Seasonal· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Kilauea Eruption Viewing
19° 24.3′ N · 155° 16.9′ W
Since December 23, 2024 Kilauea has erupted in episodes of lava fountaining inside Halemaumau crater - hours of towering fountains, then pauses of days or weeks - visible from overlooks along Crater Rim Drive.
Practical
Coordinate is Halemaumau crater (Wikipedia). Status per USGS (checked October 19, 2026): episode 55 ended at 9:03 am HST on October 17, 2026 after just under six hours; volcano alert level Yellow/Advisory. Before driving up, check the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory daily update and the park webcams - during a pause there may be only a faint night glow. Best viewing (NPS, updated September 8, 2026): Uekahuna, Kilauea Overlook and the Welcome Center via Crater Rim Drive West (usually more parking); Keanakakoi and Kilauea Iki via Crater Rim Drive East. Glow and fountains are best at night - bring a headlamp. Lots can be full by 10 am. Hazards: volcanic gas (check the park air-quality page), unstable cliff edges, ground cracks and falling tephra - wear long sleeves, eye protection and a dust mask; stay behind ropes. The eruption area itself is closed.
Best for
Lava fountains at night, if an episode is running
Season
Episodic since Dec 2024; check USGS before going
Nearby
- Vog and Volcanic Air QualityRight here
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park2 NM away
- Kilauea Iki Trail2 NM away
- Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube)2.4 NM away
- Chain of Craters Road7 NM away
- Halape and Keauhou Landing (Volcanoes NP coast)8.1 NM away
- Kaimu New Black Sand Beach (Kalapana)18.1 NM away
- Star of the Sea Painted Church18.1 NM away