02/16/2026
UPDATE:
Kilauea Message 2026-02-15 23:51:47 HST
Episode 42 ended at 11:38 pm HST. The south vent faltered and then jetted just after 11:34 p.m. Narrow jets erupted from the south vent in the last 2 minutes. The north vent dropped slowly at this time and also jetted in the last minute.
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🌋Episode kanahā kūmālua (42) of the ongoing Kīlauea eruption has begun! USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said the eruption began at 1:50 p.m. HST on Sunday, February 15, following the onset of continuous overflows. Tradewinds indicate that tephra and volcanic gas (vog) will be blown to the southwest and away from viewing areas in the park.
If you plan to visit Pele, follow these tips for the best experience:
🚗 Expect heavy traffic near the park entrance and on Highway 11.
🛑SLOW down. Heed all posted signs, expect detours, and listen to park rangers.
🏠First-time? Make the Welcome Center your first stop. Excellent eruption viewing with plenty of parking is nearby. After you enter the park, take Crater Rim Drive West to Kilauea Military Camp, just a mile away.
🚙Park in designated areas only. Do not park in the road, block emergency access or other vehicles. You will get towed.
✋Stay AWAY from cliff edges and keep keiki (children) close!
🚶🏽♀️➡️Pedestrians: pay attention to traffic and use sidewalks and crosswalks.
💯Pay attention to air quality. Volcanic gases (vog) are hazardous to everyone. Our real-time air quality monitoring network tracks vog levels across in the park. Check the latest conditions to find the cleanest air for your adventure. nps.gov/havo/air-quality-alert.htm
👀Look out for nēnē (native geese) on roads, roadsides and parking lots. Never feed nēnē and give them space.
🧠Stay out of closed areas. Great overlooks of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) are open across from the Welcome Center, at Uēkahuna, along Crater Rim Trail and old Crater Rim Drive.
🌧️It is raining and socked in this afternoon. Dress for cold, wet weather and expect reduced visibility.
🫶Be ahonui (patient) and share your aloha.
📲Check the park website for alerts, viewing areas, and USGS webcams & livestreams: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/eruption-viewing.htm
📸: USGS livestream screenshot of the north and south vents within Halemaʻumaʻu crater fountaining lava into the air.
