Hawaii's Kīlauea Volcano USGS Live Webcam

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USGS

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), through the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), plays a vital role in safeguarding Hawaiʻi by continuously monitoring active volcanoes like Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Using a network of seismic sensors, GPS, satellite data, gas measurements, and on-the-ground field observations, USGS scientists track changes in volcanic activity and provide timely updates, alerts, and hazard assessments to emergency managers, local communities, and visitors. Their work helps improve eruption forecasts, supports evacuation and response planning, and advances long-term research that strengthens resilience across the islands. We value USGS’s commitment to science-driven public safety and their dedication to keeping people informed when it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kīlauea, and why is it such a big deal?

Kīlauea is one of Earth’s most active volcanoes, known for frequent eruptions and fast-changing landscapes. It’s a real-time window into how volcanoes build and reshape the land.

What am I actually looking at on this webcam?

You’re typically seeing parts of Kīlauea’s summit area; depending on activity, you might notice vents, steam, fresh lava surfaces, or evolving crater features. Visibility can change quickly with weather and volcanic gas.

When is the best time to watch for lava glow?

Night and pre-dawn are usually best because darkness makes glow easier to see. In bright daylight, subtle glow can be hard to spot.

Why does the view sometimes swing or zoom suddenly?

This is a PTZ camera, so the view can pan/tilt/zoom to track areas of interest. Sudden movement often means the camera is being repositioned to follow something noteworthy.

What can I see when Kīlauea isn’t erupting?

Even during quieter periods, you may still see steam or gas, shifting clouds, changing crater walls, and subtle landscape changes. The scene can be dramatic even without visible lava.

How do scientists monitor Kīlauea besides webcams?

Scientists also track earthquakes, ground movement, and gas emissions to understand what the volcano is doing. Webcams add visual context to those measurements.

What is “vog,” and could it affect what I see here?

Vog is haze created when volcanic gases react in the atmosphere. It can reduce visibility and make the view look smoky or washed out.

Why does the volcano look clear one minute and invisible the next?

Clouds, rain, fog, wind shifts, and gas plumes can change visibility fast. Sometimes the volcano is there—you just can’t see it through the atmosphere.

What’s the difference between a crater and a caldera?

A crater is a smaller bowl-like depression near a vent. A caldera is much larger and often forms when the ground collapses after magma drains away.

What is Halemaʻumaʻu, and why do people mention it so much?

Halemaʻumaʻu is a key area within Kīlauea’s summit where activity often concentrates. When it’s active, it can become the main focal point for lava and glow.

Why does lava sometimes look orange, red, or almost white-hot?

Color mostly reflects temperature and how fresh the exposed lava is. Hotter lava glows brighter, while cooler surfaces darken quickly as they crust over.

What are lava fountains, and why do they happen?

Lava fountains can occur when gas-rich magma reaches the surface and releases pressurized gases. The escaping gas can spray molten lava upward like a fiery geyser.

What are “rift zones,” and why do they matter for Kīlauea?

Rift zones are regions where the volcano can crack and magma can travel away from the summit. Eruptions can occur along these rifts, changing where activity shows up.

What should I watch for when activity increases?

Look for stronger nighttime glow, more persistent steam or plume activity, and fresh dark surfaces that may indicate recent flows. Keep in mind the camera angle may change as conditions evolve.

Is it normal to see lots of steam without seeing lava?

Yes—steam and gas can be visible even when lava isn’t exposed to view. Moisture, wind, and lighting can make steam look especially prominent.

Why does the ground sometimes look like it’s “shimmering”?

Heat distortion can make the image ripple as hot air bends light. It’s a common effect near warm ground, vents, or lava.

What’s the safest way to learn what’s happening right now at Kīlauea?

Use the webcam as a visual snapshot, but rely on official volcano updates and alerts for accurate status and safety guidance. Webcams are informative, not emergency notifications.

Can weather alone make the volcano look “active”?

It can—fog banks, cloud shadows, and shifting haze can resemble plumes or motion. Watching for several minutes helps you separate weather effects from volcanic activity.

Why can the volcano look totally different in daylight vs nighttime?

Daylight can hide subtle glow and flatten contrast, while darkness reveals glow and heat shimmer. The same scene can look quiet at noon and dramatic at midnight.

What are fun “watch windows” besides nighttime?

Sunrise and sunset can offer great contrast and color, and changing clouds can briefly reveal clearer views. Even short openings can be worth tuning in for.