The eruption of Kīlauea Volcano on the Big Island started on Jan. 5, 2023, and continues at the summit caldera. Activity is mainly concentrated in two lava lakes in the crater, an eastern lake that is approximately 25 acres in size, and a smaller western lake.

The primary hazard of concern is the high levels of volcanic gas released from the summit, which can cause health hazards, damage crops and other plants, and affect livestock. Visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park should note that under southerly (non-trade) wind conditions, there is potential for a dusting of powdery to gritty ash composed of volcanic glass and rock fragments. For more information on the eruption, visitors can go to the National Park Service website.

Pictures from the USGS website of the current Kīlauea eruption:

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To learn more about Hawaii’s five volcanoes, check out our page on Kīlauea Volcano or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.