USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-HVO-2023-05-15T16:47:35-07:00

Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. Kīlauea summit is currently exhibiting signs of heightened unrest. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. 

Earthquake rates are elevated beneath Kīlauea summit and Nāmakanipaio. Small flurries of earthquakes are occurring irregularly. Earthquake rates have increased over the past week. More than 100 earthquakes were recorded on Saturday, May 20, including a magnitude-3.7 event that was felt in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and surrounding communities.  Most of these earthquakes have been smaller than magnitude-2 and not reported felt.  

Ground deformation rates are also elevated at the summit of Kīlauea. Overall, inflation is higher than conditions preceding the January 5, 2023, summit eruption. 

Gas emissions remain low, reflective of the current lack in eruptive activity at the summit.  

These observations indicate that magma is accumulating beneath the surface of Kīlauea’s summit region. An eruption at Kīlauea's summit does not appear to be imminent, although heightened unrest suggests that an eruption at Kīlaueaʻs summit might be possible with little or no warning. 

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Kīlauea and other Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.