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.

Lava flows from this episode covered over two thirds of the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu within the southern part of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera). This was the 12th episode of Kīlauea

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.

Since Dec. 23, 2024, Kīlauea has continued to erupt intermittently within the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. According to the US Geological Survey, the Kīlauea summit eruption paused on the morning of Feb. 26, 2025 with a new episode predicted to occur within the next four to six days.

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 Hawaiʻi Department of Health issues guidelines due to Kīlauea's eruption pause and potential air quality risks from volcanic gases.