On December 23, 2024, Kīlauea Volcano began erupting at around 2:20 a.m. in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that the eruption is currently contained within the crater and poses no immediate threats to lives or infrastructure.
The USGS has adjusted Kīlauea’s volcano alert level from Warning to Watch. However, vents continue to erupt on the floor of the southwest part of the summit caldera, and high levels of volcanic gas are present. These gases can affect areas downwind, typically southwest of the summit, potentially causing vog conditions—hazy air pollution due to volcanic emissions. This may lead to increased particulates and sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels in certain localized areas on Hawai‘i Island, impacting air quality negatively. Elevated air quality levels have been recorded at Ocean View and Pahala monitoring stations.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) advises residents and visitors to check Hawaiʻi Ambient Air Quality Data on the Clean Air Branch website and the Hawaiʻi Interagency Vog Information Dashboard for current information regarding vog and SO2 from volcanic activity in Hawaiʻi.
Residents and visitors should remain aware of environmental conditions and their potential reactions to vog exposure. Precautionary measures include:
- Reducing outdoor activities that cause heavy breathing during vog conditions to minimize health risks, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues.
- Ensuring availability of medications for those with asthma or chronic respiratory diseases.
- Contacting medical providers if symptoms develop or worsen.
- Staying indoors with windows and doors closed; setting air conditioners to recirculate both indoors and in vehicles.
- Recognizing that face masks do not protect against SO2 or vog but can reduce inhalation of hazardous particulates like ash.
- Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke exposure.
- Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Preparing family emergency plans.
- Following guidance from county and state emergency management officials.
Updates on vog and air quality can be accessed through resources such as the Hawaiʻi Interagency Vog Information Dashboard, DOH Clean Air Branch, and U.S. Geological Survey Kīlauea Volcano Updates.