Volcanoes of the Pacific Ocean (711)

In historic times, at least 97 volcanoes have been active in Pacific Ocean, including Kilauea, Home Reef, and Ambrym volcanoes. A total of 987 eruptions have been witnessed and documented since around 1568 AD.
The table below lists the most recent volcanic eruptions, significant eruptive episodes or related events in Pacific Ocean since 2023.

Date	Volcano	VEI	Region	Damage
2000 or before - ongoing	Bagana	2	Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea
2021 Oct 2 - ongoing	Kavachi	?	Solomon Islands
2015 Oct 22 ? - ongoing	Langila Crater 2	2	New Britain, Papua New Guinea
2015 Oct 2 - ongoing	Tofua Lofia crater	0	Tonga Islands
2018 or before - ongoing	Tinakula	2	Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands
2018 May 10 ±10 d. - ongoing	Manam Southern and Main Craters	4	Papua New Guinea
2024 Dec 23 - ongoing	Kilauea Halema'uma'u Crater	?	Hawai'i		Info
Many short-lived lava fountain episodes from Halema'uma'u crater, producing lava flows that cover the crater floor with flash floods of new lava. As of 7 May 2025, 20 lava-fountaining episodes so far.
2024 May 24 -	White Island	?	Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
2024 Aug 5 -	Ahyi	?	United States, Mariana Islands
2024 Dec 4 -	Home Reef	?	Tonga Islands
2024 Oct 3 - Nov 12	Ambrym	?	Vanuatu
2024 Sep 15 - Sep 20	Kilauea Napau Crater	?	Hawai'i
2024 Jun 10 - Jul 4	Home Reef	?	Tonga Islands
2024 Jun 29 - Jun 30	Aoba	?	Vanuatu
2024 Jun 3	Kilauea Southwest Rift Zone	?	Hawai'i
2024 Mar 2 -	Fernandina SE flank	1	Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
2024 Jan 1 - Mar 27	Ahyi	?	United States, Mariana Islands
2024 Jan 13 - Jan 16	Ambrym	?	Vanuatu
2023 Jul 18 - Dec 31	Ulawun	3	New Britain, Papua New Guinea
2023 Dec 11 - Dec 21	Aoba	2	Vanuatu
2023 Oct 12 - Oct 19	Home Reef	1	Tonga Islands
2021 Sep 29 - 2023 Sep 16	Kilauea Halema`uma`u Crater.	0	Hawai'i
2023 Sep 14 - Sep 15	Ruby	1	United States, Mariana Islands
2023 Jul 7 (eruption 2000 or before - ongoing)	Bagana	2	Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea	light	Info
2023 Jul 7: An explosive eruption at Bagana on 7 July send a large ash, gas, and steam plume to high altitudes and caused significant ashfall in local communities. A report issued by theAutonomous Bougainville Government (Torokina District, Education Section) on 10 July noted that significant ash began falling during 2000-2100 on 7 July and covered most areas in the Vuakovi, Gotana (9 km SW), Koromaketo, Laruma and Atsilima villages. By about 2200 on 7 July the eruption plume had reached upper tropospheric altitudes based onsatellite images. Sulfur dioxide detections in satellite images from 8 July indicated that theplume, likely a mixture of gases, ice, and ash, had risen to 16-18 km (52,500-59,100 ft) a.s.l.,reaching the tropopause. Ashfall reportedly continued until 9 July. The ashfall covered vegetation, destroying bushes and gardens, and contaminated rivers and streams used for washing and drinking water; residents drank from coconuts and used fresh ground water accessible through bamboo pipes. (reference #13574) An explosive eruption at Bagana on 15 July was similar to one that occurred on 7 July. According to the Darwin VAAC, an eruption at around 0830 on 15 July produced an ash plume that rose to 16.5 km (54,000 ft) a.s.l. by 1000 and drifted N based on satellite images. Ground-based reports indicated that pyroclastic flows had occurred in the vicinity of the volcano; small deposits confined to one drainage were inspected by RVO during an overflight on 17 July, and were confirmed to be from the 7 July event. The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) issued a statement on 17 July noting significant impacts of ashfall in local communities. According to the National Disaster Centre, ashfall from the first event lasted until 10 July; an eruption was also reported by RVO on 14 July. Ashfall (presumably from events on 7 and 15 July) impacted about 8,111 people in Torokina, South Bougainville, including Tsito/Vuakovi, Gotana (9 km SW), Koromaketo, Kenaia, Longkogari, Kenbaki, Piva (13 km SW), and Atsinima (27km WNW) and in the Tsitovi district according to ABG. Significant ashfall was also reported in Ruruvu (22 km N) in the Wakunai District of Central Bougainville. An evacuation was called for the villages in Wakunai, where heavy ashfall had contaminated water sources; the communities of Ruruvu, Togarau, Kakarapaia, Karauturi, Atao, and Kuritaturi were asked to evacuate to a disaster center at the Wakunai District Station within 24 hours. Communities in Torokina, nearest to Bagana, were to immediately evacuate to the Piva District station. (reference 13575) According to new articles, more than 7,000 people needed temporary accommodations due to the eruption at Bagana, with about 1,000 of those in evacuation shelters. Ashfall was deposited over a broad area, contaminating water supplies, affecting crops, and collapsing some roofs and houses in rural areas. Schools were temporarily shut down. (reference #13576) The Internally Displaced Persons also provided account of destruction to the food gardens, cash crops, water source, as a result of ash falls. The current four affected wards are the main suppliers of fresh produce to Wakunai, Arawa and Buka, especially providing potato, cabbage, onion and sago tips. The number of livestock losses is unknown, but some have reported village chickens are dying and may be from drinking contaminated stagnant waters in ponds in the village. The main crops that 5 are affected across all four wards include, sweet potato (kaukau), taro, banana, sugar cane, Singaporean taro (taro kong-kong), sago palm tree and cooking banana. Reports of cocoa, vanilla and other economic crops suffered extensive damage as well due to the heavy ash falls. (reference #13578) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #13574 Global Volcanism Program (2023): Report on Bagana (Papua New Guinea) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 5 July-11 July 2023. