Hawaiian Volcano Update: Kīlauea Summit Eruption’s Episode 42 - February 19, 2026

After a 21-day pause, Kīlauea’s summit eruption resumed with the onset of episode 41 on Sunday, February 15 at 1:50 PM, which produced dual high lava fountains from the north and south vents lasting just under 10 hours. Rainy tradewind weather made visual observations more challenging, with an estimated maximum fountain height of 1300 feet or 400 meters, but the favorable winds also limited the impact of tephra and vog to more distant communities southwest of the volcano such as Pahala, Punaluʻu, and Nāʻālehu. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory estimates 15 million cubic yards or 11.6 million cubic meters of lava were erupted, the 3rd largest output of any episode thus far, which covered up to 70% of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor as lava flows continued to advance over the subsequent day. Jetting events near the end of the episode were noted for the second event in a row.

Monitoring instruments show the resumption of magma recharge over the first 2 days following episode 42, suggesting another episode is possible and may occur in as little as 2 weeks. However, small-scale deflation over the past day, earlier than in previous recharge cycles, has extended the forecast window as far as 4 weeks away, pending additional data. Glow remains evident in both vents since the end of episode 42, while the incandescence of still-moving lava flows on the crater floor has greatly diminished after 3 days.

Since the end of episode 42, both vents continue their typical degassing of 1,000 to 5,000 tonnes of SO2 per day, which while low-level for the current activity, is still much greater than industrial standards and impactful to downwind residents. For the expected episode 43, vog and tephra remain the most common hazards for island residents, and the usual precautions and preparations apply, especially for those with respiratory sensitivities – more information at https://vog.ivhhn.org/. 

Maunaloa continues its long-term post-eruption filling pattern, with the caldera slowly stretching and rising. As usual, we summarize the monitoring signals, imagery, and reports available courtesy of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, annotating the presentation on screen as we go and discussing live viewer questions.