Kīlauea volcano live – West halemaʻumaʻu crater view
Live view of Kīlauea’s west crater rim
Positioned on the northwest rim of Halemaʻumaʻu, the V1cam offers an uninterrupted 24/7 feed of Kīlauea’s ever-changing volcanic spectacle. From dawn’s golden glow to the deep red of nighttime eruptions, you’ll witness the raw power of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
What you will see on camera
- Glowing lava lakes bubbling and shifting within the crater’s depths.
- Volcanic plumes of steam and gas rising against the island sky.
- Panoramic mountain backdrop of Hawaii’s lush, sculpted slopes.
- Rockfalls and eruptions as magma finds new paths through crater walls.
- Dynamic zoom and tilt angles automatically refocusing to highlight fresh activity.
The science behind the feed
Operated by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the V1cam is an autofocusing pan-tilt-zoom model. Observatory staff can remotely adjust zoom and angle to track new lava vents, measure plume heights and study gas emissions—all in real time.
Why watch this live stream
- Real-time eruption updates: No delays, no edited clips—see exactly what’s happening.
- Educational value: Ideal for students, researchers or anyone curious about volcanology.
- Dramatic visuals: From glowing orange lava up close to sweeping views of the crater rim.
- Continual changes: Every hour brings new flows, collapses or steam bursts—no two moments are the same.
- Connect with nature: Feel the pulse of the earth from your device, wherever you are.
Safety and community reporting
Volcanic activity can change rapidly. The V1cam feed helps local communities and emergency responders monitor hazards. Viewers in chat can timestamp observations—linking them to archived footage for detailed review up to 12 hours back.
About the V1cam setup
- Location: Northwest rim of Halemaʻumaʻu caldera, Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii.
- Equipment: Autofocusing pan-tilt-zoom camera capable of high-resolution night imaging.
- Maintenance: Managed by USGS HVO scientists, with regular calibrations to ensure clarity.
How the crater has evolved
Over decades, Halemaʻumaʻu’s lava lake has risen, fallen and refilled. This view captures the newest vent formations and lava lake fluctuations—an educational window into volcanic processes visible nowhere else.
Experience kīlauea from anywhere
Whether you’re a Hawaii local, a geology enthusiast or an armchair adventurer, this livestream brings the magic and power of Kīlauea to your screen. Bookmark the feed for daily check-ins and never miss a moment of eruptive drama or tranquil steam rising at sunrise.