Kilauea caldera was the site of nearly continuous activity during the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century. Since 1952 there have been 34 eruption cycles. Since January 1983, Kilauea has been in a virtual constant state of eruption. It is currently erupting at the cinder-and-spatter cone of Pu`u `O`o.
Lava erupting from the cone flows through a tube system down the Pulama pali about seven miles to the sea in what is referred to as the east rift zone. Kilauea ranks among the world's most active volcanoes.
The photographs in this gallery (unless otherwise indicated) were taken by scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey and are in the public domain. If you use the images, please credit U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.
Map of eruptions 1983 - present
Initial eruptive fissure - Jan. 1983
`A`a lava flow in Royal Gardens - July 1983
`A`a lava flow in Royal Gardens - July 1983
Pu`u `O`o five months post eruption - Sept. 1983
Pu`u `O`o cinder-and-spatter cone - July 1986
Pahoehoe flow crossing the highway - Dec. 1986
Steam explosions as lava meets the sea - Feb. 1988
Steam explosions as lava meets the sea - May 1988
Tube-fed pahoehoe lava flow - Nov. 1988
Skylight formed by collapsing lava tube - June 1989
Remains of the Waha`ula Visitor Center - June 1989
Surface flows advancing down steep slope - Feb. 1990
House torched by advancing lava - April 1990
A`a flow advances over pahoehoe flow - Aug. 1990
Collapsed Pu`u `O`o conduit - Aug. 1990
Lava erupting from vents on the s.w. flank - Feb. 1992
Lava shield on the s.w. flank of Pu`u `O`o - Feb. 1992
Lava flowing from spatter cones - April 1992
Lava pond on the s.e. flank of Pu`u `O`o - April 1992
Geophysicists measuring at a lava tube - Sept. 1992
Lava spreading across black sand beach - Nov. 1992
Lava fountain on the slope of Pu`u `O`o - Feb. 1993
Lava pouring into sea over campground - March 1993
Aerial view from the shore to Pu`u `O`o - May 1993
Collapse pits develop on Pu`u `O`o - Jan. 1995
Fissures shooting lava 10-30m high - Jan. 1997
Collapsed west rim of Pu`u `O`o - Jan. 1997
Spatter cone on the west flank of Pu`u `O`o - April 1997
Aerial view of active vent in Pu`u `O`o crater - Oct. 1997
Breakout lava moving through the trees - May 1998
Lava cascading through a lava tube - May 1998
Pahoehoe flow reaching the ocean - Sept. 1998
Lava bubbles burst on the Kamokuna lava bench - Jan. 1999
Lava pouring into the sea near Kamokuna - July 1999
View of a spatter cone south of Pu`u `O`o - July 1999
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