February 1, 2018 Eruption of Kilauea
Kilauea in the United States erupted on February 1, 2018 with a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 1. The eruption killed 1 person.
Where it erupted
Kilauea, United States, with its other significant eruptions.
The eruption
- Date
- February 1, 2018
- Volcano
- Kilauea, shield volcano
- Country
- United States
- Volcanic Explosivity Index
- 1, small (eruption column 100 m to 1 km)
- Killed by
- Gas (from eruptive craters, fumaroles and solfataras)
- Location
- 19.421° N, 155.287° W
The toll
- Deaths
- 1
- Injuries
- 3
Where the literature gives no number, NCEI records a description on a scale of 1 to 4, printed here in its words. Damage is in millions of US dollars of the year of the event, not adjusted for inflation.
What the record says
NCEI’s account, from the sources it cites.
Four hikers, a hiking guide leading three others, were hiking near the lava flow when it started raining which created a noxious steam cloud surrounding the group affecting their breathing and vision. The group called for help. The tour guide was overcome by the noxious steam cloud while the three visitors escaped to safe location. Chopper One flew in and found the three people safely away from the fumes then located the unresponsive tour guide in another location. The tour guide was airlifted to a medic unit and he was determined to be dead. Choppers One and Two were able to airlift the three other people who sustained minor injuries and they did not need further medical attention. (reference #12008)
Other significant eruptions of Kilauea
More
Every eruption in 2018The 2000sKilaueaEarthquakes near KilaueaThis day in weather history
Sources
Volcanoes and significant eruptions from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Hazard Database, cited as NCEI/WDS, doi:10.7289/V5PN93H7. Public domain. Read 2026-09-24. Volcano numbers are the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program’s. NCEI event 7004.