Hawaiian Volcano Update: Episode 9 on Kīlauea Summit - February 13, 2025

The ongoing eruption of Kīlauea is paused. The ninth episode of this Kīlauea eruption began early on February 11 and paused at 8:43 AM HST on February 12, after 22.5 hours. This episode featured 400-500 ft lava fountains inside the caldera that challenged the height of the crater’s rim, with resulting lava flows covering 50-60% of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor.

Each eruptive episode has been marked by high SO2 emission rates, estimated at roughly 10,000 tonnes per day during active phases, fueling frequent voggy conditions around the island. Additionally, Pele’s Hair, strands of volcanic glass formed by the lava fountains, have been reported throughout the summit area in the national park and surrounding communities.  

The eruption’s pause was accompanied by a shift from deflationary tilt to inflationary, indicating a likely recharge of the volcano is underway. A faint glow is visible at night from the eruptive vents inside Halemaʻumaʻu, indicating that magma is still very close to the surface, similar to the end of previous episodes.

Everything suggests another episode could start sometime between February 15 and February 18.

Maunaloa remains quiet, continuing its pattern of slow inflation while recovering from the 2022 eruption. USGS currently lists Maunaloa as GREEN/ NORMAL, indicating that activity is within background levels. 

As a special this week, join us for the online premier of the After Dark In The Park program, "The Ongoing Volcanic Crisis on Reykjanes Peninsula, Southwest Iceland." Iceland has seen several eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021 that have made international news. These eruptions share much in common with Hawaiian volcanoes, including their impact on inhabited areas. 

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