The eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on Dec. 24. Several vents along the southwest of Halema'uma'u crater floor feed lava flows on the floor of Kaluapele, Kīlauea caldera. USGS photo
THE EIGHTH ERUPTION SINCE 2020 RESUMED EARLY THURSDAY EVENING at Kīlauea and is the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, written by scientists and affiliates of Hawaiian Volcano Obervatory. Kīlauea began erupting again on Dec. 23. It is the sixth within Kaluapele, since 2020. These previous eruptions within Kaluapele lasted from less than one week to more than a year. This history of activity, along with continued summit inflation, suggests that eruptive activity may continue to pause and resume in the coming days or weeks.
The new eruption within Kaluapele (the summit caldera) began at approximately 2:20 a.m. HST on Dec. 23. Lava fountains reached heights of nearly 300 feet (91 meters) and lava flows covered more than 650 acres (2.6 square kilometers) during two distinct eruptive episodes between Dec. 23 and 25. Both episodes ended abruptly and were followed by the draining of molten lava back into eruptive vents, along with changes in summit tilt from deflation to inflation. The eruption resumed during the early evening of Dec. 26.
This diversity of eruptions within a single year is fascinating not only for its historical context but especially for what it can tell us about magma migration and storage within and between different parts of Kīlauea. All Kīlauea eruptions from 2020 to 2023 occurred within Kaluapele. Things changed in 2024 as magma migrated away from the summit.
Intense sequences of earthquakes, surface deformation, and ground cracking occurred in early 2024 as magma migrated toward the Southwest Rift Zone (SWRZ) and approached the surface in the Kaʻū Desert.
Activity culminated with the June 3 eruption located 2.5 miles (4 km) southwest of Kaluapele. This emplacement of fresh magma increased the potential for future activity along the SWRZ.
Earthquakes, deformation and ground cracking intensified throughout the summer as magma approached the surface along the upper and middle East Rift Zone (ERZ), damaging Chain of Craters Road. Activity culminated with the September 10-16 eruption at Napau Crater. This emplacement of fresh magma increased the potential for future activity along the ERZ.
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Earthquakes, deformation and ground cracking intensified throughout the summer as magma approached the surface along the upper and middle East Rift Zone (ERZ), damaging Chain of Craters Road. Activity culminated with the September 10-16 eruption at Napau Crater. This emplacement of fresh magma increased the potential for future activity along the ERZ.
Magma continued to accumulate beneath the summit from September through December. Rates of seismicity and ground deformation increased suddenly around 2:00 a.m. on December 23. The current eruption began 20 minutes later. Even though fresh pathways and magma bodies were emplaced along both rift zones in 2024, magma made its way to the surface at Halema'uma'u for this eruption.
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| Kīlauea Overlook on Christmas Day just after sunset, following a toddler almost falling into the caldera. NPS photo by D. Miller |
Spectacular lava fountains and fast-moving lava flows began to diminish around 3 p.m. on Dec. 23. The eruption paused. Not Spectacular lava fountains and fast-moving lava flows began to diminish around 3:00 p.m. on December 23. The eruption paused. Not only did lava stop erupting, some of it drained back into the vents from which it so recently erupted. "Drainback" events have been observed before and were especially dramatic during the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. Lava becomes denser as it degasses during eruption. Denser, degassed lava can then sink back down into inactive vents like water down a drain.
With the surface activity paused, summit deflation changed to inflation as magma reaccumulated beneath the surface. Small lava fountains and flows resumed on the morning of December 24. Fountains increased in vigor around 11 a.m., signaling the onset of a second episode.
Episode 2 lasted a little over 24 hours, about twice as long as Episode 1. Lava fountains rapidly died down again just before 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 25. And lava began draining back into the vent at nearly the same time summit tiltmeters began recording a change from deflation to inflation. The pattern was similar but even more abrupt than the onset of the pause on Dec. 23.
Summit inflation continued and the eruption resumed around 5:45 p.m. HST on Dec. 26. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and is in contact with Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the Hawai'i County Civil Defense Agency. We at HVO would also like to wish you and your 'ohana a happy and safe holiday season.
Episode 2 lasted a little over 24 hours, about twice as long as Episode 1. Lava fountains rapidly died down again just before 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 25. And lava began draining back into the vent at nearly the same time summit tiltmeters began recording a change from deflation to inflation. The pattern was similar but even more abrupt than the onset of the pause on Dec. 23.
Summit inflation continued and the eruption resumed around 5:45 p.m. HST on Dec. 26. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and is in contact with Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the Hawai'i County Civil Defense Agency. We at HVO would also like to wish you and your 'ohana a happy and safe holiday season.
