Kilauea erupted at its summit in Hawaii, with two volcanic vents spewing lava fountains for hours. The day before, USGS scientists had reported only weak activity during an aerial survey. Researchers are now collecting lava samples from the eruption site.

After a slow, sporadic start Tuesday morning, the 12th episode of the ongoing summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island was once again putting on a fantastic fountaining display similar to that of the prior episode that saw lava geysers of up to 600 feet high.

Visitors gather at the Keanakākoʻi area overlook to watch Kīlauea erupt. This 11th phase of the eruption, which started Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, ended at at 7:06 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (Photo Courtesy: National Park Service/J.Wei)

The latest activity, classified as episode 11 of the ongoing eruption, began at 6:26 p.m. with low-intensity spattering before intensifying. By 6:50 p.m., lava was flowing onto the caldera floor through a spillway in the north vent, covering 10% to 15% of Halemaumau’s floor, officials said.

Likewise, in between eruptive episodes, glow remains visible at night at the north vent, and sometimes at the south vent. This incandescence is another clue that magma is just beneath the surface, continuing to gurgle, glow and degas.

Episode 12 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption of Kīlauea within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park ended Wednesday at 10:37 a.m. HST.

The Big Island is home to one of the most lively volcanoes on Earth. And you can see why.

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