UPDATE: National Weather Service cancels ashfall advisory for portions of Big Island; Highway 11 reopens

Update at 8 a.m. March 11, 2026: Highway 11 has reopened to traffic after a portion of it closed because of falling tephra during the Kīlauea eruption on Tuesday.

This was episode 43 of ongoing eruptive activity at the volcano summit since December 2024, which is contained within Halema‘uma‘u Crater at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory currently lists Kĩlauea under a watch status.

Update at 7:16 p.m. March 10, 2026: National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu have now canceled the ashfall advisory for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and southeast and southwest portions of the Big Island.

The Honolulu forecast office reports because Episode 43 of lava fountaining at Kīlauea volcano ended the threat for ashfall dissipated.

Update at 6:56 p.m. March 10, 2026: Episode 43 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu Crater episodic eruption at the Kīlauea summit ended abruptly at 6:21 p.m. today (March 10) after 9 hours of continuous lava fountaining.

All eruptive activity was confined to Halemaʻumaʻu within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and will issue additional notices as needed based on activity.

Additional details on this eruptive episode will be provided in the next official report.

Despite the eruption episode ending, an ashfall advisory remains in effect until 11 p.m. today for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the southeast and southwest portions of the Big Island.

National Weather Service forecasters say while the significant eruption at Kilauea summit from earlier has decreased and reports from the communities surrounding the volcano indicate fallout has decreased in size and frequency, minor accumulation of ashfall is still expected through this evening.

The ashfall could lead to possible harm to crops and animals, minor equipment and infrastructure damage and reduced visibility.

Widespread cleanup may be necessary.

People with respiratory illnesses should remain indoors to avoid inhaling the ash particles. All people outside should cover their mouths and noses with a mask or cloth.

Those with photos of ashfall from volcanic eruptions can submit them to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory online.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory also lowered the Volcano Alert Level for Kīlauea back to watch after raising it earlier today to warning.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense reports Hawai’i Department of transportation State Highways has cleared and opened Highway 11 to mile 27 at Volcano Village and will have the remainder of the highway to mile 32 opened shortly.

Because of the tephra fallout and impact to residential property and home water catchment systems, Civil Defense is seeking information about those who might need assistance.

Submit information here.

Civil Defense will be at the Cooper Center from noon to 4 p.m. in Volcano Village on Wednesday (March 11) to answer questions and concerns.

Update at 3:30 p.m. March 10: Motorists are urged to avoid traveling south toward Volcano from Hilo as Highway 11 remains closed due to dangerous conditions.

Cars are being turned around at mile marker 24 outside of Volcano Village, which is causing traffic to build on the two lane highway between Mountain View and Volcano. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remains closed to the public.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has updated Kīlauea volcano’s alert status to warning, which means the a hazardous eruption is ongoing.

Although the amount has diminished, tephra continues to fall in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and in Volcano Village. Pele’s hair and fine ash have also been reported in Hāmākua, Hilo and Puna, according to Civil Defense.

The public is advised to minimize exposure for personal safety by closing windows to homes, buildings and vehicles. The evacuation center at the Robert N. Herkes Gym in Kaʻu remains open.

Original post at 10:50 a.m. March 10: Areas north and east of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, including the town of Volcano, are under an ashfall warning until 5 p.m. due to the latest Kīlauea eruption.

Episode 43 began within the park at 9:17 a.m. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, the public in the surrounding area could see more than a quarter inch of ashfall accumulation as a result of the eruption. Impacted areas are northeast of the park, including Mountain View, Glenwood and extending to the southwest.

An evacuation shelter in Pahala at the Robert N. Herkes Gym, located at 96-1219 Kamani St., is now open as Highway 11 is closed between mile markers 24 and 40 due to dangerous conditions, including tephra falling on the roadway, the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency reports. 

Talmadge Magno, administrator for Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, said the shelter opened to give people traveling through the area a place to wait out the ashfall until the warning is lifted.

Sensitive individuals affected by volcanic gases should shelter indoors or leave the area. 

The ashfall could disrupt utility services, including water, sewer and electric, according the National Weather Service.

Officials advise the public in the affected area to seal windows and doors. Protect electronics and cover air intakes and open water sources. Avoid driving.

Remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. Use extreme caution clearing rooftops of ash.
Listen to further announcements.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the latest road closure.