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This is a historical eruption report, not Kīlauea’s current status. It preserves the chronology of Episodes 43 and 44 during the episodic Halemaʻumaʻu eruption in March and April 2026. Do not use the episode number, alert level, viewing area, or forecast language here to plan a visit now.
For today’s volcano state, open the USGS Kīlauea updates. For visitor access, closures, and viewing areas, use Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park conditions. Both checks belong in the same morning plan.
USGS records Episode 43 beginning at 9:17 a.m. HST on March 10 and pausing at approximately 6:21 p.m. The episode produced lava fountains from the north and south vents and deposited tephra in parts of the summit area and nearby communities. The USGS March 10-11 chronology is the primary record for the eruption and fallout.
That history explains why an overlook or trail can close after a short eruptive episode even when lava remains inside the summit caldera. Tephra, poor air quality, road cleanup, wind direction, and the park’s ability to manage visitors can matter as much as the fountain itself.
USGS records Episode 44 beginning at 11:10 a.m. HST on April 9. The agency’s eruption-information table gives the end at 7:41 p.m. and a duration of 8.5 hours. The north vent produced the main fountain while precursory lava had appeared primarily from the south vent.
USGS reported tephra moving north and northeast into public areas of the national park, Highway 11, and nearby summit communities. The event ended that evening; later episode numbers and later alert changes superseded every “what happens next” statement in the original article.
Episode numbers are useful historical labels. They are not a promise that lava will be visible during your park visit. USGS owns eruption facts; NPS owns visitor access. Check both before leaving your lodging, then check them again if weather, wind, or seismic activity changes.
Never enter a closed area for a better view. Carry a warm layer and water, keep children away from cliff edges and volcanic glass, and be prepared to leave when sulfur dioxide, ash, wind, darkness, or crowding makes the stop unsuitable. Our Where is the lava? guide translates the current official status into a visitor plan.
Old eruption reports continue to circulate through bookmarks, messages, and search results. A clearly labeled archive preserves the dated record while removing the dangerous implication that an April 2026 overlook, alert level, or eruption forecast remains current. Use it for history; use USGS and NPS for today.
Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
Published by: Tori C. Derrick
President & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.
Quick, personalized recommendations for your Hawaii trip.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you book or buy through marked links. Compensation supports this site; our editorial standards are described in Ad Disclosures & Standards.
Article Published: 04-14-2026 · Updated: 09-02-2026
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Trades are breezy right now with scattered showers on the windward side and mountains; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Tomorrow stays breezy with the same pattern.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is still uncertain. If it comes closer, expect heavier rain over a longer stretch; if it stays farther out, impacts will be shorter and lighter. Winds will increase late this week, with potential gusts over 70 miles per hour on the highest summits.
Plan your leeward beach time and snorkeling for today through Tuesday. Save summit drives and offshore water sports for after Saturday, and check updates daily as this develops.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
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