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey. Link #13575 Global Volcanism Program (2023): Report on Bagana (Papua New Guinea) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 12 July-18 July 2023. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey. Link #13576 Global Volcanism Program (2023): Global Volcanism Program, 2023. Report on Bagana (Papua New Guinea) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 19 July-25 July 2023. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey. Link #13578 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (2023): Rapid Food Security Assessment Report: Mt. Bagana Volcanic Eruption, Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Published 8 August 2023. Link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2022 Nov 18 ±1 d. - 2023 Jun 11	Ahyi	1	United States, Mariana Islands
2023 Feb 20 - May 28	Aoba	2	Vanuatu
2018 Jan 5 - 2023 May 14	Kadovar Summit and SE flank	2	East Sepik Province (Papua New Guinea) 3.630°S / 144.631°E
2023 Mar 28	Ulawun	1	New Britain, Papua New Guinea
2023 Jan 31 - Feb 23	Epi	1	Vanuatu
2023 Jan 31 (eruption 2023 Jan 31 - Feb 23)	Epi	0	Vanuatu		Info
2023 Jan 31: Reference #13678: The East Epi group, consisting of multiple submarine cones within a postulated caldera, lies off the eastern coast of Epi Island in Vanuatu (figure 6). Three cones (Epi A, B, and C) are located 4-10 km NNE from the Epi Island, with additional smaller cones south of Epi B (figure 7). Ephemeral islands were formed during eruptions in 1920 and 1953. Explosive activity was reported in 1958 and 1960, discolored water was often seen during 1971-1974 and 1988, a new vent was detected in 1979, and explosive activity occurred in February 1999, March 2002, and February 2004. A March 2004 bathymetric survey revealed that Epi B was about 300 m tall with a diameter of about 1.8 km at the base; the summit crater was about 150 m in diameter, the crater floor was at a depth of 90 m, and the highest point was on the NW rim of the summit crater, at a depth of 34 m. This report covers a new eruption during January through February 2023 that was characterized by phreatic explosions, a growing cone, and ash emissions. Information primarily comes from the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD). According to the Wellington VAAC, a low-level ash and sulfur dioxide plume was identified in satellite data at 0730 on 31 January 2023. VMGD reported that residents saw gas-and-steam emissions at the ocean’s surface around 0748 (figure 8) and phreatic explosions that ejected gas and tephra 100 m above the water (figure 9). Observers also reported that they saw a growing cone from ongoing ash emissions. The Wellington VAAC noted that the eruption was short-lived and had stopped by 1548 when the ash had dissipated. During an overflight on the afternoon of 31 January, gas-and-steam was observed rising from the ocean surface above Epi B, discolored water was visible around the eruption site, and pumice rafts were floating on the surface (figure 10). Several strands of pumice that drifted to the SW, NW, and N of Epi B were visible in Sentinel-2 satellite imagery on 2 and 14 February (figure 11). Gas-and-steam emissions were also visible at the surface for a few hours during 1 February. During 0700-1030 on 7 February residents observed minor, low-level gas-and-steam emissions above Epi B. The intensity of the gas-and-steam plumes varied, with stronger activity reported by local residents around 0600 on 8 February. On 23 February VMGD reported sustained seismicity and minor gas-and-steam plumes that only lasted a few hours. Two main explosions were recorded by different monitoring networks, including seismic stations and the infrasound array located in Papua New Guinea (Figure 3). Although this had no apparent consequence on the nearby communities, a small tsunami was however reported by locals and recorded on the coastal tide gauges of Port-Vila to the South and Luganville to the North showing a maximum amplitude of ~5 cm. (reference #13679) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #13678 Global Volcanism Program (2023): Report on East Epi (Vanuatu) (Bennis, K.L., and Venzke, E., eds.). Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network, 48:3. Smithsonian Institution. #13679 Roger, J., Ashraf, S., Krippner, J., Assink, J., Gusman, A., Pelletier, B., Bani, P., Thomas, B.E.O., Kali, J. (2023): The East Epi Volcano submarine eruption and associated tsunami of 31 January 2023: a powerful event in the shadow of the HTHH eruption. Abstract NH51D-0505 presented at 2023 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, CA, 11-15 Dec. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Pacific Ocean FAQ

+When was the last volcanic eruption in Pacific Ocean?

