The eruption of Kīlauea within Kaluapele (summit caldera) resumed just before 3pm yesterday. This marks the fifth episode of the current eruption that began on December 23, 2024, following the most recent pause that began on Saturday, January 18.

Episode 5 started with small spatter fountains at approximately 2:57 p.m. and lava flows beginning at 2:59 p.m. Current activity includes small dome fountains 16-33 feet (5-10 meters) high feeding a short lava flow from the north vent.

Seismic tremor increased at 3:00 p.m. at the same time that effusion began. The tiltmeter at Uēkahuna continues to record inflation beneath Halemaʻumaʻu at the time of this report but is expected to transition to deflation as the eruption continues.

Each episode of lava fountaining since December 23 has continued for 14 hours to 8 days and episodes have been separated by pauses in eruptive activity lasting a less than 24 hours to 12 days.

Kīlauea Volcano Alert Level/Aviation Color Code remain at WATCH/ORANGE. All current and recent activity is within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. No changes have been detected in the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

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Photo credit: USGS