Since December 23, 2024, Kīlauea has been experiencing intermittent eruptions within the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the eruption at Kīlauea’s summit paused on February 26, 2025, with a new episode expected to occur in four to six days. Despite the pause, volcanic gas emissions remain high, creating vog conditions that can affect areas downwind of the summit. Other hazards include Pele’s hair and volcanic fragments impacting nearby communities.
Air quality levels are currently elevated at several monitoring stations on Hawaiʻi and Maui islands. Southerly winds forecasted for the weekend may cause fluctuating levels of particulates and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), leading to poor air quality.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) advises residents and visitors to access air quality data through the Clean Air Branch website and the Hawai‘i Interagency Vog Information Dashboard for up-to-date information on vog and SO₂ from volcanic activity.
Residents and visitors should be prepared for vog conditions by taking precautionary measures:
– Reduce outdoor activities that cause heavy breathing.
– People with asthma or chronic respiratory diseases should have medications available and take them as prescribed.
– Contact a medical provider if health effects develop due to exposure.
– Stay indoors with windows closed; use air conditioners set to recirculate.
– Face masks do not protect against sulfur dioxide or vog but can reduce inhalation of hazardous particulates.
– Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
– Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
– Prepare family emergency plans.
– Follow warnings from county and state emergency management officials.
Updates on vog and air quality are available through:
– Hawaiʻi Interagency Vog Information Dashboard
– DOH Clean Air Branch
– U.S. Geological Survey Kilauea Volcano Updates
