Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu Eruption Enters Pause, Next Episode Anticipated Mid-February

Kīlauea Eruption Pauses at Halemaʻumaʻu

The Halemaʻumaʻu eruption of Kīlauea volcano, located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, has entered a pause. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) confirmed the pause on February 1, 2026. Despite the cessation of active lava fountaining, monitoring indicates ongoing volcanic processes beneath the summit.

Intermittent glow from the south vent was observed overnight, and both summit inflation and seismic tremor have persisted over the past 24 hours. These signs are consistent with magma recharge, suggesting that another eruptive episode is likely.

Episodic Activity and Forecast for Episode 42

Kīlauea has been characterized by episodic eruptions since December 23, 2024, with activity primarily originating from two vents, north and south, within Halemaʻumaʻu. These eruptive episodes typically last less than 12 hours and are followed by pauses that can extend for more than two weeks.

The most recent event, Episode 41, concluded on January 24, 2026, after approximately 8 hours and 18 minutes. During this episode, lava fountains reached impressive heights, estimated between 460 and 480 meters (1,500 to 1,575 feet). Episode 41 also led to widespread tephra fall across Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and nearby communities.

Based on current rates of summit inflation, HVO forecasts the onset of Episode 42 lava fountaining to occur between February 11 and 16, 2026. This forecast window is subject to refinement as additional data become available.

Monitoring and Volcanic Indicators

The HVO maintains continuous monitoring of Kīlauea, collaborating with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency to assess and communicate potential hazards. Tiltmeters, which measure ground deformation, typically show inflationary tilt as pressure builds beneath the surface during pauses, switching to deflationary tilt when an eruption begins.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates from the summit were last measured on January 14 at 1,550 tonnes per day. This figure falls within the typical range of 1,000 to 5,000 tonnes per day observed during eruptive pauses, and is considerably lower than rates recorded during active fountaining episodes.