Episode 25: When the Volcano Woke Up Roaring

By Big Island Joe – June 13, 2025 Based on USGS HVO reports, local news, and firsthand Jeep-view footage

The Breakdown: What Just Happened? You ever see lava shoot a thousand feet into the sky? We did.

Episode 25 of the current Halemaʻumaʻu eruption went off on June 11, and let’s just say: Madame Pele put on a show. This was the 25th time she’s flared up since December 23, 2024, and it was one of the most powerful yet.

Here’s how it played out:

• 11:57 a.m. – The north vent started fountaining nonstop, straight from the crater floor.

• Around 1:30 p.m. – The south vent kicked in, adding to the madness.

• 7:36 p.m. – North vent started to quiet down.

• 8:08 p.m. – It was done. Both vents had shut off.

Total action time: just over 8 hours of lava showtime.

Fountain Stats: This One Was a Giant

• North vent: Lava shot up over 1,000 feet. That’s taller than the Eiffel Tower.

• South vent: Still solid—reaching 165 to 250 feet high.

Earlier that morning, the north vent was already bubbling and pulsing—what volcanologists call gas-pistoning—right before things really blew open.

What the Instruments Said Tiltmeters showed a clear deflation event of 14 microradians, signaling pressure release in the magma chamber. At the same time, seismic tremor (the underground rumble) dropped off.

Translation? The earth took a deep breath, and we saw it happen.

What It Meant On the Ground

• Vog rolled in thick—if you were downwind, you felt it.

• Pele’s hair and bits of volcanic glass were reported. Don't touch it, and keep your sunglasses on.

• Crater edge warning: Rangers reminded everyone—those unstable rims can collapse. Stay out of closed areas.

Traffic also backed up on Highway 11 between mile markers 24 and 29 as word of the eruption spread. If you’re chasing lava, be smart: don’t block the road, don’t stand on guardrails, and always respect rangers on site.

So What Now?

• The lava glow is still visible from certain crater overlook points—especially after dark.

• Alert Level: Watch, and Aviation Code: Orange. That means future activity is likely but confined to Halemaʻumaʻu.

• USGS is watching closely—another episode could start within days.

Joe’s Take You don’t get shows like this every day. And you definitely don’t want to miss one because you didn’t have the right ride. Our Jeeps are Mauna Kea–ready and volcano-approved—whether you’re chasing lava, stargazing, or doing both in one day.

Episode 25 reminded us why this island humbles you. One minute you're grabbing snacks in Hilo, the next you're watching a thousand-foot lava fountain light up the sky.

Check the alerts. Pack layers. Charge your camera. And if you'd like directions to a sweet spot to view—just ask Joe.