Lava now cascading into Nāpau Crater on northwest rim during Kīlauea eruption

The eruption of Kīlauea near Nāpau Crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park continues, with lava currently cascading into Nāpau Crater on the northwest rim, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Webcam and GOES satellite thermal imagery show that eruptive activity within Nāpau Crater, which had been waning throughout the day, has likely ceased while eruptive activity on the west edge of Nāpau Crater appears to have restarted at approximately 3:15 p.m. 

The flow is visible in the S2cam.

There is no immediate threat to life or infrastructure, the observatory said in its latest status report.

The Volcano Alert Level/Aviation Color Code remains at WATCH/ORANGE. All current and recent activity is within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. No changes have been detected in the lower East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. 

Current eruptive activity began with a small eruption that occurred on Sept. 15, on a remote section of the middle East Rift Zone in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, just west of Nāpau Crater as described here.

The observatory is continuing to closely monitor the middle East Rift Zone and is in contact with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency.

Temporary closures have been implemented as a result of this elevated activity. They include Maunaulu Trail and parking area, Nāpau Trail and Nāulu Trail. Escape road is open from Highway 11 to the Maunaulu access road closure.

Chain of Craters Road in the park is now open as eruption hazards ease in Kīlauea volcano’s middle East Rift Zone.

Hilina Pali Road and Kulanaokuaiki Campground are now open to traffic, according to National Park Service officials. With the exception of Nāpau, backcountry sites have reopened as well.

Please see the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website for visitor information.