Kilauea Volcano

Updated: Sep 9, 2025 05:09 GMT - refresh

Shield volcano

Hawai'i, 19.41°N / -155.29°W

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Summit height: 1277 m (4,190 ft)

Current status: erupting (4 out of 5)

Last update: 6 Sep 2025 (Smithsonian Daily Volcanic Activity Report)

Activity Updates

Haleamaumau crater in the center of the Kilauea caldera - the heart of Kilauea volcano

Kilauea is the youngest and most active Hawaiian shield volcano, located on the southern part of the Island of Hawai'i, known as Big Island. Hawai'i is the southernmost and largest of the island chain, which owes its existence to the very active Hawaiian hot spot.
Kilauea volcano is near-constantly erupting from vents either on its summit (caldera) or on the rift zones. At present, Kilauea volcano is still having one of the most long-lived eruptions known on earth, which started in 1983 on the eastern rift zone and has mainly been concentrated at the Pu'u 'O'o vent.

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Typical eruption style: Dominantly effusive since 1790, but ~60% explosive over past ~2500 years.
Kilauea volcano eruptions: Near-continuous eruptions. Since 1960: 1961 (4x), 1962, 1963 (2x), 1965 (2x), 1967-68, 1968 (2x), 1969, 1969-74, 1971 (2x), 1973 (2x), 1974 (3x), 1975, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982 (2x), 1983-2018 (incl. 1986, 1992, 1997, 2007, 2011 (3x)), 2018 (lower east rift zone in Leilani subdivision), 2020 (Dec) - 2022 (Nov), 2023 (Jan) - ongoing

Latest nearby earthquakes

Date and Time	Mag / Depth	Distance / Location
Sep 9, 12:33 am (Universal Time)	1.9 27 km	25 km (16 mi) to the S	13 km E of Pāhala, Hawaii	Info
Monday, September 8, 2025 GMT (2 quakes)
Sep 8, 10:08 pm (Universal Time)	0.7 1 km	1.7 km (1.1 mi) to the SW	8 km SW of Volcano, Hawaii	Info
Sep 8, 03:38 am (Universal Time)	0.9 2.7 km	5.6 km (3.5 mi) to the NE	1 km W of Volcano, Hawaii	Info
Sunday, September 7, 2025 GMT (4 quakes)
Sep 7, 05:23 am (GMT -10)	1.6 2.2 km	4.4 km (2.7 mi) to the SE	5 km SSW of Volcano, Hawaii	Info
Sep 7, 05:23 am (GMT -10)	0.9 1.4 km	2.9 km (1.8 mi) to the E	4 km SW of Volcano, Hawaii	Info
Sep 6, 11:15 pm (GMT -10)	1.6 22 km	9.9 km (6.1 mi) to the N	8 km NW of Volcano, Hawaii	Info
Sep 6, 10:08 pm (GMT -10)	1.5 3.2 km	4.2 km (2.6 mi) to the NE	3 km W of Volcano, Hawaii	Info
Thursday, September 4, 2025 GMT (1 quake)
Sep 4, 09:11 pm (Universal Time)	2.2 5.3 km	2.3 km (1.4 mi) to the E	5 km SW of Volcano, Hawaii	Info
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 GMT (1 quake)
Sep 3, 07:31 pm (Universal Time)	2.0 4.4 km	23 km (14 mi) to the NW	27 km WNW of Volcano, Hawaii	Info

View recent quakes

Background

Kilauea volcano, a youthful shield volcano, sitting on the south east flank of the massive Mauna Loa shield volcano, is the youngest volcano (on land) of the Hawaiian hot spot and not only the most active volcano of Hawaii but at the same time also the world's active volcano. It has been in near-constant activity since there is oral or written history and it is having an uninterrupted eruption since 1983 (at present at the Pu'u 'O'o vent on the East rift zone).

Its eruptions are prominent in Hawaiian Polynesian legends and written documentation about its activity go back to only 1820s when it started to attract interested visitor from all over the world and bacame one of volcanology's hot spots.

Kilauea has a large summit caldera with a central crater, Halemaumau, which is according to Hawaiian legends the home of the fire goddess Pele. Until 1924, it contained a lava lake. Kilauea has frequent summit and flank lava flow eruptions that are occurring along two elongated rift zones to the south-west and to the east, which extend to the sea on both sides of the volcano. The 3 x 5 km caldera was formed in several stages about 1500 years ago. About 90% of the surface of the basaltic shield volcano is formed of lava flows less than about 1100 years old; 70% of the volcano's surface is younger than 600 years. The long-term eruption from the East rift zone that began in 1983 has produced lava flows covering more than 100 sq km, destroying nearly 200 houses and adding new coastline to the island.

