On June 3, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Kīlauea Volcano began erupting at the Southwest Rift Zone. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported at 2:59 p.m. that the eruption has paused; however, activity in this region remains dynamic and could change quickly. While the lava flow has ceased, areas of elevated volcanic gas emissions continue. Currently, air quality levels are slightly elevated at the Pahala and Nāʻālehu air quality monitoring stations.
As gas emissions from Kīlauea on Hawai‘i Island continue and southerly winds occasionally prevail, vog conditions (hazy air pollution caused by volcanic emissions) and the presence of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the air may increase and fluctuate in various areas of the state.
According to the USGS, the eruption was in a remote location within the national park, low in eruptive volume, and did not pose an immediate threat to human life or critical infrastructure. With continuing volcanic gas emissions, particulates in the air and levels of SO2 may increase and fluctuate in various localized areas on Hawai‘i Island, causing poor air quality.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging residents and visitors to access Hawaiʻi Ambient Air Quality Data on the Clean Air Branch website at https://health.hawaii.gov/cab/hawaii-ambient-air-quality-data/ and the Hawaiʻi Interagency Vog Information Dashboard at www.ivhhn.org/vog/ for comprehensive and up-to-date online information on vog and SO2 from volcanic activity in Hawaiʻi.
Hawai‘i residents and visitors are advised to be mindful of surrounding conditions and how they may react to vog in the air. In case of voggy conditions, take precautionary measures:
- Reduce outdoor activities that cause heavy breathing.
- Avoid outdoor activity and exercise during vog conditions.
- Sensitive groups such as children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions should be especially cautious.
- People with asthma or chronic respiratory disease should have medications available.
- Contact medical providers promptly if symptoms develop.
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed; set air conditioners to recirculate.
- In cars, set air conditioners to recirculate.
- Face masks do not protect against SO2 or vog but can reduce inhaled hazardous particulates associated with falling ash.
- Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Have family emergency plans prepared.
- Heed warnings from county and state emergency management officials.
Vog and air quality updates are available through:
- Hawaiʻi Interagency Vog Information Dashboard
- DOH Clean Air Branch
- U.S. Geological Survey Kilauea Volcano Updates