Kilauea Eruption Possible Over Memorial Weekend; Rare Tephra Devil Spotted

Why this matters: Kilauea's activity poses risks from lava flows, volcanic gas, and falling volcanic fragments. Understanding these patterns helps residents and visitors prepare for potential hazards.

Kilauea has been in a series of eruptions since December 2024, with some episodes producing lava fountains up to 1,500 feet high. Episode 47, which began on May 14, 2026, and lasted nine hours, caused lava fountaining and tephra fall within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Fine ash and Pele's hair (strands of volcanic glass) also fell outside the park.

The current unrest includes a rapid return of inflationary tilt and glow from the Halemaʻumaʻu eruptive vents, suggesting another lava fountaining episode is likely. Instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls are present around the Kilauea caldera, which has been closed since 2007.

The appearance of a tephra devil, similar to a dust devil but composed of volcanic material, is a rare phenomenon associated with Kilauea's eruptions. This highlights the diverse and dynamic nature of volcanic activity.

How to Prepare:

Who This Affects Most:

It indicates that the volcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background activity.

It's a rare, tornado-like phenomenon composed of volcanic fragments, observed during Kilauea's eruptions.

These include lava flows, volcanic gas, ashfall, and falling volcanic fragments.

Do you think Kilauea will erupt over the holiday weekend? What safety precautions should be taken? Share your thoughts below!

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