Episode 52 of ongoing episodic Kīlauea summit eruption starts with 100-foot lava fountains
The latest episode of molten rock geysers within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater of the Big Island volcano began shortly after 7 p.m. July 28 following precursory activity that started the night before.
6 hours ago
Episode 52 lava fountaining of the ongoing episodic summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano began at 7:10 p.m. July 28 within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported in a 7:31 p.m. update that fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater began with 100 foot geysers of molten rock following precursory spattering that began the night of July 27 from the active north and south crater vents.
Initial precursory lava overflows began at 10:22 a.m. Tuesday from the north vent. After 6 precursory flows lasting 10 to 30 minutes, continuous overflows began just before 2 p.m. from the north vent and continued until they transitioned into the start of Episode 52 fountains.
Ground-level sensors near the eruptive vents indicate winds are light from the north to northeast. Wind forecast models show similar winds continue up to about 20,000 feet above mean sea level.
Wind directions indicate much, if not all, tephra fall and volcanic gas emissions will occur within the national park, mainly south of the Halemaʻumaʻu vents.
All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined to Halemaʻumaʻu Crater within the park, with tephra fall greatest within 3 miles of the active vents; however, lighter ash and Pele’s hair could stay suspended for large distances from the vents.
Hawai’i County Civil Defense added that while wind directions show most tephra fall should remain within the national park, residents downwind, closest to the summit lava fountaining, and as far away as Pāhala could experience tephra fall.
Officials remind residents in those areas to limit their exposure by staying indoors and closing windows, as needed. Anyone on water catchment in the same locations should disconnect their tank to avoid contamination.
Report tephra fall online.
Three are 3 Kīlauea summit livestream cams you can check out on YouTube to watch the eruptive lava fountains if you are unable to visit the park itself during the episode.
Additional short updates will be posted on the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website as the episode progresses.
Most fountaining episodes since the episodic eruption began Dec. 23, 2024, continued for a day or less.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and will issue additional notices as needed based on activity.
Visit the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website for additional visitor information.
