06/23/2025
Kīlauea is not erupting. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory forecasts the start of episode 26 between Wednesday, June 18 and Friday, June 20. As we wait and see what Kīlauea will do next, keep this in mind:
Traffic. Kīlauea volcano continues to draw a surge of visitors to the park who are eager to witness the historic eruption, which began December 23, 2024 with 25 spectacular eruptive episodes to date. During fountaining episodes, traffic has been stop-and-go for up to four miles before the park entrance, especially from the Hilo direction.
Construction. Construction projects and detours near the park entrance add to the congestion entering and exiting the park. The construction projects went out to the public for comment, are a result of the damaging summit collapse and eruption of 2018 which closed the park for 134 days.
While some eruptions are visible from various points along Highway 11, do not park along highway shoulders, which are meant for emergency pullovers. Stopping along the highway creates unsafe conditions and more congestion.
Bottom line: Please be patient and expect traffic delays during eruptions. The entrance construction will be complete in September. When entering the park, know where to go, follow all signage, traffic control directions and the 5-mph speed limit through the detours.
Visit the park website for safety information, where to view the eruption, USGS livestream links and more: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/eruption-viewing.htm
📸NPS Photo 1/J.Wei. Visitors observe lava gush and fountain from Halemaʻumaʻu crater from the Keanakākoʻi side of the caldera during episode 25 on June 11, 2025.
📸NPS Photo 2/J.Sutton. A long line of vehicles waits to enter Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on June 11, 2025 around 4:30 p.m. during episode 25.