Activity Summary:  Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. Unrest continues beneath the upper East Rift Zone and the summit caldera south of Halemaʻumaʻu. 

Summit and upper East Rift Zone Observations: Earthquake counts have increased again with approximately 230 earthquakes the past 24 hours. Of these, approximately 140 earthquakes were located in the upper East Rift Zone in a zone extending from Keanakākoʻi crater to the intersection with Hilina Pali Road. The remaining approximately 90 earthquakes were located in the caldera south of Halemaʻumaʻu. Earthquake depths have averaged 2-4 km (1.2-3.1 miles) beneath the surface, and magnitudes have been mostly below M2.0, with a few M2.5 events in the past 24 hours.

Ground deformation continues beneath Halemaʻumaʻu and the south side of Kalaupele and Keanakākoʻi crater. The Uēkahuna tiltmeter continues to record steady inflation beneath Halemaʻumaʻu that began early Saturday morning. The tiltmeter at Sandhill continues to record accelerated uplift in the south caldera region at rates similar to those prior to and during last week's seismic unrest. 

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas emission rates remain low. An SO₂ emission rate of approximately 62 tonnes per day was recorded on May 2. 

Rift Zone Observations: All seismic activity on the East Rift Zone is confined to the upper East Rift Zone, with no significant earthquakes occurring past the Pauahi Crater. At this time, seismicity in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone remains relatively low outside of the summit region. Measurements from continuous gas monitoring stations downwind of Puʻuʻōʻō in the middle East Rift Zone—the site of 1983–2018 eruptive activity—continue to be below detection limits for SO₂, indicating that SO₂ emissions from Puʻuʻōʻō are negligible. 

Analysis: Magma continues to pressurize the system beneath beneath Halemaʻumaʻu and the south side of Kalaupele and Keanakākoʻi crater, activating seismicity along faults in the upper East Rift Zone. At this time, it is not possible to say whether this increase in activity will lead to an intrusion or eruption in the near future or simply continue as seismic unrest at depth. Changes in the character and location of unrest can occur quickly, as can the potential for eruption.

Information Statement Issued May 2, 2024: An information statement summarizing the event since April 27, including interpretation and possible outcomes, can be found here:  Kīlauea Information Statement: summit region heightened unrest continues; no eruptive activity. | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)

Updates: The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) will provide daily updates while at a heightened state of unrest. 

HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea for signs of increasing activity. Should volcanic activity change significantly, a Volcanic Activity Notice will be issued.   

Hazards are still present on Kīlauea and are described below. Residents and visitors should stay informed and follow County of Hawai‘i and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park guidelines.