Kilauea Volcano Photos

Lava lake inside Kilauea volcano's West Gap crater. The whole crust covering the lake has just been overturned, exposing the red hot glowing interior. hawaii_e7837 (Photo...

The first lava flows from Kilauea volcano (Hawai'?) to arrive in the coastal plain since March 2011 (5 Dec 2011) (Photo: Philip Ong)

Several effusive vents arranged in a row on top of a dyke, feeding lava flows into Puka Nui collapse pit at Pu'u 'O'o crater, Kilauea volcano. hawaii_e7579.jpg (Photo: To...

Fluid pahoehoe lava from Kilauea volcano, Hawai'i (Photo: LaurentLupini)

More photos

Significant volcanic eruptions: Kilauea volcano

In the past 10,000 years, Kilauea has had at least 100 confirmed volcanic eruptions, out of which 70 are documented by historical records, while the others can be inferred from geological evidence.
There is one uncertain or discredited eruption in 1928 from Kilauea volcano.

The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Kilauea volcano since around 1900. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Kilauea can be found on the news page of Kilauea volcano.

Date	Note	VEI	Deaths	Damage
2024 Dec 23 - ongoing	Halema'uma'u Crater Historical obs./docs.	?			Info
Many short-lived lava fountain episodes from Halema'uma'u crater, producing lava flows that cover the crater floor with flash floods of new lava. As of 7 May 2025, 20 lava-fountaining episodes so far.
2024 Sep 15 - Sep 20	Napau Crater Historical obs./docs.	?
2024 Jun 3	Southwest Rift Zone Historical obs./docs.	?
2021 Sep 29 - 2023 Sep 16	Halema`uma`u Crater. Historical obs./docs.	0
2020 Dec 20 - 2021 May 23	Historical obs./docs.	0
1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5	East rift zone (Puu O'o), Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	3			Info
The Pu'u' 'O'o eruption from 1983-2018 with a duration of 35 years was one of the longest historic volcanic eruptions ever observed.
2018 Jul 16 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Historical obs./docs.	0		light	Info
2018 Jul 16: At least 23 people were injured Monday morning after a lava explosion sent rocks and other debris flying into the air onto a tour boat in waters off the coast of Kapoho, according to Hawaii County officials. A 'basketball-sized' lava bomb punctured the roof of the tour boat, which was carrying about 49 passengers while observing Kilauea's Kapoho ocean entry point, leaving a large hole and seriously injuring at least one woman... The lava explosion stems from ongoing eruptions from Kilauea that began May 3. Since then, more than 700 homes have been claimed and many communities rendered unrecognizable. And just a few days ago, lava from one of the most active fissures began forming a tiny island of lava off of Kapoho. (reference #12181) Cited references #12181 Hawaii News Now (2018): Dozens injured in lava explosion that hurled molten rock onto tour boat. Published 16 July 2018. Updated 17 July 2018. Link #12421 Neal, C. A., S. R. Brantley, L. Antolik, J. L. Babb, M. Burgess, K. Calles, M. Cappos et al. (2019): The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kīlauea Volcano. Science, 363(6425), 367-374. DOI:10.1126/science.aav7046 Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2018 Apr 28 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Tsunami recorded Historical obs./docs.	1		very heavy	Info
2018 Apr 28: New eruptions in Kilauea's east rift zone early Friday sent lava soaring more than 100 feet into the air, and Big Island fire officials say two structures have already been damaged from lava creeping through the Puna's Leilani Estates subdivision. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory also said that active volcanic vents were erupting on Makamae and Mohala streets. Civil Defense said all Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivision residents are required to evacuate immediately. Hawaii County fire officials are also warning of extremely high levels of dangerous sulfur dioxide gas in the evacuation areas and are reiterating this message: Get out of the community if you haven't already and stay out until the threat has passed. At least a dozen small earthquakes rattled the region since midnight. (ref #11917) On Friday, four people were airlifted to safety and at least four homes were destroyed in lower Puna as activity from fissure 20 increased. That activity continued Saturday as new fissures and older ones continued their explosive lava flows, spitting out towering lava fountains that lit up the night sky and set off thunderous gas explosions that could be heard for miles around. On Friday evening, civil defense officials said a fast-moving lava flow had crossed Pohoiki Road and was threatening an isolated area with at least 40 homes. Since the eruptions started more than two weeks ago, some 22 fissures have opened in lower Puna, claiming at least 44 structures in the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions. Mandatory