Photo & Video Chronology — May 11, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 21 | U.S. Geological Survey

Photo & Video Chronology — May 11, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 21

By Hawaiian Volcano Observatory May 11, 2025

Episode 21 of the ongoing eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea began at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2025. Lava fountains reached heights of approximately 500 feet (150 meters) in the early hours of this episode.

Color photograph of erupting lava fountain — On May 11, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists visited the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater to observe episode 21 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. While there, they captured this photo of lava fountains that were reaching approximately 500 feet (150 meters) in height above the northern eruptive vent and feeding several open lava channels onto the crater floor. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.

Color photograph of ʻamaʻu fern plant in volcanic tephra

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Recent eruptive episodes at the summit of Kīlauea have unfortunately been destructive to vegetation in the tephra fallout zone downwind of the lava fountains. However, several native plant species are demonstrating remarkable resilience in the harsh conditions. On May 11, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists spotted this partially tephra-buried ʻamaʻu fern that was unfurling new fronds, just a few hundred yards (meters) from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the active eruptive vents. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.

Color photograph of scientist in front of erupting lava fountain

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This photo of a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist watching the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption was captured on the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the former site of the KWcam and F1cam webcams. These webcams were removed several weeks ago due to the nearby lava fountains, but favorable winds allowed scientists to visit the site during eruption episode 21 on May 11. The partially tephra-buried webcam tripods remain in place and are visible on either side of the scientist, but they are slated for removal soon. USGS photo by I. Johanson.

Color photograph of erupting lava fountain and lava flow in volcanic crater — While visiting the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu on May 11, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists watched an ānuenue (rainbow) stretch across the crater during episode 21 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. Lava fountains from the northern eruptive vent (right) were feeding extensive lava flows on the crater floor at the time. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.

Color photograph of volcanic eruption and volcanic plume

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Episode 21 lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea produced a robust outgassing plume today, with the plume rising vertically and then carried downwind (towards the left side of the photo) towards the Ka‘ū district by the tradewinds. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of visitor overlook and eruption

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Visitors at the lookout on the eastern caldera rim in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, at the summit of Kīlauea, had clear views of episode 21 lava fountaining from the north vent and the rising outgassing plume. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of eruption framed by tree

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Passing showers resulted in variable visibility across the caldera in the afternoon of May 11, but clear views showed that the lava fountaining at the summit produced a towering outgassing plume. This photo was taken from the eastern caldera rim. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of eruption and plume

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Kīlauea volcano's episode 21 occurred on May 11, 2025. This photo was taken a little more than an hour after lava fountaining started, and shows the north vent lava fountain with a volcanic gas plume rising above it. The height from the crater floor to the top of the cliff behind the fountain is approximately 540 feet (165 meters). From this perspective, lava flows from north vent have a silver appearance and are spreading east (left) across the crater floor. USGS photo by N. Deligne.

Color photograph of eruption with lava fountains and flows — A dusk view of lava fountaining from the north vent at the summit of Kīlauea. Fountaining began during the early afternoon of May 11 and continued into the evening, providing good sunset views from the caldera rim. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

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