Halemaʻumaʻu, Hawaii – On May 5, 2025, scientists from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observed lava activity at the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

They reported watching several cycles of lava filling and draining within the north vent of Kīlauea’s ongoing summit eruption.

Dome fountains in the vent’s lava pond reached heights of about 6 meters, or 20 feet.

This kind of activity has been seen before, often occurring before stronger and more vigorous lava fountaining episodes.

The ongoing eruption began on December 23, 2024.

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