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Kilauea Today
By the People, for the People
Kilauea Volcano Alert Levels Revised for Evolving Eruption
USGS updates ground and aviation hazard notifications as lava fountain episodes continue
Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:35am
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As Kilauea's episodic eruption continues, the USGS revises its alert system to better communicate the volcano's dynamic activity and associated hazards to the public and aviation industry.Kilauea TodayThe USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has adjusted the Kilauea Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Code system to better communicate the changing conditions during the ongoing episodic lava fountaining eruption. The Alert Level and Color Code will now fluctuate between WATCH/ORANGE, WARNING/RED, and ADVISORY/YELLOW depending on the intensity of each eruptive episode.
Why it matters
Accurately communicating Kilauea's volcanic activity and associated hazards is critical for public safety and aviation operations in the region. The revised notification system aims to provide more nuanced and responsive updates as the eruption evolves.
The details
During most of the ongoing eruption, Kilauea's Alert Level has been at WATCH and the Aviation Color Code at ORANGE, indicating an eruption with limited ground and airborne hazards. However, during the particularly explosive Episode 43 on March 10, the Alert Level was raised to WARNING and the Color Code to RED due to a volcanic plume reaching over 22,000 feet and causing ashfall across the Puna district and flight cancelations at Hilo airport.
- The revised Alert Level and Color Code system was implemented after Episode 43 on March 10, 2026.
- Following the end of Episode 43, the Alert Level and Color Code were lowered back to WATCH and ORANGE.
- After the upcoming Episode 44, the Alert Level and Color Code will be lowered further to ADVISORY and YELLOW during eruptive pauses.
The players
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
A research unit of the U.S. Geological Survey that monitors and studies volcanic activity in Hawaii.
NOAA Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center
A federal agency that tracks and characterizes the movement of volcanic ash clouds in the Pacific region.
National Weather Service
A federal agency that issues weather-related warnings and advisories, including for volcanic ashfall.
What’s next
After Episode 44 ends, assuming similar activity to the first 43 episodes, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will lower Kilauea's Alert Level and Aviation Color Code to ADVISORY and YELLOW to better reflect the ongoing eruptive pauses.
The takeaway
The revised Kilauea alert system aims to provide more nuanced and responsive updates to the public and aviation industry as the volcano's episodic eruption continues to evolve, ensuring safety while minimizing unnecessary disruptions.
