Kīlauea’s Eruption Resumes After a Brief Pause

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park braces for more visitors.

Jan 15, 2025

Catherine Toth Fox,

20250115 Kilauea Fountain Usgs — Episode 4 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption began on Jan. 15, 2025. Lava fountains resumed erupting from the two vents that have been active in the eruption that began within Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on December 23, 2024. Each episode of the eruption has been separated by pauses in eruptive activity lasting less than 24 hours to 12 days. Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey/M. Patrick.

Kīlauea’s recent eruption, which began on Dec. 23, 2024, has been sporadic to say the least.

This morning—nine days after the eruption paused on Jan. 6—lava starting flowing again in the summit caldera at Kīlauea, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey said this is the fourth eruptive episode of the ongoing summit eruption at Kilauea within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Visitors are continuing to flock to the national park on Hawaiʻi Island, hoping to catch Kīlauea erupting.

This latest eruption started at 5:40 a.m., with low-level lava spattering from the north vent culminated in a small lava flow observed at about 9:15 a.m. at Halema‘uma‘u. About 40 minutes later, low-level lava fountaining started with more rigorous lava flow activity.

It’s quite a sight!

As of about 11 a.m., HVO said about 10% of the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been covered with new lava. Webcam footage shows lava fountains, too, sometimes reaching about 200 feet high.

These are the best places to see the current eruption, according to the National Park Service. Expect crowds, especially around dusk and dawn.

For more information and eruption updates, visit nps.gov/havo.