Kilauea spews 100-foot lava fountains to mark 56th episode

Episode 56 of lava fountaining in the ongoing Halemaumau eruption started at 12:10 p.m. today, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

The lava fountains are relatively low at about 100 feet, but will likely increase, according to HVO.

Winds are blowing from the northeast, suggesting that volcanic material and gas emissions may be distributed to the southwest from Halemaumau. Small glassy volcanic fragments such as tephra are greatest within 3 miles of the vents, while lighter ash and Pele’s hair may remain at farther distances from the vents.

Most lava fountaining has continued for a day or less since Dec. 23, 2024. As with the previous episodes, all lava activity is contained to the summit crater within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

The alert level is at watch and the aviation color code is orange.