Volcanic Ashfall — Big Island East, Hawaii

2026-01-24 · Big Island East, Hawaii

Event narrative

Episode 41 of lava fountaining from the north and south vents in the Halemaumau crater on the summit of Kilauea began at 11:10 a.m. HST on January 24 and lasted eight hours. Tephra fallout of various sizes were reported in public viewing areas within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Village, Mauna Loa Estates and Ohia Estates. Tephra sizes ranged from ash of less than 1/16 inch in diameter to bombs larger than 2.5 inches in diameter.

Wider weather episode

Eruption Episode 41 began at 11:10 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in the Halemaumau crater caused significant ashfall and large tephra (volcanic glass/reticulite) fallout across East Hawaii, including Volcano Village and Hilo. The eruption, featuring 1,500-foot lava fountains, caused flight cancellations and road closures along Highway 11.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1315380. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.