Volcano Cams: Watch Kilauea and Other Active Volcanoes Live
Live webcams on the world's most active volcanoes. Watch lava flows, steam vents, and eruptions in real time from a safe distance.
Volcanoes are among the most powerful forces on Earth, and thanks to live webcams, you can watch them from the safety of your screen. From Kilauea’s ongoing activity to other volcanic hotspots, here’s where to watch.
Kilauea, Hawaii
Kilauea on Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has been erupting intermittently since 2018. We have multiple cameras covering different angles:
- Kilauea Summit — National Park Service camera overlooking the Halemaumau crater
- Kilauea South — southern view of the caldera
- NPS Hawaii Volcanoes — additional park service angles
What You Might See
- Active eruption: Lava fountains, flows, and the glow of molten rock (especially visible at night)
- Steam vents: Sulfur dioxide plumes rising from the crater
- Lava lake: When active, the summit crater fills with a lake of molten lava
- Volcanic fog (vog): Hazy conditions caused by sulfur emissions
Best time to watch: Night time — the lava glow is most visible after sunset. During active eruptions, the orange glow can be spectacular.
Alaska Volcanic Cams
Alaska sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire with over 130 volcanoes. While most are monitored by the Alaska Volcano Observatory, some have webcams:
- AVO Nikiski NW Webcam — views toward Cook Inlet volcanoes
Understanding Volcanic Activity Levels
The USGS uses a color-coded system:
- Green (Normal): Background activity, no eruption expected
- Yellow (Advisory): Elevated unrest above known background levels
- Orange (Watch): Heightened activity with increased potential for eruption
- Red (Warning): Eruption is imminent or underway
Volcano Watching Tips
- Check at night — lava glow is only visible in darkness
- Bookmark the summit cam — during eruptions, these cameras get millions of views
- Watch for steam changes — increased steam often precedes eruption activity
- Check multiple angles — different cameras show different aspects of the eruption
- Be patient — volcanic activity happens on geological time; sometimes nothing visible happens for days
Why Volcano Cams Matter
Beyond entertainment, these cameras serve critical scientific and safety purposes:
- Real-time monitoring for nearby communities
- Scientific research data for volcanologists
- Aviation safety — volcanic ash is deadly for aircraft engines
- Public education — understanding the forces that shape our planet
The Big Island Camera Collection
Beyond the volcanoes, Hawaii’s Big Island offers incredible diversity. Check the Big Island group for beach cams, resort views, and more.
Live volcano cams are some of the most popular feeds on Port of Cams, especially during active eruptions. Bookmark the Kilauea Summit cam and check back regularly — you never know when the next eruption will begin.
