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Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts for the third time this year

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At approximately 3:15  a.m./p.m. HST on September 10, 2023 the eruption started within  Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.  The  eruption was preceded by a period of strong seismicity and rapid uplift  of the summit

This short video shows the first hour of the eruption

Video credit: USGS + AP

Next slides:

How to see the eruption yourself:    1: From far away (through video live-stream)    2: From up-close (if you are in Hawaiʻi already)

From a distance

01.

The best view of the lava lake is for people watching it online! The Hawaii Volcano Observatory installed a webcam in a location that is off-limits to park visitors with GREAT views of the current eruption. Click the link below to see the livestream

From up-close

02.

The best way to see the lava from this eruption is from one of the many official viewpoints around the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.  See our lava viewing guide linked below for more details

Lava viewing tips:

Where? All eruptive activity is taking place within the Halemaʻumaʻu carter, inside the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. – How? The best way to see the lava from this eruption is from one of the official viewpoints around the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. – How to avoid the crowds? The best time to see the lava is when its dark. One or 2 hours before sunrise is the best time to skip the crowds, bit late at night (after 10 pm) is a good alternative if you don't like to wake up early. Sunset viewing is of course also possible, but you are likely to be stuck in a traffic jam together with other lava enthusiasts if you visit the park between 6 pm and 9 pm. – Prepare in advance: Don't forget your flashlight, warm attire, rain gear, and sturdy shoes. Keep an eye on the weather as rain and fog can obstruct the eruption view.

Which overlook is the best??

The best way to see the lava from this eruption is from one of the official viewpoints around the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, such as the Kilauea overlook point and anywhere along the caldera rim to Kūpinaʻi Pali. The parking lot here can fill up quickly though, so be prepared to go to a quieter overlook if the park is very busy. Note that the Keanakākoʻi viewing area is closed due to unsafe air quality from the lava lake plume.

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