The Hawaiian Islands

Island of Hawaiʻi Special Alerts

Maunaloa Volcano Eruption Update

Latest Updated: December 13, 2022

Due to the current pause in Maunaloa lava activity, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has lowered their Volcanic Alert Level for Maunaloa from Watch to Advisory and Aviation Alert Level from Orange to Yellow. Lava activity continues to be confined to Fissure 3, within the vent and volcanic emissions is significantly reduced.

Advisory Alert means volcanic activity has decreased significantly. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor Maunaloa for signs of renewed activity. 

There is no new lava outside the vent, no communities at risk, and DKI Highway (#200) is not threatened at this time and remains open in both directions.  

Due to the current pause in lava activity, starting December 13, 2022, Lava Parking Area (entrance across from the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area) hours will be from 4 PM to 12 midnight. This location and the Traffic Hazard Mitigation Route that was set up as a result of the Maunaloa eruption will close permanently on Friday, December 16.

Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area near the 34 Mile Marker of DKI Highway provides an additional vantage point to observe Maunaloa and is open 24 hours. It will remain open 24 hours daily past December 16 for individuals looking to view the remnants of the eruption.

Kīlauea Eruption Update

Kīlauea is no longer erupting. Lava supply to the Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake ceased on December 9, based upon lava lake levels and behavior of the crater floor. Sulfur dioxide emissions have decreased to near pre-eruption background levels.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea for signs of renewed activity. Should volcanic activity change significantly a new Volcanic Activity Notice will be issued. 
Hazards are still present on Kīlauea and are described below. Residents and visitors should stay informed and follow County of Hawai‘i and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park guidelines. 
For more information about the meaning of aviation color codes, see https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes 

Continuing hazards 
Levels of volcanic gas (sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide) can remain locally hazardous even though Kīlauea is no longer erupting. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions have greatly decreased; however, local concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) or hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may persist in downwind areas, and residents may notice odors of these gases occasionally. Significant hazards also remain around Halemaʻumaʻu from crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes within the area closed to the public. Please see the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website for visitor information: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm.
 
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