Kilauea Volcano Unleashes Episode 41 Eruption with Towering Lava Fountains and Widespread Tephra Fall

Kilauea Eruption Ignites Halemaʻumaʻu Crater

Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island commenced its 41st eruptive episode within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The eruption, which began around 11:10 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST), was characterized by high lava fountains and widespread tephra fall, leading to immediate advisories and closures across the region.

Intense Fountaining and Ashfall Reported

The initial phase of Episode 41 saw dramatic activity from both the north and south vents within the crater. By 12:10 p.m. HST, lava fountains from both vents had soared to heights exceeding 500 meters (1640 feet). Peak fountain heights were estimated between 460 to 480 meters (1500-1575 feet) just after 12:30 p.m. HST. As the afternoon progressed, fountain heights gradually decreased, measuring slightly less than 200 meters (650 feet) by 4:15 p.m. HST.

The eruption generated widespread tephra fall, impacting areas within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and nearby communities. Reports indicated tephra fall in Volcano Village, Mauna Loa Estates, Ohia Estates, Mountain View, and Fern Acres. Some volcanic clasts, described as being up to 'grapefruit size,' were reported to be still hot upon falling in public viewing areas such as Uēkahuna, Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents), Volcano House, and Keanakākoʻi. Finer ash was also reported as far as Hilo and coastal communities in Puna.

Public Safety Measures and Ongoing Monitoring

In response to the significant ashfall, the National Weather Service in Honolulu issued an ashfall warning for much of the island, effective until 6 a.m. Sunday, January 25. The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency advised residents to take precautions. Due to the hazardous conditions, Highway 11 was closed in both directions near the 24.5-mile marker and the 32-mile marker, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was also closed to visitors.

The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) maintained the volcano alert level at WATCH and the aviation color code at ORANGE. This eruptive episode followed several days of precursory activity, including weak spattering and overflows from the north and south vents that began on January 21-22, intensifying in the hours leading up to the main fountaining event on January 24. Kilauea has been experiencing episodic eruptions from its summit vents since December 23, 2024, with each episode typically lasting less than 12 hours. HVO continues to closely monitor the volcano's activity.