Kīlauea is erupting again. Episode 48 began within the summit caldera at Halemaʻumaʻu, and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is tracking active lava lake activity and spattering on the crater floor. For travelers heading to the Big Island, this is one of the most spectacular and accessible volcanic events in the world — with one important caveat: helicopter tours are selling out weeks in advance.
What’s Happening Right Now
Episode 48 represents the continuation of Kīlauea’s ongoing eruptive cycle within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The eruption is summit-based — meaning activity is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater and not threatening any residential areas or infrastructure. The National Park Service has kept Kilauea Overlook and related viewing areas open, with normal park operations in effect.
The eruption creates vivid lava glow visible from Jaggar Museum Overlook (Uwēkahuna) after dark, and daytime eruption plumes are visible from much of the Kona side of the island on clear days.
Getting to the Viewing Areas
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the primary gateway. Entry costs $35 per vehicle (good for 7 days) and the park is open 24 hours. From Kona, plan on a 1.5-hour drive; from Hilo, it’s about 30 minutes.
The key overlooks are Kīlauea Overlook and the new Uwēkahuna Bluff viewpoint near the summit. Both offer direct sightlines into Halemaʻumaʻu. Arrive before sunset — the lava glow intensifies dramatically as daylight fades, and the overlooks fill with visitors. Weeknight evenings tend to be less crowded than weekend nights.
Helicopter Tours: Book Now or Wait
The surge in eruption interest has pushed helicopter tour bookings to their busiest level since 2018. Major operators — Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Safari Helicopters, and Sunshine Helicopters — are reporting full bookings 2-3 weeks out for prime evening viewing times.
We recommend booking your helicopter tour immediately if the Big Island is in your trip window:
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters (Hilo and Waikoloa): Circle Island and Heli-Hike packages; book at bluehawaiian.com
- Safari Helicopters (Hilo): Multiple Kīlauea-specific routes including 45-minute summit tours
- Sunshine Helicopters (Kahului/Hilo): Doors-off option available for photography
Expect to pay $180-350 USD per person depending on flight duration and departure point. Evening “lava glow” departures command a premium and are the hardest to book.
VOG Advisories: Check Before You Go
Active eruption means volcanic smog (VOG) — a mixture of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter that forms when eruption gases interact with sunlight and moisture. VOG levels are tracked by the Hawaii State Department of Health at vog.hi.gov and rated on a daily scale.
Visitors with respiratory conditions, heart conditions, or sensitivity to air quality should check VOG forecasts before visiting summit areas. The Kona coast typically receives lower VOG concentrations than the east side when trade winds are blowing from the northeast.
What to Bring for Eruption Viewing
- After dark for the best lava glow: Bring layers — the summit sits at 4,000 feet elevation and nights are cold (50-55°F even in June)
- A tripod if you’re serious about photography; the low-light conditions for lava glow demand longer exposures
- A mask is optional but sensible for visitors near summit areas during active eruption — the park provides VOG advisories at trailheads
- Binoculars: The lava is visible from the overlooks but binoculars give significantly better detail
We’ve visited Kīlauea during multiple eruption episodes and can say without hesitation that active eruptive periods are when the Big Island is at its most extraordinary. The combination of primordial fire and extraordinary night sky makes for travel experiences that are genuinely unlike anywhere else on Earth.