Adapting to an evolving eruption: revising Kīlauea's Alert Level and Aviation Color Code Notifications — USGS HVO Volcano Watch

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. This photo north vent lava fountain during Kīlauea summit eruption episode 42 was captured from the northwest rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater on February 15, 2026. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists estimated that the north vent fountain reached about 300 meters (about 1,000 feet) in height at the time. Also visible here is substantial secondary tephra fragmentation (brown cloud) around the cone on the western rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater, along with more distal fallout downwind to the southwest (far right, black cloud). USGS photo by C. Cauley.

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists completed a helicopter overflight of the Kīlauea summit on March 31, 2026, during which they captured this overview photo of the eruptive vents in western Halema‘uma‘u crater during a pause between lava fountaining episodes. Both the north and south vents were vigorously degassing at the time, and a low pass over the two revealed a weakly spattering lava pond about 30 meters (100 feet) down in the south vent. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.