At 9:45 a.m. HST October 2, HVO reported no north- or south-vent overflows or spattering in the past 24 hours; sustained Episode 55 fountaining remains unconfirmed. HVO’s October 2 daily update says the last south-vent overflow ended just before 6 a.m. HST October 1 and the north vent’s last overflow was just after 6 a.m. Strong glow and flames continued overnight. The September 30–October 1 summit intrusion did not reactivate in the past day, but summit earthquakes and modest inflation continue. HVO says Episode 55 fountaining or renewed intrusion and a new summit vent remain possible; Kīlauea stays WATCH/ORANGE. Episode 54, which ended August 25, remains historical context. NPS alerts and conditions currently list the Keanakākoʻi side as temporarily closed, including old Crater Rim Drive, nearby overlooks and Crater Rim Trail to Keanakākoʻi crater; Devastation parking remains open. Check park alerts before planning lava viewing.

Earlier precursor activity is context, not a forecast: HVO’s September 16 update documented five additional vents on and near the base of Halemaʻumaʻu’s northwest crater wall. Check the newest HVO notice and current park conditions before making a trip specifically to see lava.

The first five new vents opened September 14–15. HVO now places the first opening at 8:36 p.m. HST September 14, with lava flowing around 9 p.m. These vents are separate from the established vent complex. See HVO’s annotated image of the first five vents for their locations. Check the latest report and live cameras before making a trip specifically to see fountains.

The featured photograph shows an earlier eruption. Use the live cameras above for today’s view.

HVO’s 9:45 a.m. HST October 2 update reports no overflows or spattering in the past day, but continuing summit earthquakes and modest inflation. A helicopter overflight after the intrusion found no new ground cracking or lava eruption in a new location. HVO cannot forecast a reliable Episode 55 window after irregular inflation changes. Activity could resume at the existing vent complex or open another summit crack with little warning; neither has established sustained Episode 55 fountaining. No significant rift-zone anomaly was reported. Kīlauea remains WATCH/ORANGE. Do not treat glow or earlier precursor fountains as a confirmed high-fountaining episode. Check HVO and NPS before a lava-specific visit.

HVO reports short-lived minor dome fountaining, which is not a confirmed Episode 55 high-fountaining onset. NPS says volcanic and weather conditions can prevent eruption viewing.

HVO counted 104 precursor overflows between September 7 and 12. Additional vents opened in mid-September and later ceased. HVO’s activity notice calls the renewed north-vent flows low-level precursors for Episode 55 and says it is unclear whether they will lead to lava fountaining. Short, low fountains during those precursors do not mean Episode 55 has begun. Check for a newer HVO message before traveling.

Check the newest HVO notice before leaving.

For current plume information, check HVO’s newest report and current air-quality guidance.

HVO reported no significant activity along the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. The summit eruption is occurring within a closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, but gases and airborne particles can travel beyond the crater. Check NPS air-quality guidance before and during a visit, and follow park closures and ranger instructions.

Start with the live tracker and cameras. NPS alerts and conditions currently close old Crater Rim Drive, Keanakākoʻi overlooks and Crater Rim Trail to Keanakākoʻi crater for volcanic unrest. Devastation parking remains open. Check current park access before a lava-specific visit.

Do not enter closed park areas or cross a closure for a closer look. NPS says most summit areas and the Kahuku Unit reopened September 27, but follow current area-specific restrictions before planning a park or lava-viewing visit.