Kilauea

Kilauea is located on the Island of Hawaiʻi, also known as the Big Island. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is situated within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

If Kilauea erupts, you might experience volcanic gas emissions that create vog volcanic smog leading to respiratory issues and eye skin irritation. There's also the risk of Pele's hair thin strands of volcanic glass that can cause skin and eye injuries. While Kilauea eruptions can be destructive causing significant property damage like in 2018 they typically don't result in fatalities due to sufficient warning times and the ability of residents to evacuate. Explosive ash-producing eruptions like Mt. St. Helens are uncommon for Kilauea but can have wider impacts including ashfall and lower temperatures globally notes the National Museum of Natural History. Immediate Hazards Kilauea releases sulfur dioxide which mixes with the atmosphere to form volcanic smog vog. This haze can cause respiratory problems eye irritation and other health issues for nearby residents especially on the Big Island where wind patterns can bring the vog closer. The eruption creates strands of volcanic glass resembling hair. These strands can cause skin and eye irritation and people should avoid them.

Estimates of fatalities vary, with historical accounts suggesting numbers ranging from around 80 to potentially higher figures. However, significant fatalities directly caused by Kilauea eruptions are rare due to evacuation protocols and warning systems.

Kīlauea's summit eruption is episodic, meaning there are periods of activity followed by pauses. The eruption, which began on December 23, 2024, is currently paused, with the last episode ending on October 1, 2025. The magma chamber is repressurizing, suggesting that more lava fountaining episodes are likely to follow. For real-time information on current conditions and potential future activity, check the USGS website.

The main hazards during a Kilauea eruption include volcanic gas emissions which can create vog volcanic smog causing respiratory and eye irritation. Additionally, volcanic glass strands known as Pele's hair can cause skin and eye injuries. While destructive, fatalities are uncommon due to advance warnings.