Volcano Activity Updates
Kīlauea is erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY. A new Kīlauea summit began Dec. 23. Since then, intermittent lava eruption has been occurring from vents in the southwest part of the caldera, feeding lava flows on the floor of the caldera. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during eruptive activity. Earthquake rates in the Southwest Rift Zone and upper to middle East Rift Zone remained comparable to the previous week. Ground deformation rates outside of the summit region remained steady.
Kīlauea is erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY. A new Kīlauea summit began Dec. 23. Since then, intermittent lava eruption has been occurring from vents in the southwest part of the caldera, feeding lava flows on the floor of the caldera. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during eruptive activity. Earthquake rates in the Southwest Rift Zone and upper to middle East Rift Zone remained comparable to the previous week. Ground deformation rates outside of the summit region remained steady.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
Two earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.7 earthquake 2 km (1 mi) SE of Hana at 10 km (6 mi) depth on Dec. 19 at 8:44 p.m. HST and a M3.0 earthquake 3 km (1 mi) SSW of Pāhala at 34 km (21 mi) depth on Dec. 19 at 9:37 a.m. HST.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Please visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
Two earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.7 earthquake 2 km (1 mi) SE of Hana at 10 km (6 mi) depth on Dec. 19 at 8:44 p.m. HST and a M3.0 earthquake 3 km (1 mi) SSW of Pāhala at 34 km (21 mi) depth on Dec. 19 at 9:37 a.m. HST.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Please visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com
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| A thermal image Thursday night of the eruption that resumed in the afternoon. USGS webcam image |
A NEAR TRAGEDY AT THE CROWDED OVERLOOK OF THE CALDERA is reported by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park:
As families watched lava glow within Kaluapele at sunset on Christmas Day, a shocking scene unfolded in a closed area beyond the post-and-cable barrier at Kīlauea Overlook.
A toddler wandered off from his family and in a split second, ran straight toward the 400-foot cliff edge. His mother, screaming, managed to grab him in the nick of time just a foot or so away from a fatal fall. Disaster was averted, and the shaken family departed. A Christmas to remember?
Park rangers remind visitors to stay on trail, stay out of closed areas and to keep their children close, especially when watching Kīlauea from viewpoints along Crater Rim Trail. Those who ignore the warnings, walk past closure signs, lose track of loved ones, and sneak into closed areas to get a closer look do so at great risk.
In addition to steep unstable cliff edges and hazardous terrain (often hidden at night), other dangers escalate during increased visitation associated with eruptions. Drivers are urged to slow down, watch out for pedestrians and nēnē (the Hawaiian goose), and to drive with aloha. Remember to switch to low beams when other cars and pedestrians are present.
A toddler wandered off from his family and in a split second, ran straight toward the 400-foot cliff edge. His mother, screaming, managed to grab him in the nick of time just a foot or so away from a fatal fall. Disaster was averted, and the shaken family departed. A Christmas to remember?
Park rangers remind visitors to stay on trail, stay out of closed areas and to keep their children close, especially when watching Kīlauea from viewpoints along Crater Rim Trail. Those who ignore the warnings, walk past closure signs, lose track of loved ones, and sneak into closed areas to get a closer look do so at great risk.
In addition to steep unstable cliff edges and hazardous terrain (often hidden at night), other dangers escalate during increased visitation associated with eruptions. Drivers are urged to slow down, watch out for pedestrians and nēnē (the Hawaiian goose), and to drive with aloha. Remember to switch to low beams when other cars and pedestrians are present.
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| Fireworks are super popular to bring in the New Year in Kaʻū's villages. Photo by Julia Neal |
FIREWORKS PERMITS ARE AVAILABLE, as of Dec. 26. The County of Hawaiʻi Fire Department made the announcement, noting that each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 firecrackers. Multiple permit purchases are authorized.
Permits shall only be issued to people 18 years old or older and are nontransferable and non-refundable.
Firework sales began Dec. 26 and end at midnight on New Year's Eve. Permits are not required for the purchase of novelties and paperless firecrackers.
Permits are available at the following locations:
J. Hara Store: 17-343 Volcano Highway in Kurtistown
KTA Waimea: 65-1158 Mamalahoa Highway in Kamuela
Pacific Fireworks: 74-5629 Kuakini Highway, Suite 155, in Kailua-Kona
Phantom Fireworks Tent: 74-5511 Luhia St. in Kailua-Kona
TNT Tent: 75-1015 Henry St. in Kailua-Kona
No permits will be sold in the Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court this year.
Setting off fireworks for New Year's celebrations is allowed between 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve and 1 a.m. on New Year's Day. Permits shall be visibly displayed at the site of use during the firing.
The Fire Department would like to remind the public that it is illegal for anyone to:
Remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework.
Throw fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle.
