Kilauea Volcano's Episode 19 Eruption Ends After 8 Hours

Kilauea Volcano's 19th eruption episode since December 2024 began late on May 1 and ended early May 2, lasting nearly eight hours. The eruption, originating from the north vent in Halemaʻumaʻu crater, produced just under 4 million cubic yards of lava, with fountains reaching up to 330 feet and covering about half of the crater floor. Prior to the main event, several hours of smaller fountaining and overflow cycles were observed, followed by ground deflation and increasing seismic tremor as the eruption peaked. As the lava retreated, seismic activity decreased and ground inflation resumed, which is typical following eruptive pauses. No changes have been detected in Kilauea’s East or Southwest Rift Zones, and the eruption remains confined to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The volcano’s alert level is at WATCH/ORANGE, with ongoing volcanic gas emissions posing air quality risks, especially for sensitive individuals.