Kilauea Eruption Status (May 3, 2025): Episode 19 Ends, Episode 20 Forecast
Kilauea Volcanic Eruption: Status and Analysis as of May 3, 2025
Published: May 3, 2025
Executive Summary
Ongoing eruptive activity at Kilauea volcano continues with an episodic pattern. Episode 19 concluded on May 2, 2025. As of May 3, 2025, the eruption is paused, but the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) anticipates Episode 20 within the next 3 to 7 days. Hazards include volcanic gas emissions and tephra. All activity remains within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This report provides a detailed analysis of the current status and recent activity.
Details of the Recent Eruptive Episode (Episode 19)
Timeline and Duration
Episode 19 began on May 1, 2025, lasting approximately 8 hours with lava fountaining from the north vent. Precursory activity included cyclical low dome fountaining.
Eruptive Characteristics
Lava fountains reached heights of ~330 feet. The estimated lava volume was just under 4 million cubic yards, covering about half the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor.
Location
Eruptive activity remained within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. No activity was observed in the East or Southwest Rift Zones.
Current Status and Monitoring Observations (May 3, 2025)
Summit Observations
Eruptive activity is paused. A glow is visible in the north and south vents. Tiltmeters show inflation, indicating magma chamber recharge. SO₂ emissions are at 1,750 tonnes/day. Pele's hair is present in the summit area.
Rift Zone Observations
The East and Southwest Rift Zones remain quiet with low seismicity and no significant SO₂ emissions.
Analysis of the Episodic Eruption Pattern
The eruption is characterized by episodic lava fountaining, similar to early phases of the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption. This pattern suggests a cycle of magma supply, pressure buildup, and release.
Anticipated Future Activity (Episode 20)
HVO forecasts Episode 20 to begin within 3-7 days (May 6-10, 2025), based on ground tilt and vent glow observations.
Volcanic Hazards and Potential Impacts
- Volcanic Gas Emissions: Primarily SO₂, causing vog, which can affect respiratory health.
- Pele's Hair and Tephra: Windblown volcanic glass and rock fragments can cause irritation and be a hazard in the park and surrounding areas.
- Other Hazards: Instability of crater walls, ground cracking, and rockfalls within the closed area of the park.
- Impacts on Monitoring Equipment: Eruptive activity can damage monitoring instruments.
Historical Context of Kilauea Eruptions
The current episodic pattern is similar to past Kilauea eruptions, including the Kīlauea Iki, Maunaulu, and early Puʻuʻōʻō eruptions. Halemaʻumaʻu crater has a history of lava lake activity.
Eruption Episode Timeline
| Episode Number | Start Date and Time (HST) | End Date and Time (HST) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | December 23, 2024 2:20 a.m. | December 23, 2024 4 p.m. | 14 hours |
| 2 | December 24, 2024 8 a.m. | December 25, 2024 11 a.m. | 27 hours |
| 3 | December 26, 2024 8 a.m. | January 3, 2025 8:30 p.m. | 8.5 days |
| 4 | January 15, 2025 9 a.m. | January 16, 2025 7 a.m. | 22 hours |
| 5 | January 18, 2025 1:30 a.m. | January 18, 2025 11 a.m. | 9.5 hours |
| 6 | January 20, 2025 8 a.m. | January 21, 2025 8 a.m. | 24 hours |
| 7 | January 26, 2025 9:30 p.m. | January 27, 2025 7 a.m. | 9.5 hours |
| 8 | January 28, 2025 10 p.m. | February 4, 2025 7:23 p.m. | 6.75 days |
| 9 | February 11, 2025 10:16 a.m. | February 12, 2025 8:43 a.m. | 22 hours |
| 10 | February 19, 2025 8:22 p.m. | February 20, 2025 9:18 a.m. | 13 hours |
| 11 | February 25, 2025 6:26 p.m. | February 26, 2025 7:06 a.m. | 13 hours |
| 12 | March 4, 2025 7:30 a.m. | March 5, 2025 10:37 a.m. | 27 hours |
| 13 | March 11, 2025 2:36 a.m. | March 11, 2025 3:13 p.m. | 13 hours |
| 14 | March 19, 2025 9:26 a.m. | March 20, 2025 1:49 p.m. | 28 hours |
| 15 | March 25, 2025 12:04 p.m. | March 26, 2025 7:10 p.m. | 31 hours |
| 16 | March 31, 2025 10:57 p.m. | April 2, 2025 12:04 p.m. | 37 hours |
| 17 | April 7, 2025 10:15 p.m. | April 9, 2025 9:45 a.m. | 35.5 hours |
| 18 | April 16, 2025 10:01 p.m. | April 22, 2025 1:28 p.m. | ~10 hours (fountaining phase) |
| 19 | May 1, 2025 9:28 p.m. | May 2, 2025 5:20 a.m. | ~8 hours |
Conclusion
The Kilauea eruption is currently paused, but Episode 20 is expected soon. The episodic nature and potential hazards require continued monitoring and public awareness. Stay informed through official sources for the latest updates. The embedded geological report provides further details on this ongoing volcanic activity.