Environment & Energy

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Friday, May 8, 2026, 8:50 AM HST (Friday, May 8, 2026, 18:50 UTC)

KILAUEA (VNUM #332010)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Summary: The eruption at the summit of Kīlauea is currently paused. The preliminary forecast window for episode 47 is May 12 – May 17, 2026.

Overview:
Episode 46 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea occurred on May 5. The eruption is currently paused. The preliminary forecast window for episode 47, based on tilt data, suggests that lava fountaining will occur again sometime between Tuesday, May 12 and Sunday, May 17. This window may be adjusted based on continuing observations.
No significant activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
NOTE: Significant changes in activity between Daily Updates are posted here: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/observatory-messages

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Analysis:
The rapid return of inflationary tilt and strong glow from both Halemaʻumaʻu eruptive vents indicates that another lava fountaining episode is likely. The preliminary forecast window for episode 47 is based on data from summit tiltmeters and suggests that lava fountaining will occur sometime between Tuesday, May 12 and Sunday, May 17. This window may be adjusted based on changes to the rate of summit inflation as measured by summit tiltmeters.

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