NPS Photo by N. Judd

Visitors look at the new vent in Halema`uma`u crater from the overlook at Jaggar Museum. (April 18, 2008)

A swarm of earthquakes and formation of a fumarole (vent emitting gasses) the morning of March 12, 2008, signalled the start of something new at the summit of Kilauea. Three "throat-clearing" explosions has given this new activity the distinction of being the first explosive eruption in Halema`uma`u Crater since 1924 and the first lava erupted from the crater since 1982.

The eruption continues - Use the links below for more information about the dynamic changes at the summit of Kilauea.

Visitor Alert - Hazardous Fumes and Area Closure Advisory 

• Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Info
• Scientists' Daily Updates
• Hawai`i County Volcano Updates
• Eruption Timeline 2007-2008
• VOG - Air Quality Monitor
• VOG - A Hazard Fact Sheet
• Camera - View of Halema`uma`u   
• Images
• Podcasts and Movies 
• Earthquakes 
• Weather
• Kilauea Daily Update Message
  ph#(808) 967-8862
• National Park Press Releases
• Lava Flows Outside the Park

Video Podcast:
Halema`uma`u Ash Plume - (March 25, 2008)

• Windows Media Player Version

NPS photo by Dave Boyle

Gasses jet out of rubble on the Halema`uma`u crater wall.

New Gas Vent in Halema'uma'u - (March 14, 2008)

• Quicktime Movie (9.48 MB)

Video clip of sulfur dioxide fumes (SO2) jetting out of rubble on the crater wall of Halema'uma'u.

The new explosion pit continues to vigorously vent gas and ash, with the plume alternating between brown (ash-rich) and white (ash-poor).

Visitors may view the new vent within Halema‘uma‘u crater and the plume from the overlook at Jaggar Museum.

Other overlooks with views include: Steam Vents, Kilauea Overlook, Kilauea Iki Overlook, and Volcano House hotel.