2018 ERUPTION OF KILAUEA

The largest eruption of Kilauea in history

The 2018 eruption of Kilauea along the Lower East Rift Zone began on May 3.  Eruption of lava in the lower east rift and subsidence of the summit area stopped on August 4.

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A chronology of the activity is documented here with a short collection of photographs.

For historical context, here are two accounts of the 1840 and 1924 eruptions of Kilauea.

Read a summary of casualties caused by explosive eruptions of Kilauea in 1924.

Read an excerpt about lava flowing into the sea in 1840 from Life in Hawaii by Titus Coan (1882).

15 May 2018 — Dark explosive cloud rising from Halema`uma`u

Near the entrance to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

2 June 2018 - A view near Pahoa (2 miles from the eruptive vent)

Clouds illuminated by the red glow of lava.  The bright white lights are the location of the town of Pahoa.

30 June 2018 - Eruption glow from Hilo Bay

Taken from Wainaku on the west side of Hilo Bay.

10 July 2018 - Fissure 8 in Leilani Estates

20 July 2018 - Lava River

2 August 2018 - Braided lava flow

2 August 2018 - Close-up of lava flow

2 August 2018 - Lava canyon

5 July 2018 - Collapse/explosion event (Type A)

38 minutes before

the event

30 seconds after

the start of the event

60 seconds after

the start of the event

120 seconds after

the start of the event

Fissure  8 - Leilani Estates

Kilauea summit - Before and After

Kilauea summit caldera - 2011

Kilauea summit caldera - 2018