(Activity updates are written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.) 

A deflation/inflation (DI) event at the summit of Kilauea last weekend disrupted the supply of lava through the tube system and caused the Waikupanaha and Kupapau ocean entries to shut down. 

Both entries had resumed by mid-week, accompanied by breakouts near the top of Royal Gardens subdivision and just inland from Kupapau.

At Kilauea’s summit, the vent within Halemaumau Crater continues to emit elevated amounts of sulfur dioxide gas, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind. 

Vigorously upwelling lava within the vent below the crater floor produced bright glow at night, loud gas-rushing noises, and the emission of juvenile ash during the past week. 

One earthquake beneath Hawaii Island was reported felt this past week. A magnitude-3.4 earthquake occurred at 3:55 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2009, and was located 6 miles southwest of Kilauea Summit at a depth of 16 miles.