Expect temporary area closures if volcanic unrest continues in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island is not erupting, but a sudden spike in earthquakes began over the weekend southeast of the summit in the vicinity of Chain of Craters Road between Puhimau and Luamanu craters.

Over the past day, the seismic activity has moved closer to the summit between Keanakākoʻi and Koʻokoʻolau craters in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. According to USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, 350 earthquakes were detected over the last 24 hours, with the largest a magnitude-3.4 event at a depth of 1.2 miles at 5:39 a.m.

There are no park closures related to the seismic swarm at this time. Temporary area closures could occur if seismicity increases. If an eruption occurs, visitors should expect the eruption site to close immediately while the park assesses if safe access is possible.

According to HVO, there are no signs of an imminent eruption, but any substantial increase in seismicity and/or deformation could result in a new eruptive episode. Magma has been repressurizing the storage system beneath Halemaʻumaʻu following the short-lived June 3, 2024 eruption near the upper Southwest Rift Zone.

Visitors should plan ahead and check the park website for updates.