Kilauea Volcano’s June 27 Eruption Pauses, USGS Monitors Aftermath

On June 27, 2026, Kilauea’s summit crater Halemaʻumaʻu experienced a brief lava‑fountaining event, designated episode 50, that ceased after roughly seven hours. The eruption prompted the volcano observatory to raise the alert level to WATCH with an aviation color code of ORANGE, and tilt‑meter data indicated ongoing magma inflation beneath the surface.

USGS geologists conducted a monitoring overflight on June 30, 2026. The flight observed no visible glow from the north or south vents, but a strong gas plume obscured vent views. Aerial imagery recorded fresh black ʻaʻā and gray pāhoehoe lava flows that now cover much of the crater floor, confirming the extent of the recent fountaining episodes. The observations are used to assess future eruptive potential and to inform safety advisories for locals and tourists.