The Current Kīlauea Summit Eruption Makes One Year

Since Dec. 23, 2024, there have been 38 eruptions from the north and south vents within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

A year ago on Dec. 23, 2024, one of the world’s most active volcanoes awoke.  

That morning, lava fountains spewed from a line of fissures at the base of the summit caldera. Declared episode one, the event was only a prelude to a series of dramatic eruptions at Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Prior to that, the volcano had been dormant for three months.  

Since last year, there have been 38 eruptions, with the most recent occurring on Dec. 6, 2025. Eruptions have lasted a few hours to as long as eight days. During these eruptions, spectacular lava fountains have reached heights ranging from 160 feet to more than 1,500 feet high. Travelers from near and far have been flocking to the national park on Hawaiʻi Island to witness the natural phenomenon. 

Kīlauea’s eruption is occurring in a closed area within the national park on Hawaiʻi Island, but it is easily visible from many points along the caldera rim. Some of the best viewing areas are along the Crater Rim Trail and Uēkahuna, the summit region of the volcano.  

Park visitors are reminded to stay out of closed areas for safety reasons and to be respectful to the surrounding environment. Unstable cliff edges, cracks in the earth and other hazards that may not be visible can cause injuries, making it crucial to stay on marked trails and overlooks. 

Volcanoes can pose serious hazards, including exposure to volcanic gas, ash and tephra. These toxins present dangers to everyone, but especially for people with heart or respiratory problems, infants, young children and pregnant women. For more information on air quality, visit nps.gov/havo/air-quality-alert.htm. 

Park visitation surges during eruptions, resulting in an increase in traffic. With limited parking, it’s important to plan ahead. Check the park website for tips on parking and viewing locations.

Eruptions are especially striking at night. If you’re visiting the park in the evening, bring a flashlight or headlamp. The summit can be chilly and rainy, so it’s recommended to bring a jacket, dress in long pants and wear closed-toe shoes. 

Kīlauea, a shield volcano, is located on the eastern slopes of the Big Island. It’s not just one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, it’s also considered the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.  

In Hawaiian legend, Pele wields immense destructive power and is often illustrated as having a fiery temper. At the same time, she’s revered for her ability to forever alter the landscapes of these Islands. Myths, ʻoli (chants) and hula are often dedicated to her, defining her cultural significance. 

While visiting the park, be respectful and give others space to conduct their cultural practices. Remember to leave no trace and do not approach wildlife like nēnē. 

The park highly recommends first-timers and those who haven’t visited the park in a while to make the Welcome Center their first stop. The park staff is available from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. However, the park is open 24 hours and if you visit before 9 a.m. or after 4:45 p.m., the Welcome Center is still a good place to stop, with ample parking.  

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park also offers free guided programs nearly every day, such as Life on the Edge at Uēkahuna and talk-story opportunities with USGS. Check the park online calendar for dates, times and descriptions. The Welcome Center also posts information and details for tours. 

One of the best ways to track Kīlauea’s activity is to sign up for email alerts from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. To sign up, visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns. 

Unwrap tips from park rangers before visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park this busy holiday season:

• Expect crowds at Kīlauea summit. Visitation soars during the holidays and skyrockets during eruptions. Heavy traffic is the normal. Remember to drive safely, slow down and heed rangers directing traffic.
• Stay on trail, out of closed areas and away from cliff edges. Keep all children close!
• Kīlauea Visitor Center is closed for renovation, but rangers, information, parking and the park store are at the Welcome Center, just one mile past the park entrance on Crater Rim Drive East. Open daily (including Christmas and New Year’s Day) from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Plan Ahead. Make the park website your first stop. You can find eruption viewing tips, air quality information, safety alerts, things to do, hikes, drives and more.
• Don’t Get Lost. Explore the park like a ranger and download the National Park Service App and interactive map. It is free on the App Store and Google Play. Remember to download for offline use; some areas in the park have no cell reception.  
• Have a backup plan. If an area in the park is too crowded, go to a less-visited part of the park and try again later. Watch this 5-minute video for advice on where to go.
• Protect Nēnē. It is nēnē breeding season. Watch out for the native goose on roadsides and in parking areas. Never feed nēnē and keep your distance.