Lava fountaining has begun at Kīlauea, marking its 46th eruptive episode

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 11:02 a.m. on May 5.

Episode 46 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea at 08:17 a.m. within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park after nearly 18 hours of precursory activity.

Lava fountains are currently erupting from the north vent, reaching 650 feet. Models from the U.S. Geological Survey show that this eruptive episode has reached its peak effusion rate and is unlikely to generate taller lava fountains from this point onward.

There are currently no flows or fountains from the south vent at this time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The National Weather Service and Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center report that the plume from this eruption is reaching 20,000 feet above sea level. 

The National Weather Service has issued an ashfall advisory in effect until 8 p.m.

Ground-level sensors near the eruptive vents indicate that winds are blowing from the southeast direction.

Volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material were distributed to the northwest direction from Halemaʻumaʻu in the first hours of this episode, with fist-sized and sparse smaller clasts reported at Uēkahuna overlook in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and between mile markers 31 and 32 on Highway 11.

Fallout in these areas has since decreased, but higher-level winds are southwesterly, which suggests that the plume and tephra may be transported to the northeast with time as the eruption continues and the plume develops.

Communities impacted by the plume and tephra fallout include Volcano and Mountain View.

While the eruptive episodes typically last less than 12 hours, volcanic debris such as ash, tephra and Pele’s hair can remain in the air longer depending on wind and weather conditions.

Kīlauea has been erupting on and off since Dec. 23, 2024. All episodes have been contained to the caldera.