Hawaiian Volcano Observatory raise alert level for Kīlauea from advisory to watch

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on April 21 at 6:15 p.m. with new information.

Several overflows of lava from the north vent mark precursory, low-level activity for episode 45 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at the summit of Kīlauea.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has raised the alert level for Kīlauea from advisory to watch, and the Aviation Color Code from yellow to orange. For all Aviation Color Code definitions, visit the U.S. Geological Survey website.

Low-level precursory activity began around 7:46 p.m. Monday and can continue for hours to days before Kīlauea summit lava fountaining begins. The forecast for lava fountaining episode 45 to start is between Tuesday, April 21, and Sunday, April 26.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said it is detecting shallow earthquakes beneath the south rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, as well as localized ground deformation in the south caldera region of Kīlauea summit.

This activity highlights the dynamic and hazardous nature of the closed area in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where changes can occur quickly and can result in rapidly escalating hazards.  

• Heed National Park Service guidance and do not enter the closed area, where potentially life-threatening hazards can occur. Be aware that significant hazards exist around Kīlauea caldera from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes.  
• If you are near the rim of Kīlauea caldera and feel the ground shaking, immediately move away from the edge.  

A map showing the earthquake locations and ground deformation patterns is available here.

Another Volcano Activity Notice will be published when lava fountaining begins. All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Tephra fall from volcanic ash clouds is greatest within three miles of the vents. Lighter ash and Pele’s Hair may stay suspended for large distances from the vents. Most lava fountaining episodes since Dec. 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less.

For more information, visit the links below:

• Report tephra fall
• Three Kīlauea summit livestream videos
• Plume height for aviation
• Short updates from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
• Timeline of eruptive episodes

More Kīlauea updates can be found on the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website. To hear the activity summary by phone, call 808-967-8862.