The Current Lava Attraction at Kīlauea Crater

Few places on Earth remind us of our planet’s raw, living power like Kīlauea, the restless shield volcano at the heart of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned lava chaser or a first‑time visitor, the current activity inside Halemaʻumaʻu Crater has transformed the summit into one of the most mesmerizing natural spectacles on the planet.

What’s Happening at Kīlauea Right Now?

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption is currently paused, but the crater still glows with persistent heat and intermittent vent activity—especially from the south vent, which continues to emit a steady orange glow visible on overnight webcams. Summit inflation is underway, and forecasting models suggest that another lava‑fountaining episode could occur soon.

Meanwhile, independent monitoring platforms report active lava fountaining during recent episodes, with fountains reaching up to 200 feet high, new lava lake formation, and increased seismic activity leading up to eruptive bursts. These episodic eruptions have become a defining feature of Kīlauea’s current behavior: short, powerful, and unforgettable.

✔️What Visitors Can Expect

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park emphasizes that volcanic activity is episodic, with eruptions separated by pauses lasting days or more. That means your experience may vary depending on when you visit—but even during pauses, the crater often glows at night, and the landscape itself is a breathtaking reminder of recent activity.

Here’s what you might see:

• Crater glow after sunset, especially from the south vent

• Steam and gas plumes rising from the crater floor

• Fresh lava flows from recent episodes, still radiating heat

• Dynamic changes in the crater’s shape and lava lake surface

The park recommends checking USGS webcams and daily updates before your visit, as conditions can change quickly.

Best Viewing Tips

If you’re planning a trip, here’s how to make the most of it:

🌅 Go at Twilight

The transition from daylight to darkness reveals the crater’s glow in dramatic fashion.

📍 Choose Your Viewpoint Wisely

Popular spots include:

• Kīlauea Overlook

• Waldron Ledge

• Keanakākoʻi Overlook

These areas offer safe, ranger‑approved vantage points.

🥾 Be Prepared

Volcanic landscapes can be unpredictable. Bring:

• Warm layers (summit nights get chilly)

• A headlamp or flashlight

• Water and sturdy shoes

• A camera with good low‑light capability

⚠️ Respect Safety Guidelines

The National Park Service stresses that visitors must stay on marked trails and obey all closures. Volcanic gases, unstable ground, and sudden activity changes can pose real hazards.

💚A Living, Breathing Earth

Watching Kīlauea’s lava glow is more than sightseeing—it’s witnessing geology in real time. Every fountain, every flow, every plume of volcanic gas is part of a story that has shaped Hawaiʻi for millions of years and continues to sculpt the island today.

Whether the crater is erupting or resting between episodes, Kīlauea offers a rare window into the Earth’s fiery heart. If you’re lucky enough to visit during an active phase, the experience is nothing short of unforgettable.