Map as of 3:00 p.m. HST, May 30, 2018. Given the dynamic nature of Kīlauea’s lower East Rift Zone eruption, with changing vent locations, fissures starting and stopping, and varying rates of lava effusion, map details shown here are accurate as of the date/time noted. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

(BIVN) – The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory had this update at 10:11 p.m. HST:

Vigorous eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens.

Fissure 8 continues to maintain eruptive fountains reaching 200-250 feet. Subsidiary fountains in the vicinity of Fissure 8 are also active although with much less vigor, seldom exceeding 60 feet in height. This fountaining continues to feed a lava flow that is moving north out of Leilani Estates and then northeast along Highway 132 into the area of Noni Farms road. Flow front advance has slowed to less than 50 yards per hour.

By late afternoon, the front of the Fissure 18 flow was about 0.5 miles from Highway 137 and was spreading and slowing. In the late afternoon, a new flow lobe began branching from the south side of the fissure 18 flow approximately 1.5 miles upslope from the flow front. During the day, sporadic bursts of activity were also observed from Fissures 22, 6, and 13. Low level spattering and intermittent fountaining from Fissure 21 were also observed in the late afternoon and early evening.

Pele’s hair and and other lightweight volcanic glass from high fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling to the west of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. Winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.

Earlier this evening, Hawaii County Civil Defense announced the following policies were in effect:

• Beach Road, from Four Corners to Hawaiian Beaches, is restricted to resident access only, between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., to allow continued evacuations.
• Highway 132 is closed.
• Leilani Estates residents with approved credentials are allowed to enter at 7 a.m. but must leave by 6 p.m. This curfew is strictly enforced for your safety. A mandatory evacuation is in effect past Pomaikai Street.
• Residents close to any volcanic activity should remain alert and be prepared to voluntarily evacuate if necessary.
• Stay tuned to local radio stations for updates from Civil Defense.