HAWAII'S KĪLAUEA VOLCANO SHOWS NEW ERUPTIVE ACTIVITY AS SCIENTISTS WARN OF POTENTIAL MAJOR LAVA FOUNTAINING

Volcano alert raised to WATCH as lava overflows crater; scientists anticipate another major eruptive episode

HAWAII — November 3, 2026 — Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano is showing renewed eruptive activity, prompting scientists to raise its volcano alert level as lava continues emerging from a vent near the summit of one of the world's most active volcanoes.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the latest activity began around 11:43 a.m. Hawaii time on Monday, November 2, when a large flow of lava emerged from the volcano's northern vent inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

The development prompted officials to raise Kīlauea's alert level from ADVISORY to WATCH and its aviation color code from YELLOW to ORANGE.

Scientists say the activity represents the early stages of what could become the volcano's 56th eruptive episode in an ongoing cycle that began in December 2024.

According to monitoring reports, lava repeatedly overflowed from the northern vent throughout Monday. By the afternoon, scientists observed vigorous spattering and small lava fountains feeding flows across the crater floor.

The USGS reported that some of the developing lava fountains reached approximately 5 to 10 feet in height, with continued overflows observed into the evening.

ANOTHER MAJOR ERUPTION POSSIBLE

Scientists are closely monitoring the volcano as they anticipate a possible larger lava-fountaining episode. The USGS forecast that the 56th episode could begin between November 2 and November 7, although the precise timing remains uncertain.

Kīlauea has experienced a series of intermittent eruptions since December 23, 2024. Its most recent major eruptive episode, number 55, occurred on October 17 and lasted just under six hours.

Previous episodes have produced spectacular lava fountains reaching hundreds of feet into the air.

AUTHORITIES MONITORING POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Although the renewed activity is attracting attention, officials say the current lava flows remain confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

There have been no reports in the latest USGS aviation notice of a volcanic ash cloud.

However, scientists warn that volcanic activity can release sulfur dioxide and other gases that contribute to vog, a form of volcanic air pollution that can affect air quality and cause respiratory irritation.

Volcanic fragments, including small pieces of glassy material known as Pele's hair, may also be carried by the wind and create additional hazards for people in affected areas.

Authorities continue to advise residents and visitors to stay away from restricted areas around the crater, where unstable ground, falling rocks and volcanic activity pose serious dangers.

A VOLCANO UNDER CLOSE OBSERVATION

Kīlauea, located on Hawaii's Big Island, is among the most closely monitored volcanoes in the world. Scientists use seismic instruments, cameras and ground-deformation measurements to track changes that could signal an approaching eruption.

For now, monitoring teams are watching the continuing lava overflows for signs that a larger eruption is developing.

The situation remains active, and additional updates are expected as scientists gather more information.