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By Star-Advertiser staff
June 27, 2026 • Last updated 5:51 p.m.
COURTESY USGS
Episode 50 of lava fountaining in Kilauea volcano’s Halemaumau crater began this morning.
UPDATE: 5:50 p.m.
Episode 50 lava fountaining in Kilauea’s Halemaumau crater “ended abruptly ” at 5:10 p.m. today after seven hours, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said.
“Tephra that was carried high into the air during fountaining may continue to fall on communities and roads in Kau today after lava fountaining has ended,” officials said.
2:55 p.m.
Lava fountaining from Kilauea volcano’s episode 50 reached about 1,000 feet in height earlier today before decreasing to about 700 feet this afternoon, scientists with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.
The north vent fountaining peaked between 11 a.m. and noon, about an hour or so into the latest eruptive event.
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“North vent fountains are feeding large lava flows that are covering the floor of Halema’uma’u crater; about 30% of the crater floor has been covered by episode 50 lava flows so far,” HVO officials said in a mid-afternoon update.
The National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu issued an updated special weather statement late this morning, warning of light ashfall from the latest eruption activity. “Low-level tradewinds will push ash toward the southwest, and any ash fallout will likely occur over the Kau District and Highway 11 southwest of the town of Volcano. This includes the communities of Pahala and Naalehu.”
“Avoid excessive exposure to ash which is an eye and respiratory irritant. Those with respiratory sensitivities should take extra precaution to minimize exposure,” NWS said.
HVO said its ground crews reported light fall of Pele’s hair in Pahala just after 1 p.m.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
For the 50th time since Kilauea volcano’s ongoing eruption began on Dec. 23, 2024, lava fountaining returned to Halemaumau crater this morning.
Scientists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said episode 50 began at about 10:10 a.m. with fountains quickly growing to about 100 feet in height. They were expected to grow to over 600 feet within about two hours, they said.
“Surface winds are blowing from the northeast direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the southwest direction from Halemaumau,” according to an HVO alert. However, at higher elevations, winds from the west “could push parts of the plume to the east over surrounding communities.”
The current volcano alert level is at “watch” and the aviation color code is orange, HVO said.
The National Weather Service earlier this morning issued a special weather statement in anticipation of episode 50, warning that “varying levels of ash, Pele’s hair, and other lightweight tephra may fall downwind of the eruption. Smaller particles can travel farther from the eruption site and may affect communities at greater distances.”
“If you live downwind of the Kilauea summit, or plan to visit the summit area, stay informed about current volcanic activity and weather conditions,” NWS forecasters said in the statement. “Be prepared to take precautions if needed, such as disconnecting water catchment systems. Follow all guidance from the National Park Service and the County of Hawaii. Be aware that road or park closures may occur.”
The 50 lava fountaining episodes of the on-again, off-again eruption have all been safely confined to the summit crater, drawing thousands of visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
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