Kīlauea alert raised as activity continues to increase: Big Island Now

The Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island is not erupting, but unrest has intensified over the course of Sunday, so the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has raised the alert level for the volcano.

The volcano alert level for Kīlauea was raised to Volcano Alert at around 5:30 p.m. Sunday because increased earthquake activity and ground deformation at the volcano’s summit, which began around noon Sunday, indicate likely movement of magma underground.

Seismicity and deformation continued to increase after 5 p.m.

At present, it cannot be said with certainty whether the increased activity will lead to an eruption – the activity could remain underground.

However, an eruption in the summit region of Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is also possible.

In addition, the volcano’s aviation identification was raised from yellow to orange.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor Kīlauea for signs of increasing activity. If volcanic activity changes significantly, a new Volcanic Activity Warning will be issued.

Seismicity and ground deformation remain low beneath the East Rift Zone and the Southwest Rift Zone. Current activity is confined to the summit region.

Residents and visitors should educate themselves and follow Hawai’i County and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park guidelines.

Click here for more information on the meaning of volcano warning levels and aviation color codes.

Updates are also available online.