Officials are keeping a close eye on the Kīlauea volcano in Hawaiʻi, which is a major draw for tourists, as increased volcanic activity has led to hundreds of earthquakes and hazards related to rockfalls, resulting in temporary trail closures.
This week, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a notice regarding volcanic activity at Kīlauea, indicating that spattering has resumed at two vents following recent shifts beneath the summit.
The National Park Service (NPS) announced on Wednesday that sections of the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and Byron Ledge Trail are temporarily closed because of rising seismic activity and the risk of rockfalls. In total, about 1.3 miles of trails are impacted.
According to the NPS, over 200 minor earthquakes were noted under Kīlauea’s summit in the past week, with a notable magnitude-3.4 quake on September 30 leading to small rockfalls on the caldera’s north wall.
Kīlauea has been designated with an ORANGE aviation color code, which is the second-highest level on the USGS’s four-tier scale as of Thursday. This classification signals increased volcanic activity and indicates the potential for an eruption or that an eruption may already be occurring with minimal risk to aviation.
There are concerns regarding cracks that may have formed on the caldera floor due to geological activities from September 30 to October 1. While scientists are monitoring the situation closely, they are unsure when or if the volcano will enter its 55th episode of lava fountaining.
The USGS advisory noted that predicting the timing for episode 55 has become difficult due to changes in volcanic conditions. They also warned of potential dangers for both residents and visitors, including hazardous gas emissions and small glassy volcanic fragments that could cause skin and eye irritation.
These glassy volcanic pieces could become airborne under windy conditions, increasing the risk of exposure, so minimizing contact is advised. Visitors are urged to stay clear of closed areas and unstable cliffs, which could collapse unexpectedly.
Kīlauea is recognized as one of the most active volcanoes globally, having erupted numerous times since 1952, according to USGS data. The activity was nearly continuous in the East Rift Zone from 1983 up until 2018 when a significant eruption episode concluded with a summit collapse.
Since December 2024, the Halema’uma’u crater at the summit has seen intermittent eruptions. The combination of Kīlauea’s activity and the scenic beauty of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park typically draws many visitors, especially during eruptive events, as evidenced by a recorded 1.8 million recreational visits in 2025.
Further details from the NPS are pending as Fox News Digital continues to seek updates.
