Kilauea, Hawaii – Episode 17 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption started at 10:15 p.m. HST on April 7, 2025. Lava began overflowing from the south vent, marking the latest phase of this ongoing volcanic event.

Before the eruption, a glow from the south vent grew brighter around 9:20 p.m. HST on April 7. This signaled lava rising slowly in the vent. By 2:50 a.m. HST on April 8, lava was spreading across the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor, fed by low spatter fountains 15-30 feet high (5-10 meters).

Past episodes suggest bigger activity may come. Episode 16 saw lava fountains soar over 1,000 feet (305 meters). Experts predict high fountains could follow the current low fountaining and lava flows in episode 17.

The UWD tilt meter showed slight deflation starting around 10:15 p.m. HST on April 7, matching the eruption’s onset. Seismic tremor also rose from 10:00 p.m. HST and continues to climb steadily.

SO2 gas emissions are high. Recent episodes released 50,000 tonnes per day or more. Similar levels are expected if high fountaining occurs. Visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and nearby residents may encounter Peleʻs hair and volcanic fragments in the plume, as seen in episode 16.

Since December 23, 2024, each Halemaʻumaʻu eruption episode has lasted 13 hours to 8 days. Pauses between episodes have ranged from less than 24 hours to 12 days.

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