Kīlauea Halemaʻumaʻu Summit Live – Episode 55 Precursory Activity

Kīlauea is not yet erupting, but precursory activity has begun ahead of possible lava fountaining episode 55 at the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu summit eruption.

According to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory update issued September 8, 2026, at 8:38 a.m. HST, the summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu is currently paused. However, precursory overflows began from the north vent on September 7 at 12:45 p.m. HST, before stopping overnight during summit deflation.

A total of 10 north vent overflows occurred, with the last ending at 1:23 a.m. HST on September 8. These overflows lasted from 16 minutes to 1 hour and 32 minutes, with pauses of 29 to 44 minutes between them. Two lava flow lobes formed during the activity, reaching up to about half a mile / 1 kilometer from the north vent.

Webcam views have been difficult at times because of heavy rain, clouds, and steam associated with Hurricane Lowell passing west of the Hawaiian Islands. When visible, moderate glow has continued from the north vent after the overflows stopped, and occasional glow and flames were also observed from the south and west vents overnight.

USGS reports that regular gas piston activity continues at roughly 5-minute intervals, along with summit tremor. Summit reinflation has been irregular since episode 54 on August 25. If inflation resumes, additional overflows could restart and transition into lava fountaining quickly. The current forecast window for episode 55 is September 8–10, though a significant deflation could delay the onset to September 11–13.

Kīlauea remains at:

Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

During this pause, summit sulfur dioxide emissions typically vary between 1,000 and 5,000 tonnes per day. Weak trade winds and shifting wind conditions may push volcanic gas, fine ash, and Pele's hair toward different parts of Kaluapele and nearby downwind communities if episode 55 begins.

All significant activity remains confined to the summit region. No significant activity has been reported along Kīlauea's East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

Kīlauea has been erupting episodically since December 23, 2024, from vents inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater. These episodes can produce lava fountains, overflows, volcanic gas, vog, tephra fall, Pele's hair, steam, and rapidly changing summit conditions.

This livestream is for observation and educational purposes. For official eruption updates and hazard information, follow the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes.

This live camera provides real-time views of Kīlauea's active volcanic summit within Halemaʻumaʻu crater on the Big Island of Hawaii. The feed captures incandescent glow from lava vents, fountaining activity, gas emissions, and the dramatic precursory signs that precede major eruption episodes. Watch for glowing vents, lava overflow dynamics, volcanic gas plumes, and changing summit conditions as monitored by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.