The eruption is currently confined to the crater area and does not pose an immediate threat to public safety.
The US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has reported that Kīlauea Volcano on Hawaiʻi Island is currently experiencing a new eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater that started at approximately 4:44 a.m. HST on June 7, 2023.
The summit eruption of Kīlauea that began within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at 4:44 a.m. HST today, June 7, 2023, continues at this time. All activity is confined to Kīlauea summit region, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. There are no indications of activity migrating out of the summit region.
Multiple minor fountains are active on Halema‘uma‘u crater floor; one fissure remains active on the southwest wall of the caldera. Fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset and, as of approximately 3 p.m., were about 4-9 meters (13-30 feet) high. Initial lava flows inundated the crater floor (an area of approximately 1.5 square km or 370 acres) and added about 10 meters (32 feet) depth of new lava. A ring of elevated 1-2 meter-high (3-6 feet-high) lava surrounds the perimeter of the crater floor (like a bathtub ring), encircling continued lava flow activity across the crater floor.
Summit tilt switched from inflation to deflation around 5 a.m. HST, shortly after the eruption onset. Summit earthquake activity greatly diminished following the eruption onset and was replaced by continuous eruptive tremor (a signal associated with fluid movement). Volcanic gas emissions in the eruption area are elevated; a sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of approximately 65,000 tonnes per day was measured between approximately 8 and 9 a.m. this morning, June 7, 2023. Residents of Pāhala, 20 miles (30 km) downwind of Kīlaueaʻs summit) reported a very light dusting of gritty fine ash and Peleʻs hair this morning.
Kīlauea’s volcano alert level and aviation color code will remain at WARNING/RED as hazards associated with the eruption onset are evaluated overnight.
According to Hawaii Tourism Authority, the eruption is currently confined to the crater area and does not pose an immediate threat to public safety. There is no need for travelers to modify or adjust their leisure or business plans to Hawaiʻi at this time.
Out of respect for the cultural and spiritual significance of a volcanic eruption and the crater area for many kamaʻāina, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority urges mindfulness when planning a visit to the volcano.
If you plan to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, stay on marked trails and drive safely. Expect delays and limited parking due to high visitation and consider viewing the eruption from less crowded areas.
