The latest 49th lava fountaining episode at the Halema’uma’u summit vents ended recently.
The effusive eruption was characterized by usual intense lava fountains from the north vent.
The activity increased from very low levels to strong lava fountains in an extremely, very short time. Columns of some lava jets surpassed 600-700 ft, producing a tall ash-laden plume rising up to 17,000 ft above sea level.
Throughout the day, the eruption fed expanding lava flows across Halemaʻumaʻu crater, eventually covering roughly one‑third of the crater floor and erupting several million cubic yards of lava. As the summit continued to deflate, fountain heights gradually declined through the afternoon
The eruption preceded the typical summit deflation, indicating a rapid magma movement towards the surface.
The episode ended abruptly at 5:05 p.m. after 7.5 hours of activity, with the final moments marked by short bursts of tephra jetting as the system depressurized.
Just incredible! Episode 49 is well and truly underway now. Kilauea never fails to put on a show USGS pic.twitter.com/hVKxYDdcBA
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) June 14, 2026