Kilauea Eruption Rains Rocks on Hawaii's Big Island

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Large lava fountains reaching heights of over 1,475 feet erupted from both the north and south vents of Kilauea's summit during episode 41 on January 24, 2026. Strong updrafts and light winds blew the lava fragments, known as tephra, over much of the Puna district and into parts of South Hilo and eastern Ka'u, creating hazardous conditions on roads and for residents.

Why it matters

Kilauea's episodic summit eruption has continued since late 2024, with this latest episode 41 producing an unusually widespread tephra fall due to the dual high fountains and lack of trade winds to blow the debris in a more predictable direction. Residents and officials must remain vigilant as further episodes are forecast in the coming weeks.

The details

The tephra fallout was densest within 5 miles east-northeast of the vents, completely blanketing the summit region of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and nearby communities. Fragments ranged from small Pele's hair strands to larger pieces of frothy reticulite up to a foot wide. Farther away, lighter ashfall and Pele's hair reached communities in Puna and South Hilo. The lack of trade winds, which typically blow tephra southwest, allowed the debris to be carried east and northeast by stronger upper-level winds.

• Episode 41 started at 11:10 a.m. on January 24, 2026 and ended over 8 hours later at 7:26 p.m.
• The most intense tephra fall occurred in the hours immediately after the episode began.

What’s next

Episode 42 of Kilauea's summit eruption is forecast to occur between February 9 and 20, and could produce additional tephra fall depending on wind conditions.