Kīlauea Eruption Episode 26 Sends Lava Fountains Over 1,000 Feet

Episode 26 of the ongoing eruption at Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu Crater began early on June 20, 2025, with lava fountains shooting over 1,000 feet into the air from the north vent, accompanied by lava flows contained within the summit caldera. The eruption started with small bursts around 11:30 p.m. the previous night, intensifying to sustained fountaining by 1:40 a.m., alongside increased seismic activity. Volcanic ash plumes were observed rising up to 20,000 feet, with trade winds dispersing ash and volcanic gas south and west-southwest toward populated areas including Kaʻū, Pāhala, Wood Valley, and along Highway 11, prompting the National Weather Service to issue special weather statements advising residents to avoid ash exposure due to its respiratory and eye irritant effects. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and U.S. Geological Survey noted that hazards such as volcanic glass and tephra could accompany the volcanic cloud, potentially affecting areas downwind. This episode is part of a series of eruptive events since December 2024, typically lasting less than a day and separated by several days of inactivity.