Set off any fireworks:At any time not within the specified periods.
Within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church when services are held.
On any school property without authorization from the said school official.
On any Public way such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or park.
Offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors; or for any minor to possess, purchase, sell, or set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult.
Set off any aerial luminary devices, commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawaiʻi Lanterns, or any other aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, skyrockets, Roman candles, cakes, mortars, or shells.
Additionally, the Fire Department humbly asks everyone to please kōkua in helping the Department prevent fires and avoid the unnecessary injuries caused by fireworks each year.
Residents can help by:
Using extreme care when setting off fireworks. Children playing with fireworks should always be under an adult's close supervision. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause severe injuries. Please help us to help you start the New Year off safely.
Fireworks should be set off in an area well away from dry grass or flammable materials.
Light fireworks one at a time. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Never place any part of your body directly over or under a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Never hold a lighted firework in your hand or aim it at another person.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.
Please be mindful of lighting fireworks during moderate to high winds that could contribute to spreading a brush fire rapidly.
Be sure fireworks are completely extinguished before being disposed of.
Have a fire extinguisher and/or a water hose for use during an unplanned or unexpected fire. Be sure the water hose(s) can reach all areas where fireworks are being conducted, especially around the entire house.
Wetting down any dry grassy area before and after setting off fireworks is also a great idea. Doing it before will also let you know the capability of your water source.
Wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
If injured, get medical attention immediately by calling 911.
For more information on purchasing fireworks permits, the use of fireworks, or the fireworks amnesty program, please call the Fire Prevention Branch at 932-2911 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona).
Permits shall only be issued to people 18 years old or older and are nontransferable and non-refundable.
Firework sales began Dec. 26 and end at midnight on New Year's Eve. Permits are not required for the purchase of novelties and paperless firecrackers.
Permits are available at the following locations:
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TNT Tent: 16-711 Milo St. in Keaʻau
KTA Puainako: 50 E. Puainako St. in Hilo
KTA Puainako: 50 E. Puainako St. in Hilo
Phantom Fireworks Tent: 325 E. Makaʻala St. in Hilo
Phantom Fireworks Tent: 111 E. Puainako St. in Hilo
TNT Tent: 381 E. Makaʻala St. in Hilo
Phantom Fireworks Tent: 111 E. Puainako St. in Hilo
TNT Tent: 381 E. Makaʻala St. in Hilo
Kimura General Store: 27-289 Mill Road in Papaikou
TNT Tent: 45-3327 Kou St. in HonokaʻaKTA Waimea: 65-1158 Mamalahoa Highway in Kamuela
Pacific Fireworks: 74-5629 Kuakini Highway, Suite 155, in Kailua-Kona
Phantom Fireworks Tent: 74-5511 Luhia St. in Kailua-Kona
TNT Tent: 75-1015 Henry St. in Kailua-Kona
No permits will be sold in the Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court this year.
Setting off fireworks for New Year's celebrations is allowed between 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve and 1 a.m. on New Year's Day. Permits shall be visibly displayed at the site of use during the firing.
The Fire Department would like to remind the public that it is illegal for anyone to:
Remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework.
Throw fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle.
Set off any fireworks:At any time not within the specified periods.
Within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church when services are held.
On any school property without authorization from the said school official.
On any Public way such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or park.
Offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors; or for any minor to possess, purchase, sell, or set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult.
Set off any aerial luminary devices, commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawaiʻi Lanterns, or any other aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, skyrockets, Roman candles, cakes, mortars, or shells.
Additionally, the Fire Department humbly asks everyone to please kōkua in helping the Department prevent fires and avoid the unnecessary injuries caused by fireworks each year.
Residents can help by:
Using extreme care when setting off fireworks. Children playing with fireworks should always be under an adult's close supervision. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause severe injuries. Please help us to help you start the New Year off safely.
Fireworks should be set off in an area well away from dry grass or flammable materials.
Light fireworks one at a time. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Never place any part of your body directly over or under a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Never hold a lighted firework in your hand or aim it at another person.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.
Please be mindful of lighting fireworks during moderate to high winds that could contribute to spreading a brush fire rapidly.
Be sure fireworks are completely extinguished before being disposed of.
Have a fire extinguisher and/or a water hose for use during an unplanned or unexpected fire. Be sure the water hose(s) can reach all areas where fireworks are being conducted, especially around the entire house.
Wetting down any dry grassy area before and after setting off fireworks is also a great idea. Doing it before will also let you know the capability of your water source.
Wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
If injured, get medical attention immediately by calling 911.
For more information on purchasing fireworks permits, the use of fireworks, or the fireworks amnesty program, please call the Fire Prevention Branch at 932-2911 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona).
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