USGS identifies V3cam on the south rim of Kaluapele, the Kilauea summit caldera, looking toward Halemaumau crater.
STREAM PAGE
NORTH AMERICA · VOLCANO
Kilauea Volcano Crater
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, USA
A USGS live view toward Halemaumau crater at Kilauea. Volcanic visibility and activity change rapidly; the camera is an observation aid, not a replacement for USGS alerts or park safety information.
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Local timeSun 4 Oct, 02:06 pmPacific/Honolulu
Current time in JapanMon 5 Oct, 09:06 amAsia/Tokyo · UTC+9
SourceUSGSLinked to the source page
Status checkCheckingSuccessful results refresh daily
VIEWING NOTES
What to look for
Suggested viewing timeAny local hour can reveal different conditions; consult current USGS notices before interpreting the view.
- Crater visibility
- Cloud, steam, or glow when present
- Rapid weather changes
IN-DEPTH CAMERA GUIDE
A researched guide to the place, view and timing
Reviewed on 2026-08-02 against the stream source and public-authority information. If the live picture or official guidance changes, use those current sources as the authority.
A pan-tilt-zoom summit camera. USGS may change the view depending on volcanic activity, so the current frame is authoritative.
Official U.S. Geological Survey V3cam livestream and public-domain monitoring view.
CameraUSGS V3cam, pan-tilt-zoom
PositionSouth rim of Kaluapele
Primary viewHalemaumau crater
Exactly which Kilauea view is this?
The listed YouTube stream corresponds to USGS V3cam. USGS places it on the south rim of Kaluapele and describes the view as Halemaumau crater, including vents in the southwest part of the crater during episodic summit activity. Because it is a pan-tilt-zoom camera, a tighter view, wider caldera view or repositioned composition can all be normal. Do not use an older screenshot to identify the current target.
Why the camera may look dark, white or obscured
USGS notes that visible-light webcams faithfully show darkness at night when no light or incandescence is present. Cloud, rain and volcanic gas can obscure the crater; exposure changes can make steam or cloud appear very bright. A dark image is not proof of inactivity, and a bright patch is not by itself proof of lava. Compare the live view with USGS updates, other summit cameras and monitoring information.
Observation is not a hazard assessment
The camera offers immediate visual context but covers only one direction and one sensor type. USGS volcano updates combine seismic, deformation, gas and visual observations, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park controls visitor access separately. Before travel or any safety decision, read the latest official notices. This page intentionally avoids labeling a current eruption state from the picture because that conclusion can change faster than static editorial text.
Common questions
Is this an official USGS camera?
Yes. The listed stream is USGS V3cam, a pan-tilt-zoom camera on the south rim of Kaluapele.
Does a dark image mean Kilauea is inactive?
No. Visible-light cameras can be dark at night without an external light source. Activity is assessed from multiple instruments, not brightness alone.
Why did USGS move the camera view?
V3cam is a pan-tilt-zoom model. USGS says its view may change depending on activity, allowing the relevant part of the crater to be emphasized.
KEEP EXPLORING