evacuations remain in place for the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions, home to about 2,000 people, but not everyone has heeded them and authorities haven't forced people to leave. (ref #12123) The most recent and 15th fissure opened up Wednesday afternoon, generating a flow that traveled at least 66 feet. Hours later, 10 homes on Alaili Road just outside of the subdivision were evacuated because of worsening cracks on the highway. Some 36 structures have been destroyed, including 27 homes. Lava has covered more than 117 acres of land. At least nine roads are now impassable. As many as 50 utility poles have been damaged by the lava, and hundreds have been without power since the eruptions started. (ref #12135) A stream of lava blocked a Hawaii highway on Sunday that serves as an escape route for coastal residents, while the first known serious injury was reported from fresh explosive eruptions from the Kilauea volcano. A homeowner on Noni Farms Road who was on a third-floor balcony had his leg shattered from his shin to his foot when hit by lava spatter, said Janet Snyder, a spokesperson for the Office of the Mayor, County of Hawaii. (ref #12147) Civil defense officials have previously said about 2,000 residents in and around Leilani Estates were displaced at the outset of the current eruption, which began on May 3. But the total number of evacuees was estimated to have risen to about 2,500 after authorities ushered residents from the nearby Kapoho area as a precaution on Wednesday, as a lava flow threatened to cut off a key access road. At least 75 homes most of them in Leilani Estates have been devoured by streams of red-hot molten rock creeping from about two dozen large volcanic vents, or fissures, that have opened in the ground since Kilauea rumbled back to life four weeks ago. Lava flows also have knocked out power and telephone lines in the region, disrupting communications. (ref #12151) The eruption that began May 3 has opened 24 fissures and covered more than 6,000 acres of land in Lower Puna with lava, destroying more than 700 homes in the Leilani Estates and Kapoho areas, and burying or isolating more than 1,600 acres of farms. (ref#12160) 716 dwellings destroyed by lava (ref#12457) USD 500 million in total damages (ref #1250) USD 370 million overall losses (ref #12634) Cited references #11917 Hawaii News Now (2018): New Kilauea eruption triggers structure fires as hundreds evacuate area. Published 01 May 2018. Updated 04 May 2018 at 11:47am. #12123 Hawaii News Now (2018): Lava's ocean entry creates new hazards, putting Puna residents at risk. Published 14 May 2018. Updated 21 May 2018. Link #12135 Hawaii News Now (2018): Dozens of quakes overnight signal more lava outbreaks are 'likely'. Published 1 May 2018. Updated 11 May 2018. Link #12147 Reuters (2018): Hawaii reports first serious injury from volcano. Published 19 May 2018. Link #12151 Reuters (2018): Mandatory evacuation ordered as Hawaii eruption hits four-week mark. Published 31 May 2018. Updated 8:03pm. Link #12160 Honolulu Star-Advertiser (2018): Hawaii County request for $670 million detailed. Published 14 August 2018. #12258 Hawaii Tribune-Herald (2018): Ag survey reports nearly $28M in damages caused by eruption. Published 21 October 2018. #12421 Neal, C. A., S. R. Brantley, L. Antolik, J. L. Babb, M. Burgess, K. Calles, M. Cappos et al. (2019): The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kīlauea Volcano. Science, 363(6425), 367-374. DOI:10.1126/science.aav7046 #12457 U.S. Geological Survey (2019): Overview of Kilauea Volcanos 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption and summit collapse. Published June 2019, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. #12634 Munich Re Group (2020): NatCatSERVICE Relevant geophysical events worldwide 2018. Accessed 05 February 2020. Munich Re Group Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2018 Feb 1 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Historical obs./docs.	1	1		Info
2018 Feb 1: Four hikers, a hiking guide leading three others, were hiking near the lava flow when it started raining which created a noxious steam cloud surrounding the group affecting their breathing and vision. The group called for help. The tour guide was overcome by the noxious steam cloud while the three visitors escaped to safe location. Chopper One flew in and found the three people safely away from the fumes then located the unresponsive tour guide in another location. The tour guide was airlifted to a medic unit and he was determined to be dead. Choppers One and Two were able to airlift the three other people who sustained minor injuries and they did not need further medical attention. (reference #12008) Cited references #12008 Hawaii 24/7 (2018): Noxious fumes surround hikers, tour guide dead as three escape. Published 01 February 2018. https://www.hawaii247.com/2018/02/01/noxious-fumes-surround-hikers-tour-guide-dead-as-three-escape/ #12421 Neal, C. A., S. R. Brantley, L. Antolik, J. L. Babb, M. Burgess, K. Calles, M. Cappos et al. (2019): The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kīlauea Volcano. Science, 363(6425), 367-374. DOI:10.1126/science.aav7046 Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2014 Nov 10 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Historical obs./docs.	0		heavy	Info
