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Volcano Today
By the People, for the People
Kilauea's Lava Fountaining History Revealed in Tephra Deposits
Insights from centuries-old volcanic debris shed light on the volcano's eruptive patterns.
Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:08am
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Centuries of explosive lava fountains have shaped Kilauea's volcanic history, as revealed in the island's ancient tephra deposits.Volcano TodayA new analysis of tephra deposits around Kilauea volcano in Hawaii provides clues about the volcano's history of lava fountaining eruptions dating back over 500 years. The deposits suggest these powerful eruptions, which can send lava hundreds of meters into the air, have occurred within the Kilauea caldera multiple times since the 1500s, offering insights into the volcano's past behavior and potential future activity.
Why it matters
Understanding Kilauea's long-term eruptive history is crucial for monitoring and predicting its future behavior, which has major implications for public safety and emergency planning on the Big Island. The tephra deposits reveal that the ongoing lava fountaining eruption in Halema'uma'u crater is not an isolated event, but part of a recurring pattern that has played out within the volcano's summit region over centuries.
The details
The key evidence comes from the Keanakāko'i Tephra, a set of volcanic ash and rock deposits created by explosive lava fountain eruptions around 1500, 1650, and the early 1800s. These deposits, which can reach over 50 cm thick in some areas, suggest lava fountains as high as 600 meters above the vents, likely fueled by interactions between magma and groundwater. The distribution of the tephra indicates the eruptions were powerful enough to loft plumes to jet stream altitudes.
- Around 500 years ago, the oldest Keanakāko'i Tephra deposit, unit B, was formed by a lava foam eruption.
- In the 1500s, 1650s, and early 1800s, explosive lava fountain eruptions occurred within the Kilauea caldera, creating additional Keanakāko'i Tephra deposits.
- The ongoing eruption in Halema'uma'u crater began in 2021 and continues as of 2026.
The players
Kilauea
An active shield volcano located on the island of Hawai'i, known for its frequent eruptions.
Keanakāko'i Tephra
A suite of volcanic ash and rock deposits created by explosive lava fountain eruptions within the Kilauea caldera over the past 500 years.
What’s next
As researchers continue to monitor and document the ongoing eruption in Halema'uma'u, they will be able to better understand how it relates to Kilauea's long-term eruptive history revealed by the tephra deposits. This could provide valuable insights into the volcano's future behavior and potential hazards.
The takeaway
The discovery of centuries-old tephra deposits around Kilauea demonstrates that the volcano's current lava fountaining eruption is part of a recurring pattern, not an isolated event. This knowledge can help scientists and emergency planners better anticipate and prepare for Kilauea's future eruptive activity.
