Kīlauea on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi is one of those volcanoes that the world never stops watching. It is young, active, and constantly reshaping the island with glowing lava flows and dramatic landscape changes. If there is any volcano that knows how to stay in the headlines, it is this one.
As of late 2025, Kīlauea is in a paused but restless state. Scientists say this is not the end of the eruption. It is more like the volcano taking a short break.
🔥 Current Status (November 2025)
The eruption that began in December 2024 is currently paused, but activity under the surface is still strong.
Here’s the quick version:
- Alert Level: WATCH
- Aviation Code: ORANGE
- Recent Episode: Lava fountaining Episode 36 ended on November 9, 2025
- Next Expected: Episode 37 is likely on the way
- Location: All activity remains inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Instruments around the summit show the volcano is slowly inflating. This usually means magma is gathering again, preparing for another burst of activity.
🌋 What Makes Kīlauea So Special
Kīlauea is not just another volcano. It is one of the most active on Earth and plays a major role in shaping the Big Island.
Here are the basics in simple terms:
- It is a shield volcano, which means it produces flowing lava instead of explosive ash clouds
- It sits on the southeastern side of Hawaiʻi
- It stands 1,247 meters tall
- It has been above sea level for almost 100,000 years
- It is considered the sacred home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire
Scientifically and culturally, Kīlauea is a big deal.
🕰️ A Quick Look at Its Major Eruptions
Kīlauea has a long history of eruptions, but a few stand out more than the rest.
1983 to 2018: The Endless Eruption
For 35 years, lava flowed almost non stop from the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent. Entire communities were buried and the coastline changed many times.
2018: The Major Shift
The eruption moved to the Lower East Rift Zone, destroying more than 700 homes. The summit also collapsed, creating the huge crater we see today.
2018 to 2025: The Summit Phase
Since the collapse, most activity has stayed inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Short bursts of lava fountains, rising lava lakes, and now episodic eruptions have been common.
🔥 Why the 2024 to 2025 Eruption Is Interesting
The current eruption behaves in episodes. It erupts strongly for a while, stops for a few days, then erupts again. This stop and start behavior is what makes Episode 37 expected soon.
The bright side Everything is happening inside the National Park. No homes or towns are currently at risk.
🏞️ Best Places to Safely View Kīlauea
If you are planning a trip, you can watch the volcano safely from these areas:
- Kīlauea Overlook
- Keanakākoʻi viewing area
- Wahinekapu steam vents
- Officially designated viewing spots by park rangers
Always check Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park updates before going because conditions can change quickly.
🌱 Why Kīlauea Matters to Everyone
Kīlauea isn’t only a Hawaiian story. It is a global one.
- Scientists study it to understand how volcanoes work
- It attracts millions of tourists
- It is deeply meaningful in Hawaiian culture
- It literally creates new land
Few natural events are as dramatic or as important as an active volcano shaping an island in real time.
Kīlauea is currently quiet, but not for long. The volcano is building pressure again, and another lava episode is expected soon. Visitors can safely watch the action from inside the National Park, while scientists continue to monitor every movement.
This is one of the best places in the world to see our planet changing right in front of your eyes.