2014 Nov 10: In video provided by the County of Hawaii, lava flow from the Kilauea volcano burns a residential structure Monday, Nov. 10, 2014, in Pahoa, Hawaii. "The lava spread out and ignited the house before noon local time," said USGS spokeswoman Janet Baab in the CNN report. "There are no other homes in imminent danger. We are watching the flow closely and continue to monitor it." Kilauea has been on the active volcano list since 1983. (reference #11150) The slow-moving lava flow from Kilauea volcano is costing Hawaii County taxpayers about $14.5 million. (reference #11149) 22 October-28 October 2014. During 22-28 October HVO reported that Kilaueas 27 June NE-trending lava flow continued to be active. On 22 October a narrow lava flow (less than 50 m wide) that had overtaken the flow front during the previous few days moved into a small gully; the advancement rate was variable and sometimes as high as 300 m/day... At approximately 0350 on 25 October lava crossed Apaa Street and continued to advance towards Pahoa town. Throughout the morning the flow moved down the Pahoa cemetery driveway and then turned SE into adjoining pasture. At 0900 on 26 October the flow was an estimated 140 m wide. The next day it had narrowed to 100 m wide and was about 570 m from Pahoa Village Road. At about 0200 on 28 October the flow had reached the first occupied residential property. The leading edge of the flow was less than 50 m wide but increased to 150 m upslope. At 1730 the lava flow was 310 m in a straight-line distance from Pahoa Village Road and about 900 meters in a straight-line distance from Highway 130... According to news articles, Pahoa town, residence to 800-900 people, consists of small shops and homes. A school and a few roads were closed. Crews were building temporary access roads and trying to build berms to divert lava away from the highly traveled Highway 130. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #11149 Associated Press (2014): Hawaii volcano costing local taxpayers $14.5M. Published: Nov 24, 2014 8:25 AM MST, Updated: Nov 24, 2014 8:25 AM MST. #11150 The Washington Times, Cheryl K. Chumley (2014): Hawaii Home swallowed up by Kilauea volcano lava. Published Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2012 Mar 2 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Historical obs./docs.	0		light	Info
2012 Mar 2: Weekly Report 29 February-6 March 2012: According to a news article, the last house in the Royal Gardens subdivision was destroyed by a lava flow on 2 March. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2012 Feb 10 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Historical obs./docs.	0		moderate	Info
2012 Feb 10: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has renewed a disaster declaration for Hawai'i Island due to volcanic emissions from Kilauea Volcano. The declaration is in response to a request from Governor Neil Abercrombie on December 27, 2011, citing continued agricultural production losses caused by vog. The federal declaration allows Hawai'i County agricultural producers the opportunity to apply for emergency loans due to damage caused by volcanic emissions. This type of disaster assistance has been provided for Hawai'i Island agricultural producers since 2008. "Many farmers and ranchers on Hawai'i Island continue to have a difficult time with the cumulative effects of vog on their crops and livestock operations," said Governor Abercrombie. "The federal disaster designation renews our access to emergency federal loans and other assistance programs in this ongoing situation." Agricultural damages reported in Hawai'i County include: damage to vegetable crops (especially leafy greens), some orchard crops, flowers and foliage (including those under greenhouses). Ranchers have experienced adverse impacts on range grasses and premature corrosion of fencing, gates and other metal infrastructure. (reference #9759) Cited references #9759 Abercrombie, Neil, Governor of Hawaii (2012): Federal Disaster Declaration is Renewed for Vog Damage to Hawai'i Island Agriculture. February 10, 2012. Retrieved from link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2009 Nov 30 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Historical obs./docs.	0		moderate	Info
