Mount Kīlauea Volcano Erupts; Hawaii Issues Rare Ashfall Warning

Mount Kīlauea erupted on Tuesday, March 10, 2026; authorities described the event as the volcano’s 43rd eruption and the National Weather Service issued a rare Ashfall Warning for nearby communities.

“HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARKS, Hawaii – The well-known Mount Kīlauea Volcano erupted for the 43rd time on Tuesday in Hawaii, and people in the area are being advised to take protective measures from ashfall”

FOX Weather

National Today reported that “Mount Kīlauea Volcano in Hawaii erupted for the 43rd time on Tuesday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a rare Ashfall Warning.”

FOX Weather

FOX Weather likewise stated, “The 43rd eruption of Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano started on Tuesday morning,” and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) observations were cited in both outlets describing increased seismic and tilt activity that preceded the eruption.

The eruption produced high lava fountains and significant tephra and ash that spread to northward communities; National Today reported fountains over 1,000 feet and ash fragments up to 5 inches in size.

National Today noted “large lava fountains over 1,000 feet high and significant ashfall, with fragments up to 5 inches reported in nearby areas,” and described “voluminous tephra (volcanic rock fragments) that is spreading to the north.”

National Today

FOX Weather and USGS commentary emphasized the two active vents — “two vents (north and south)” — feeding the lava fountaining episodes in Halemaʻumaʻu.

Officials closed the summit and shut a portion of Highway 11 while advising residents and visitors to take protective measures against ashfall; the Ashfall Warning was set to remain in effect through the morning of Sunday, March 15.

“HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARKS, Hawaii – The well-known Mount Kīlauea Volcano erupted for the 43rd time on Tuesday in Hawaii, and people in the area are being advised to take protective measures from ashfall”

FOX Weather

National Today reported that “The summit of Kīlauea is closed, and a portion of Highway 11 has also been shut down,” and that “The Ashfall Warning is in effect through 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026.”

FOX Weather likewise said people in the area “are being advised to take protective measures from ashfall,” and cited USGS monitoring of tremor and tilt changes that prompted the advisory steps.

Kīlauea’s ongoing activity is framed as part of a longer phase of unrest that began in late 2024, underscoring why local authorities and federal monitors remain vigilant and emphasize preparedness.

FOX Weather and its USGS-cited statement noted the current phase began with the Dec. 23, 2024 activity and that the volcano is “in a unique phase of activity in Halemaʻumaʻu,”

National Today

National Today stressed that “Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world” and that the eruption “highlights the ongoing volcanic activity in Hawaii and the need for residents and visitors to be prepared.”