primarily water vapor, carbon dioxide and especially sulfur dioxide — continue to be the primary hazard of concern, as it can have far-reaching effects downwind.

As sulfur dioxide is continuously released from the summit during an eruption, it will react in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as vog, or volcanic smog, downwind of Kīlauea.

Additional hazards include Pele’s hair — strands of volcanic glass produced by lava fountaining activity that can sometimes cluster and tangle together on the ground, giving it the appearance of tumbleweed — and other volcanic fragments from lava fountains that can fall on the ground downwind of eruptive vents.

Strong winds can waft these light particles to greater distances downwind. The extent of Pele’s hair is dependent on lava fountaining activity and wind conditions. Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation.

No changes have been detected in the volcano’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

Kīlauea’s Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Code remain at Watch and Orange, respectively.

All current and recent activity is confined within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and will issue an eruption update tomorrow morning unless there are significant changes before then.