2009 Nov 30: Gases in the volcanic fog, or vog, from Kilauea volcano are killing crops and costing Big Island farmers millions of dollars, but help is on the way. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared Hawaii County a natural disaster area. The designation means farmers there can apply for low interest loans from the federal government. It is estimated that 2,000 to 2,500 metric tons of sulfur dioxide billows from Kilauea's Halemaumau Crater on any given day. The vog leaves leafy greens less than leafy. (reference #9758) Cited references #9758 HawaiiNewsNow, Brooks Baehr (2009): Hawaii volcano emissions prompt federal disaster declaration. Dec 01, 2009. Retrieved from link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2000 Nov 3 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Historical obs./docs.	0	2		Info
2000 Nov 3: Two hikers died above lava bench after possibly inhaling hot gases or being scalded by hot water. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1998 Apr 28 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Historical obs./docs.	0	1
1994 Jul 8 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Tsunami recorded Historical obs./docs.	3			Info
1994 Jul 8: Reference #13827: 07/08/94, Trigger: bench collapse (4000 m^2), Explosion type: tephra jets, Landforms/Deposits: Unconsolidated, semi-circular littoral cones; field of spatter and tsunami-deposited blocks Note: not directly observed and evidence for them was discovered after-the-fact. Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #13827 Mattox, T. N., and Mangan, M. T. (1997): Littoral hydrovolcanic explosions: A case-study of lava-seawater interaction at Kilauea volcano. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 75, 1–17. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1993 Apr 19 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Historical obs./docs.	0	1		Info
1993 Apr 19: Man watching lava enter sea was swept away when new lava bench collapsed, sliding into the ocean near Kalapana. At the same time, steam explosions threw incandescent blocks on the lava delta, injuring 22 other spectators. (reference #9675) Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1982 Sep 25 - Sep 26	Kilauea Caldera (SSE of Halemaumau) Historical obs./docs.	0
1982 Apr 30 - May 1	Kilauea Caldera (NE of Halemaumau) Historical obs./docs.	0
1980 Mar 11	East rift zone (near Mauna Ulu) Historical obs./docs.	0
1979 Nov 16 - Nov 17	East rift zone (Pauahi Crater) Historical obs./docs.	0
1977 Sep 13 - Oct 1	East rift zone (near Kalalua Crater) Historical obs./docs.	0
1975 Nov 29	Kilauea Caldera, Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	0
1975 Nov 29	Tsunami recorded Historical obs./docs.	0	2	moderate	Info
M 7.2 earthquake created tsunami 2 hours before beginning of eruption. Extensive damage, subsidence and 2 deaths in Halape Park area when sea inundated acres of land. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1974 Dec 31	Southwest Rift Zone (1,095 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1974 Sep 19	Kilauea Caldera (Halemaumau and to SW) Historical obs./docs.	0
1969 Feb 22 - 1974 Sep 19	East rift zone (885-945 m), Alae Crater Historical obs./docs.	0
1974 Jul 19 - Jul 22	Kilauea Caldera, Keanakakoi Historical obs./docs.	0
1969 May 24 - 1974 Jul 22	East rift zone (Mauna Ulu, 960 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1973 Nov 10 - Dec 9	East rift zone, Pauahi Historical obs./docs.	0
1973 May 5	East rift zone, Pauahi, Hiiaka Historical obs./docs.	0
1971 Sep 24 - Sep 29	Halemaumau and upper SW rift zone Historical obs./docs.	0
1971 Aug 14	Kilauea Caldera Historical obs./docs.	0
1968 Oct 7 - Oct 22	East rift zone (730-915 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1967 Nov 5 - 1968 Oct 22	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	0
1968 Aug 22 - Aug 26	East rift zone (580-885 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1965 Dec 24 - Dec 25	East rift zone (915-960 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1965 Mar 5 - Mar 15	East rift zone (700-915 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1963 Oct 5 - Oct 6	East rift zone (700-840 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1963 Aug 21 - Oct 6	East rift zone (825-960 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1962 Dec 7 - Dec 9	East rift zone (945-990 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1961 Sep 22 - Sep 24	East rift zone (395-790 m) Historical obs./docs.	1
1961 Jul 10 - Sep 24	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	1
1961 Mar 3 - Mar 25	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	1
1961 Feb 24 - Mar 25	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	1
1959 Nov 14 - 1960 Feb 19	Kilauea Iki Historical obs./docs.	2
1959 Nov 14 - Dec 19	Kilauea Iki Historical obs./docs.	2
1955 Feb 28 - May 26	Lower east rift zone (50-400 m) Historical obs./docs.	?
1954 May 31 - Jun 3	Halemaumau and Kilauea caldera Historical obs./docs.	?
