Next Kilauea eruption could begin over Memorial weekend, USGS says
One of the world’s most active volcanoes may begin erupting again over the holiday weekend, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
There are signs of imminent activity at Kilauea on Hawaii’s Big Island. Hawaii Volcano Observatory. It has been noted that summit inflation (or the physical swelling or rising of the ground surface of the volcano’s summit) is continuing.
M. Patrick/USGS – PHOTO: Lava fountain from the northern vent at Halemaʻumaʻu on Kīlauea summit, viewed from the southern edge at approximately 3:00 PM HST on May 5, 2026.
Model forecasts indicate that the 48th episode of the current eruption series will begin between Sunday and Tuesday, according to the USGS.
The USGS issued a code yellow indicating that the volcano was showing signs of increasing unrest above known background activity.
MORE: Eruption at Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano sent lava shooting 300 feet into the air
On Thursday, glows were visible from both blast vents in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Additionally, although the eruption has paused, low-level seismic tremors continue.
“The inflationary slope and rapid return of the glow from both eruption vents at Halemaʻumaʻu indicate that another lava eruption event is likely,” the USGS said.
L. Gallant/USGS – PHOTO: Close-up view of lava at the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the southwest side of Kaluapele, Kīlauea’s summit caldera, during episode 47 on May 14, 2026.
Dozens of eruptions have occurred since the current series began in December 2024. Geologists have observed that high fountains (some up to 450 meters) are formed in some parts.
Episode 47 started on May 14 and ended abruptly nine hours later. The eruption caused lava to erupt from the northern vent, and tephra (or hot glassy volcanic fragments) fell into Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
MORE: Towering lava fountains on Kilauea destroy USGS tracking camera
The eruption also caused fine ash and Pele’s hair (the term for ribbons of volcanic glass produced by lava eruption activity) to fall outside the park.
Other concerns from eruptions include high levels of volcanic gas due to the potential for far-reaching impacts downwind. Materials such as pumice, slag and reticulite may also fall to the ground within one to three miles of blast vents, the USGS said.
L. Gallant/USGS – PHOTO: During episode 47 on May 14, 2026, the height of the lava fountain erupted by the northern vent reached approximately 200 m.
Various volcanic fragments are known to have fallen on Highway 11 west of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
There is instability, ground cracking, and rockfall around the Kilauea caldera, which is why this area of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has been closed since 2007.
