Kilauea Lava Update: Current Volcanic Activity and Its Implications
March 11, 2026: Eruptive episode 43 ended at 6:21 p.m. HST yesterday, after nine hours of continuous lava fountaining. See the recap below for more information about this latest episode. The next episode of lava fountaining is predicted to begin anytime from late March until early April.
If venturing into the park today, please respect park closures and heed all safety warnings. Heavy tephra fallout occurred in the park and surrounding communities during this episode. While the fallout has ceased, cleanup is still underway. Highway 11 has reopened, as has Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but the park’s cleanup crews are still removing tephra from the roadways and trails.
Kilauea Lava Update: Recap of the Latest Episode (#43)
The most recent episode of lava fountaining (Episode 43) began at 9:17 a.m. HST on March 10th, and lasted until 6:21 p.m. HST. Both north and south vents’ fountaining peaked around 11:00 a.m. HST, reaching maximum fountain heights estimated to be at least 1300 feet.
The lava fountains produced significant heat and ash, creating a plume that reached a maximum plume height that exceeded 30,000 feet 11:30 a.m. HST. Light southwest winds pushed the plume and tephra fall to the north and east. The plume sent tephra falling within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park along the north rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) and into adjacent communities.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Highway 11 were temporaily closed for safety reasons, but have since reopened. A large piece of tephra also disabled one of the USGS’s three cameras that monitor the Kilauea summit.
The heaviest tephra fall was recorded at Uēkahuna overlook, with about 4-7 inches of accumulated tephra. Kīlauea Military Camp, where the current temporary NPS Visitor Center is housed, received about 2 inches of accumulation, with some pieces reaching 4-5 inches in size. The Volcano Golf Course community, outside the park boundary, was hardest hit, though as it was blanketed with large pieces of tephra and ash. Ash and Pele’s hair, traveled even further, reaching Mountain View, Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, and all the way up the Hamakua Coast.
Kilauea Lava Update: Planning Your Visit
Most lava fountains from this eruption have lasted only a day or less; those wanting to witness this spectacular natural event should pay close attention to the Kilauea lava update, as lava fountaining usually doesn’t last long. With good timing and a flexible schedule, you may be able to witness an eruptive episode in person!
The current eruption in Halema‘uma‘u Crater within Kaluapele (Kilauea’s summit caldera) began on December 23, 2024. Since then, 43 episodes of activity and lava fountaining have been separated by short periods without activity. Each episode has its own characteristics, making it a unique event in the ongoing story of Kilauea.
Each episode of Halemaʻumaʻu lava fountaining since December 23, 2024, has lasted from 8 hours to 8 days; however, most have only lasted 1 day or less. The variability in eruption duration and intensity keeps both scientists and spectators on their toes. Lava flow episodes have been separated by pauses in eruptions lasting less than 24 hours to 21 days, creating an unpredictable but fascinating pattern.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) predicts windows when the next eruptive episode is most likely to occur, and those windows narrow as the episode approaches. Usually, periods of sporadic lava spattering and small overflows precede lava fountaining episodes. Conditions may change quickly, though. Check the latest Kilauea lava update often, as the situation can evolve rapidly.
Kilauea Lava Update: Potential Hazards
All eruptive activity has occurred within the national park’s boundaries, and lava flow has been contained within the caldera, and lava has not threatened nearby communities. However, lava is not the only hazard to consider during an eruption.
Currently, the presence of tephra on the roadways and trails is the biggest concern. Drive with caution and consult with the National Park Service’s website before traveling into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tephra remains present in many areas of the summit and can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. The park cautions visitors not to touch it.
Volcanic emissions also remain elevated and pose a risk to children or anyone who is pregnant or may have respiratory issues. Even when the eruption is paused, off-gassing continues, and emissions remain high. Please check the NPS’s air quality alert system before visiting the park.
Pele’s hair (strands of windblown volcanic glass) has been spotted in the park and nearby communities. The amount of Pele’s hair that could be present depends on lava fountaining activity and wind conditions. Exposure to Pele’s hair and other volcanic fragments can cause skin and eye irritation. Safety measures are paramount, particularly for those engaging in outdoor activities near the park.
Whether Kilauea is actively erupting or not, always exercise precaution. Please check the Kilauea lava updates and read up on volcano safety before visiting. It’s vital to stay informed about the changing conditions and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure a safe experience while exploring this incredible natural environment.
Kilauea: The Big Island’s Main Attraction
The Kilauea volcano, one of the most active in the world, continues to fascinate scientists and tourists alike. Its eruptions not only shape the landscape but also have significant effects on the environment and local communities.
Understanding the ongoing volcanic activity and regularly checking the Kilauea lava update is crucial for both safety and appreciation of this natural wonder.
Visitors are often amazed by the vibrant colors of the lava, which can range from deep red to bright orange. The heat radiating from the flowing lava can be felt even from a distance, adding to the sensory experience of witnessing an eruption.
Scientists use advanced technology to monitor these eruptions, providing real-time data that can help predict future activity. This monitoring is not only crucial for safety but also enhances our understanding of volcanic processes. Our Kilauea lava updates are based on information provided by the United States Geological Survey. If you want to keep an eye on the volcano in real-time, in addition to checking regular Kilauea lava updates, here’s the link to the USGS webcam.
Kīlauea webcam images: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/webcams
While Kilauea is the main tourist attraction, that should never overshadow how much it shapes life on Hawaii Island.
Kilauea’s eruptions not only attract tourists but also have significant implications for the ecosystem. The volcanic ash enriches the soil, leading to new growth in the surrounding flora. Local wildlife often adapts to these changes, and some species, such as certain birds, are known to thrive in volcanic regions.
Locals are also accustomed to volcanic activity and regularly check the Kilauea lava update as frequently as they might check the weather. Volcanic debris and gases released pose hazards to air quality and safety, making frequent monitoring essential. Road closures due to volcanic activity are not uncommon. Lava flows from past eruptions have destroyed entire communities, so it is important to pay attention to the latest alerts and heed warnings.
Additionally, respecting the land and its cultural significance is essential for all visitors. Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, is integral to Hawaiian culture. Many believe that the eruptions are her expressions of creativity and power, making it a spiritual experience for those who witness it. Locals often leave offerings to Pele in the summit area and come to the park for prayer or meditation. Kilauea is sacred to many, and it’s best to keep that in mind when you visit.
Learning about these cultural beliefs can deepen your appreciation for the natural phenomena. Participating in guided tours or educational programs with a park-certified guide can provide insight into the volcanic processes and the rich history of the Hawaiian Islands.
For those interested in exploring the volcanoes with an expert, there are a variety of options available. These include helicopter tours, guided hikes, and sightseeing tours you can book in advance, as well as a few interpretive NPS ranger-led programs held in the park. These experiences allow visitors to safely observe the volcano’s activity while learning about its geological and cultural significance.
Hawaii Volcano Expeditions will continue to update this Kilauea Lava Update page until the current eruption ends.