Crowds flock to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to see Kīlauea eruption

Crowds are flocking to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with the return of lava to the summit of Kīlauea volcano.

Early this morning, the crater rim was packed with people to watch the fountains, according to a press release from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The parking lots were full and the roads were busy.

According to U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the eruption began around 2:20 a.m. The primary eruption hazards are high levels of toxic volcanic gas and fine volcanic particles.

Early this morning, Hawaiian Airlines delayed seven interisland departures and canceled two flights while they waited for weather reports from Kilauea’s eruption.

“We were cleared to resume operations at 6:40 a.m. and accommodated guests impacted by the cancellations on later flights,” a spokesman from the airline stated this afternoon. 

There is a temporary flight restriction over Kīlauea of 5,000 feet above ground level that extends two nautical miles from Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Kīlauea summit last erupted in September 2023.

According to park officials, strong winds are blowing the massive plume of volcanic gas away from viewing areas toward the southwest over an area that has been closed to the public since 2008.

USGS stated the plume reached about 6,000 feet above ground level at times. By 5:30 a.m., a lake of lava covered about 500 acres of the caldera floor and lava fountains in the southwest corner reached about 250 feet.

For those planning a visit, park rangers urge everyone to plan ahead take the following precautions:

Expect crowds. Parking will be limited or full at popular areas. Arrive after 9 p.m. and well before sunrise for a better experience. The park is open 24 hours a day, and it is extremely dark after nightfall. Bring a headlamp when visiting during darkness.

Check the air qu­­­­ality before you arrive and during your visit. People with respiratory or heart issues and pregnant women are especially sensitive to volcanic gas.

Stay on trail, stay out of closed areas and away from cliff edges and other hazardous terrain. Keep children near you at all times. Stay hydrated.
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Watch out for nēnē. It is breeding season for the rare Hawaiian goose. Nēnē are often encountered in parking lots and seen near roadways. Drive cautiously, never feed them and keep a distance of at least 60 feet (four car lengths).

Drive safely. The holidays are the busiest season for park visitation, especially during an eruption. Drive the speed limit, heed park rangers and traffic control workers, and stay attentive.

Check the park website before you arrive. The eruption and other conditions could change at anytime resulting in closures and limited access, or the eruption could end abruptly.