Kīlauea eruption episode 45 peaks early with 300 m (1 000 feet) lava fountains and ash advisory for Kaʻū, Hawaiʻi
Lava fountains rising to 300 m (1 000 feet) and an ash plume reaching 5 000 m (16 500 feet) marked the onset of episode 45 at Kīlauea on April 23, 2026, triggering an ashfall advisory for Kaʻū. Activity remained confined within Halemaʻumaʻu as fountain heights stabilized after an early peak.
Eruptive episode 45 at Kilauea on April 23, 2026. Credit: USGS/HVO
Lava fountaining during episode 45 at Kīlauea intensified rapidly after onset at 02:11 HST (12:11 UTC) on April 23, with fountain heights increasing from 150 m (500 feet) at 02:18 HST to 300 m (1 000 feet) by 02:45 HST, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). The eruptive plume rose to approximately 5 000 m (16 500 feet) above ground level by 02:44 HST.
The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory for downwind communities in the Kaʻū district as the plume expanded. Winds transported volcanic emissions southward at low altitudes and southwestward at higher elevations, producing a split dispersal pattern.
HVO measurements show that fountain heights declined to approximately 200 m (700 feet) by 03:46 HST, while effusion rates have likely peaked during the initial phase of the eruption. Activity remained concentrated at the north vent, with minimal output from the south vent.
Field observations confirmed no significant tephra accumulation at visitor areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or on county roads as of 03:47 HST. Fine ash and Pele’s hair remained suspended within the plume.
Volcanic gas emissions continued throughout the episode, including sulfur dioxide, which forms vog downwind.
The volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code at Orange. Lava flows and eruptive vents remained confined within Halemaʻumaʻu crater inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Precursory activity began on April 20, when the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory raised the Alert Level from Advisory to Watch in response to low-level activity within Halemaʻumaʻu. Short-lived lava flows and intermittent fountains preceded the sustained fountaining phase observed on April 23.
Most eruptive episodes at Kīlauea since December 23 have continued for a day or less.
References:
1 Volcanic Activity Notice for Kilauea – USGS/HVO – April 23, 2026
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