Be patient and show aloha if plans include trip to see latest episode of Kīlauea lava fountaining

The public is urged to be patient and aware of the situation if plans include a trip to see the latest episode of spectacular lava fountaining within the summit of the Big Island’s Kīlauea volcano.

Geysers of molten rock continued to skyrocket above the north vent in Halema’uma’u Crater as of about 3:15 p.m. Sunday (June 30). Episode 27 of the ongoing summit eruption that began Dec. 23, 2024, started just after 9 a.m. this morning.

Height and vigor of lava fountains began to increase dramatically after, from about 500 feet to what looks like easily more than 1,000 feet now by taking a quick look at one of the three U.S. Geological Survey livestream webcams available on YouTube.

Needless to say, the eruption’s availability — being right there at the volcanoes summit — and during the day is leading to an influx of visitors to the national park.

“When erupting, Halema’uma’u Crater is truly a site to see,” said Hawai’i County Civil Defense in an 11:29 a.m. message Sunday.

But if your travels take you to the volcano today to see the pumping geysers of molten rock in person, remember:

• Be aware of traffic congestion in and around Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Reports on social media said to expect delays just getting into the park and traveling through the Volcano area.
• Drive with caution as pedestrians and parked vehicles might be near or on the roadway.
• Be patient, as your kōkua will allow everyone to enjoy this event.
• Be aware of tephra on Highway 11 south and east of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
• Avoid areas downwind if you have a sensitive respiratory system. Winds are variable, so remain alert.

“Expect the park to be extremely busy,” the national park said in a Facebook post Sunday morning. “You are likely to encounter stop-and-go traffic through the construction detour near the entrance.”

Here are tips park rangers wanted members of the public to know if they plan to to visit:

• Speed limit is 5 mph through the construction detours.
• Park in designated areas only. Do not block emergency access or traffic lanes.
• Stay away from cliff edges and to keep your keiki nearby.
• Pedestrians: Pay attention to traffic and use sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Stay out of closed areas. There are great views of Kaluapele, Kīlauea’s summit caldera, that are open all along Crater Rim Trail and old Crater Rim Drive.
• Be prepared. Bring water. Because of ongoing construction, bottle filling stations are temporarily unavailable.

The park reiterated in its post to be patient and bring your aloha.

Check the park website for alerts, viewing areas and U.S. Geological Survey webcams.

You can also find additional information about this episode at the U.S. Geological Survey website Kīlauea page and on the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map.

If you can make it, don’t wait. The view is still spectacular now nearly 6 hours after vigorous lava fountains began.

Don’t take our word for it.

There are plenty of others across social media saying the same.

“That north vent is FIRING!” wrote Kelli Veras when sharing a Facebook reel Sunday. “If can. Get here now!”

Replies to her post included: “Gosh that’s massive,” “Wow! And it goes again!” and “This one is setting a new record for height I bet.”

The fountaining lava was roaring so much that Ralph LeVitt commented on Big Island Now’s post announcing the beginning of Episode 27: “We’re hearing it 6 miles down the hill in Fern Forest.”

The national park might have summed it up the best — in all caps.

“WOW!! WHAT A SHOW THIS MORNING!!” a park Facebook post shouted at about 10:12 a.m., accompanying a video of the lava geyser.

News reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.