Volcano · United States (Hawaii)
Kīlauea
Erupting on and off at its summit with spectacular lava fountains.
Status right now
USGS alert level: WatchAviation code: Orange
From the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Latest notice.
Checked 5 Nov 2026, 01:30 UTC.
Key facts
- Country
- United States (Hawaii)
- Region
- North America
- Type
- Shield
- Summit
- 1,222 m (4,009 ft)
- Coordinates
- 19.421° N, 155.287° W
- Smithsonian number
- 332010
- USGS page
- usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea
What kind of volcano is it?
Kīlauea is a shield. A shield volcano is broad and gently sloping, built from runny basalt lava that flows a long way before it cools. Eruptions are usually effusive: lava fountains and flows rather than large explosions.
Eruption history
| Date | VEI | Deaths | Also |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Jul 2018 | – | – | – |
| 1 Feb 2018 | 1 | 1 | – |
| 28 Apr 2018 | 1 | – | tsunami, earthquake |
| 10 Nov 2014 | – | – | – |
| 2 Mar 2012 | – | – | – |
| 10 Feb 2012 | – | – | – |
| 30 Nov 2009 | – | – | – |
| 3 Nov 2000 | 3 | 2 | – |
| 28 Apr 1998 | – | – | – |
| 8 Jul 1994 | 3 | – | tsunami |
| 19 Apr 1993 | – | 1 | – |
| 29 Nov 1975 | 0 | 2 | tsunami, earthquake |
| 10 May 1924 | 2 | 1 | – |
| 30 May 1840 | 0 | – | tsunami |
| Feb 1823 | 0 | – | – |
| Nov 1790 | 4 | 5,405 | – |
16 significant eruptions near Kīlauea in NOAA's Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database, which lists eruptions that caused deaths, damage or a tsunami, or were VEI 6 or larger. VEI is the Volcanic Explosivity Index, from 0 to 8.
Nearby volcanoes
- Mauna LoaUnited States (Hawaii) · 34 km
- ClevelandUnited States (Alaska) · 3,924 km
- ShishaldinUnited States (Alaska) · 3,997 km
- PavlofUnited States (Alaska) · 4,041 km
- Great SitkinUnited States (Alaska) · 4,057 km
- Mount St. HelensUnited States · 4,238 km
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