The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has confirmed that the Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii entered its 40th eruptive episode since 2024.

Overnight Monday, streams of lava poured from multiple vents within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater on Kīlauea.

Footage captured by the USGS revealed lava erupting from the volcano shortly before 8:30 a.m. Hawaiian Standard Time. Lava fountains rising from the northern vent reached heights exceeding 800 feet, supplying expanding flows of lava along the crater floor.

The USGS reports that sporadic lava emissions and dome fountaining have persisted since the weekend. (RELATED: At Least 25 States To Be Impacted By Winter Storm Threatening Heavy Snow)

Dome fountains consist of relatively small, bubbling lava bursts that frequently serve as early indicators before the development of much larger fountains capable of propelling lava hundreds of feet skyward.

The current activity is releasing volcanic gases at a rate of 50,000-100,000 tons per day, which has the potential to generate vog — volcanic air pollution — in downwind locations, per the USGS.

Officials note that the gas plume is expected to remain primarily confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu area and the broader summit region. Pele’s hair and other tephra fragments — small bits of lava — are being deposited mainly along the crater’s western and southern edges.

🌋 Kīlauea Eruption Update – Episode 40 Lava Fountaining on January 12

At 8:22 a.m. HST, Episode 40 of sustained lava fountaining began at the summit of Kīlauea volcano, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Lava fountains from the north vent are soaring over 800 feet (250 m)… pic.twitter.com/wG8tHoNl4H

— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) January 12, 2026

Kīlauea has experienced episodic eruptions beginning Dec. 23, 2024, with individual episodes typically lasting under 12 hours and followed by pauses that can exceed two weeks, per the USGS.

This latest event, marking the 40th episode, commenced soon after increased volcanic unrest over the weekend.

In a recent update, the USGS highlighted that the extended buildup of activity observed during the weekend set the stage for this 40th eruptive phase. (RELATED: Atmospheric River Setting Up Fresh Flooding Risk For Pacific Northwest, Which Has Already Been Blasted By Heavy Rain)

The eruptions are taking place within a section of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island that has remained closed to the public since late 2007.

While the eruptions themselves are confined to the summit area, volcanic gases — including water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide — released during these events can pose health risks in zones directly downwind.

Kīlauea’s previous eruptive episode occurred Dec. 24, 2025.