Kilauea's Episode 38 Eruption: Ongoing Volcanic Activity

Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii has entered its 38th episode of eruptive activity, which began on December 6, 2025, at approximately 8:45 a.m. HST. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that this episode features sustained lava fountains reaching heights of 50 to 100 feet, with rapid increases observed shortly after the eruption commenced. Notably, the south vent has produced fountain heights approaching 1,200 feet, indicating significant volcanic activity confined to the Halema‘uma‘u crater within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Episode 38 of Halema‘uma‘u eruption at Kilauea creates rapidly growing lava fountains : Maui NowKHNL - Hawaii News Now

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) noted that the eruption's initial phase included increasing tremors and decreasing tilt, with the eruption characterized by both left and right vents within the north cone. Previous episodes of the Kilauea eruption have produced lava fountains exceeding 1,000 feet and plumes rising over 20,000 feet above ground level. The current episode follows a series of small, sporadic spatter fountains and precursory overflows that began on December 5, 2025, leading to the sustained fountaining observed on December 6.

KHNL - Hawaii News NowEpisode 38 of Halema‘uma‘u eruption at Kilauea creates rapidly growing lava fountains : Maui Now

The National Weather Service indicated that winds from the north-northeast at approximately 10 mph could disperse volcanic gas emissions and material southward from the crater. Despite the ongoing eruption, the aviation color code remains at Orange, and the Kilauea Volcano Alert Level is set at Watch, suggesting that commercial airports in Hawai‘i County will not be affected by the volcanic activity.

Episode 38 of Halema‘uma‘u eruption at Kilauea creates rapidly growing lava fountains : Maui NowKHNL - Hawaii News Now

While the eruption is being monitored closely, some local residents and environmentalists have expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of volcanic emissions on air quality and public health. The ongoing activity raises questions about the preparedness of local authorities to manage any unforeseen consequences of the eruption.

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The USGS and HVO have emphasized that all eruptive activity is currently confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater and that there have been no significant changes detected in the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. They continue to provide updates and livestreams of the eruption for public awareness and safety.

Episode 38 of Halema‘uma‘u eruption at Kilauea creates rapidly growing lava fountains : Maui Now

• “The spilt nature of the north vent suggest episode 38 may produce lower fountains similar to episode 37 when the same two vents existed in the north cone,” — Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Episode 38 of Halema‘uma‘u eruption at Kilauea creates rapidly growing lava fountains : Maui Now

• “All current and recent activity is within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.” — U.S. Geological Survey

Episode 38 of Halema‘uma‘u eruption at Kilauea creates rapidly growing lava fountains : Maui Now

As the eruption continues, monitoring efforts will remain in place to assess the ongoing volcanic activity and its potential implications. Future updates from the USGS and HVO will provide further insights into the behavior of Kilauea and any necessary safety measures for the surrounding communities.

Episode 38 of Halema‘uma‘u eruption at Kilauea creates rapidly growing lava fountains : Maui Now