1952 Jun 27 - Nov 10	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1934 Sep 6 - Oct 8	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1931 Dec 23 - 1932 Jan 5	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1930 Nov 19 - Dec 7	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1929 Jul 25 - Jul 28	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1929 Feb 20 - Feb 21	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1928 Jan 11	Discredited Eruption
1927 Jul 7 - Jul 20	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1924 Jul 19 - Jul 29	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	0
1924 May 10 - Jul 29	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	2
1924 May 10 (eruption 1924 May 10 - Jul 29)	Historical obs./docs.	2	1		Info
1924 May 10: 1924, May 18. Photographer hit by falling stones dies that night from internal hemorrhage. (reference #2432) Acharya lists a tsunami associated with this eruption on May 30, 1924. Soloviev and Go (1975, A catalogue of tsunamis on the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean) state that "A number of investigators (Iida et al., 1967; Pararas-Carayannis, 1969) correctly express doubt about the existence of a link between the tsunami and the volcanic eruption. Shepard (Shepard et al., 1950) considers the tsunami to be a flood of meteorological origin.] Cox and Morgan (1977, Local tsunamis and possible local tsunamis in Hawaii) also state "The evidence suggests, therefore, that the phenomena reported were not manifestations of a tsunami. The newspaper accounts are consistent with the alternative hypothesis that the phenomena represented an unusual swell from a major storm in the southern hemisphere." Cited references #80 Cox, Doak C., and Joseph Morgan (1977): Local tsunamis and possible local tsunamis in Hawaii. HIG-77-14, Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 118 p. #95 Acharya, Hemendra (1989): Estimation of tsunami hazard from volcanic activity--suggested methodology with Augustine Volcano, Alaska as an example. Natural Hazards, vol. 1, no. 4, p. 341-348. DOI:10.1007/BF00134832 #236 Lander, James F., and Patricia A. Lockridge (1989): United States Tsunamis (Including United States Possessions) 1690-1988, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Geophysical Data Center, Boulder, Colorado, USA, Publication 41-2, 265 p. #415 Soloviev, S.L., and Ch.N. Go (1975): A catalogue of tsunamis on the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean [dates include 1513-1968]. Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Nauka Publishing House, Moscow, 204 p. [Canadian Translation of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences no. 5078, 1984, translation available from Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information, National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A OS2, 293 p.] #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1906 Dec 2 - 1924 Feb	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1923 Aug 25	East rift zone (915 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1922 May 28 - May 30	East rift zone, Makaopuhi, Napau Historical obs./docs.	0
1921 Mar 18 - Mar 25	Kilauea Caldera Historical obs./docs.	0
1919 Dec 21 - 1920 Jul 30	SW rift zone (Mauna Iki, 915 m) Historical obs./docs.	0
1919 Feb 7 - Nov 28	Kilauea Caldera Historical obs./docs.	0
1918 Feb 23 - Mar 9	Kilauea Caldera Historical obs./docs.	0
1905 Feb 22 - 1906 Apr	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1903 Nov 25 - 1904 Jan 10	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1902 Jun 3 - 1903 Mar 5 ±5 d.	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?
1902 Feb 14 or before - Feb	Halemaumau Historical obs./docs.	?

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Kilauea Volcano FAQ

+When was the last eruption of Kilauea volcano?

The last confirmed eruption of Kilauea began in 2024 and is continuing (as of September 2025).

+How often does Kilauea volcano erupt?

Kilauea volcano erupts almost every year. Since its first historically documented eruption 1750, Kilauea has often been near-continuously active. The Global Volcanism Project counts 70 historic eruptions until now, spanning a total of 170 out of 275 years. In other words, Kilauea is active roughly every one in 1.6 years on average. This value is likely an underestimate, because the known history of eruption might not contain all eruptions, especially further back in time. The last eruption of Kilauea began in 2024 and is continuing (as of September 2025).

+How active is Kilauea volcano at present?

Kilauea volcano is extremely active: Since 1900, it has been near-continuously active, showing eruptive activity during 93 years out of 126 as of now. The latest eruption is still continuing at present.

+When was the largest eruption of Kilauea volcano?

The largest eruption of Kilauea volcano in historic times occurred in 1790. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.

Latest satellite images

See also: Sentinel hub | Landsat 8 | NASA FIRMS

Latest satellite images

Kilauea Volcano Maps

Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).