URGENT – Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island has escalated its activity. The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) raised the alert level to WATCH and the aviation color code to ORANGE on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. This follows precursory low-level eruptive activity that began around 10:22 a.m. HST. The eruption is centered within Halemaʻumaʻu crater. This marks a significant increase in monitoring status for the volcano.
Kilauea Eruption Intensifies
The latest Volcanic Activity Notice from the HVO details the ongoing events at Kilauea. Episode 52 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began on July 28, 2026, around 7:10 p.m. HST. Lava fountaining is occurring, with fountains reaching heights of approximately 500 feet (150 meters). The effusion rate is also peaking, estimated at 350 cubic yards per second. This intense activity has generated a volcanic plume that reached an altitude of 19,000 feet above sea level, according to National Weather Service radar. The plume is currently around 16,000 feet AMSL and rising vertically.
Previous reports indicated a pause in eruptive activity between July 16 and July 27, 2026, with the alert level remaining at “Advisory.” However, the situation changed rapidly on July 28th with the onset of this new eruptive episode.
Official Statements and Warnings
The HVO stated that the current alert level is WATCH, with an ORANGE aviation color code. This indicates that a hazardous eruption is underway. The observatory is issuing warnings due to the potential for volcanic gas emissions, tephra fall, and other hazards. Volcanic gas, primarily water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, is continuously released. This gas can create “vog” (volcanic air pollution) downwind, which may cause respiratory issues. Visitors are strongly advised to stay out of closed areas.
“Precursory low-level eruptive activity before episode 52 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began around 10:22 a.m. HST on July 28,” the HVO reported. They further noted that “low-level winds are out of the north to northeast at the summit today, with the possibility of tephra and ash being carried in the direction of Pāhala and Nāʻālehu.” Higher level winds are variable, with potential for tephra dispersal into Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Context and Location
Kīlauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, located on the Island of Hawaii. The current eruption is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This area has been closed to the public since late 2007 due to extreme hazards. The volcano has a long history of eruptions, with “41-and-counting episodes” documented recently. Volcanic gas hazards, unstable cliff edges, earth cracks, and falling rock material are constant dangers.
The current eruptive activity, Episode 52, began on July 28, 2026. This marks a continuation of the ongoing volcanic unrest at Kilauea’s summit. The nature of Kilauea’s eruptions means that lava flows and vents are typically contained within the crater.
Current Situation and Immediate Dangers
As of the latest reports on July 29, 2026, the eruption continues. Lava fountaining is active, and the volcanic plume remains significant. While no tephra is currently falling on overlooks closest to the vents, light ash and Pele’s hair fall is possible later in the eruption. The HVO emphasizes that tephra fall is greatest within 3 miles of the vents, with lighter particles potentially traveling farther. High levels of sulfur dioxide are being released, contributing to vog.
Other hazards include instability of the crater wall, ground cracking, and rockfalls, which can be enhanced by earthquakes. The area around Halemaʻumaʻu crater is extremely hazardous, with the crater rim prone to cracking and landslides.
Reactions and Monitoring
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is actively monitoring the situation. They are providing regular updates through Volcanic Activity Notices. The alert system uses a color code (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) and alert levels (Normal, Advisory, Watch, Warning) to communicate the volcano’s status. Currently, the WATCH level and ORANGE code signify an ongoing hazardous eruption.
While no official government statements beyond the HVO notices have been released yet, the situation is developing. Social media is abuzz with live streams and local reports from the Big Island. Experts note that Kilauea’s frequent eruptions make it a prime location for volcanological research, including new early warning systems like the “Jerk” signal detector being tested globally.
What’s Next
The HVO forecasts that Episode 52 of lava fountaining could continue for a day or less, based on recent eruption patterns. However, the duration of volcanic events can vary significantly. Further updates will be provided by the HVO as the situation evolves. Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed through official channels and to heed all warnings and closures. The long-term implications of Kilauea’s persistent activity include ongoing geological changes to the landscape and continued risk assessment for the surrounding communities.
For those wanting to report tephra fall, a form is available at hawaiiash.science/report_form. Livestream videos of the eruptive activity are also available through the USGS HVO.
