Is there lava flow in Hawaii now?

So, Is Hawaii Flowing with Lava Right Now? Let’s Get Real.

Okay, let’s talk lava. As of today, August 9, 2025, Hawaii’s Big Island is definitely keeping things interesting with its volcanic activity. Both Kilauea and Mauna Loa are on the radar, but what’s actually going on? Let’s break it down, shall we?

Kilauea: The Drama Queen of Volcanoes

Kilauea, nestled right inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, has been putting on a show since late December 2024. Think of it as a series of volcanic outbursts, like a geyser that can’t quite make up its mind. We’re talking episodic lava fountains erupting inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit. These aren’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill eruptions, though. They happen roughly once a week, with periods of calm in between. It’s like Kilauea takes a deep breath, then BOOM, puts on another performance.

What’s Been Happening Lately?

• Just recently, on August 6th, Episode 30 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption wrapped up after a solid 12 hours of non-stop lava fountaining. Can you imagine watching that?
• During this episode, those fountains were shooting lava up to 165 feet in the air! That’s taller than a ten-story building! And get this: the lava covered about 80% of the crater floor. Talk about a makeover!
• And there’s more! A new fissure vent popped up on the south wall of Halemaʻumaʻu, erupting for a while before calling it quits early on August 6th. It was like a surprise guest star in Kilauea’s show.
• Once Episode 30 ended, the volcano chilled out a bit, with volcanic gas emissions dropping significantly. It was like the volcano was finally taking a breather.
• Even after all that, you could still see glowing spots from the recent lava flows on the night of August 7th. Those embers might stick around for a few more days, a reminder of the recent fireworks.

The Current Vibe:

• As of yesterday, August 8th, no more glowing from the vents inside Halemaʻumaʻu. The party seems to be over… for now.
• But here’s the thing: the ground is still rumbling a bit, suggesting there’s magma hanging out just below the surface, maybe with a little blockage. It’s like the volcano is just waiting for its next cue.
• For now, Kilauea is still under a WATCH alert, and the Aviation Color Code is ORANGE. Basically, things are still a bit dicey.
• The scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) are keeping a close eye on Kilauea. They’re guessing Episode 31 might kick off sometime late next week or the week after. Stay tuned!

Heads Up: Safety First!

• Right now, the eruption is staying put inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
• But, you still need to watch out for volcanic gas and potential windblown volcanic glass (Pele’s hair) and tephra. It’s like nature’s glitter, but you definitely don’t want it in your eyes.
• The area around Kilauea caldera is still a no-go zone due to unstable crater walls, cracks in the ground, and falling rocks. It’s been closed to the public since 2007, and for good reason!

Mauna Loa: Taking a Nap (For Now)

Mauna Loa, the world’s biggest active volcano, is currently snoozing. It last erupted in 2022, which, in volcano years, wasn’t that long ago.

What’s the Story?

• Mauna Loa is currently at a NORMAL alert level, and the Aviation Color Code is GREEN. All clear… for now.
• Earthquake activity has picked up a bit compared to last month, about 34% more, but the volcano is still pretty quiet.
• They’ve detected around 70 small earthquakes (below M3.0) under the summit. It’s like the volcano is stretching and getting ready for something, but nothing major yet.
• GPS data shows the ground is slightly swelling beneath the summit as the magma chamber refills. Think of it like a balloon slowly inflating.
• Gas and temperature readings from the Southwest Rift Zone are normal, with no big changes.

Keeping Watch:

• The HVO is keeping a close eye on Mauna Loa and will let us know if anything changes.

Visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Tips and Tricks

Planning a trip to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park? Here’s the inside scoop:

• Volcanic activity can change in a heartbeat, so check the webcams and USGS updates before you go. Seriously, do it.
• Play it safe and follow the rules. No selfies with flowing lava, okay?
• Keep an eye out for volcanic gas, unstable ground, and falling rocks. Mother Nature can be unpredictable.
• Got questions? The park rangers are there to help! Give them a call at 808-985-6011.

Even if you don’t see lava flowing right this second, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an incredible place to experience the raw power of an active volcano. It’s a reminder that the Earth is alive and kicking, and it’s a sight you won’t soon forget.