USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-HVO-2023-08-14T17:08:25-07:00

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

Earthquake rates beneath Kīlauea summit region have increased from an average of about 20 earthquakes per day to over 40 earthquakes per day during the past week. Ground deformation rates are also high at the summit of Kīlauea, similar to conditions before the June 7, 2023, eruption. 

The week’s earthquakes peaked at 100 on Sunday, August 13, including a magnitude-4.3 event that was felt across the Island of Hawaiʻi.  Most other earthquakes were smaller than magnitude-2 and primarily occurred at 0–2 km depth beneath Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera, including Halemaʻumaʻu) but also extended northeast towards Kīlauea Iki Crater and along the southern end of the caldera.  

The increase in seismicity at Kīlauea summit yesterday was accompanied by a brief increase in the rate of ground tilt, which has since returned to steady-state.  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. The elevated unrest suggests that an eruption at Kīlaueaʻs summit might be possible with little or no warning, but there is no sign that an eruption is imminent.  

Beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, August 15, HVO will be returning to DAILY Updates of Kīlauea volcano, reflecting the elevated level of unrest. The Volcano Alert Level/Aviation Color Code for Kīlauea remains at ADVISORY/YELLOW. 

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