The last volcanic eruption in Pacific Ocean was from Kilauea volcano. It began in 2024 and is continuing (as of May 2025).

+When was the first documented volcanic eruption in Pacific Ocean?

The first historically documented eruption occurred around 1568 AD from Savo volcano.

+How often do volcanoes in Pacific Ocean erupt?

Since 1568 AD, Pacific Ocean has seen at least 987 historically documented eruptions.

+How active are the volcanoes in Pacific Ocean?

Pacific Ocean is volcanically extremely active: Since 1900, at least 88 volcanoes in Pacific Ocean have been active. Every year, at least one volcano has been in eruption in Pacific Ocean. The latest eruption from Kilauea volcano volcano is still continuing at present.

+When was the largest volcanic eruption in Pacific Ocean?

The largest eruption in Pacific Ocean in historic times was from Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano. It occurred during 2021 - 2022. It ranks as a plinian eruption with a magnitude 5 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale. Eruption of this size are often catastrophic on a regional scale.

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News

Fri, 16 May 2025, 00:45

Manam Volcano Volcanic Ash Advisory: DISCRETE VA EMISSION TO FL070 MOV SE OBS VA DTG: 16/0020Z to 7000 ft (2100 m)

Wed, 14 May 2025, 14:00

Kilauea volcano (United States) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 7 May-13 May 2025 (Continuing Activity)

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reported that the eruption within Kilauea's Kaluapele summit caldera, from two vents along the SW margin of Halema'uma'u Crater, continued at variable levels during 7-13 May. Visible incandescence from the 6 May lava flows on the crater floor decreased during 7-9 May. Incandescence at both the N and S vents was visible during 7-11 May. ... Read all

Wed, 14 May 2025, 14:00

Home Reef volcano (Tonga) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 7 May-13 May 2025 (Continuing Activity)

The Tonga Geological Services reported continuing activity at Home Reef during 3-11 May. Moderate thermal anomalies were detected by the Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) system only on 4 May, though persistent weather clouds hindered observations. Infrasound instruments did not detect any signals. ... Read all

Tue, 13 May 2025, 03:51

Kilauea volcano update: 21st episode with spectacular tall lava fountains

Dome-shaped fountaining episode from the vent and lava flows this afternoon (image: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory)

A new effusive period commenced from the north vent within the Halema'uma'u crater in the night of 12 May. ... Read all

Wed, 7 May 2025, 14:00

Kilauea volcano (United States) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 30 April-6 May 2025 (Continuing Activity)

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reported that the eruption within Kilauea's Kaluapele summit caldera, from two vents along the SW margin of Halema'uma'u Crater, continued at variable levels during 22 April-6 May. Incandescence at the S vent was visible during 22-25 April, then at both the N and S vents during 26 April-1 May. Weak spattering at the N vent was visible just before 1850 on 27 April. ... Read all

Wed, 7 May 2025, 14:00

Ahyi volcano (United States) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 30 April-6 May 2025 (Continuing Activity)

Unrest at Ahyi Seamount continued during 25 April-1 May. Discolored water in the vicinity of the seamount was last identified in a satellite image on 25 April, indicating possible submarine activity. Signals coming from the direction of Ahyi were identified in data from underwater pressure sensors near Wake Island (about 2,270 km E) during 28 April-1 May. ... Read all

Wed, 7 May 2025, 14:00

Northern EPR at 9.8°N volcano (Undersea Features) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 30 April-6 May 2025 (New Activity / Unrest)

In a 2 May press release the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reported that scientists from multiple institutions and universities took part in an expedition to the Northern East Pacific Rise (EPR) at 9.8°N, an area about 1,300 miles west of Costa Rica, and observed a seafloor eruption. On 28 April a team of scientists aboard the Alvin submersible observed a vibrant ecosystem at the Tica hydrothermal vents, ~2,500 m below the surface, including tubeworms, mussels, crabs, fish, and many other animals. During another dive the next day they noted particulate matter in the water column and slightly elevated temperatures. ... Read all

Wed, 7 May 2025, 14:00

Home Reef volcano (Tonga) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 30 April-6 May 2025 (New Activity / Unrest)

The Tonga Geological Services reported continuing activity at Home Reef with lava effusion and explosive activity at the main vent. A cone had grown around the vent and was 50-100 m high, based on a 26 April satellite image, and the vent had enlarged to about 175 m by 135 m in dimension. New deposits of material were visible on the W and SW flanks, nearly covering the lava lobes emplaced in November and December 2024. ... Read all

Wed, 7 May 2025, 13:46

Kilauea volcano update: 20th lava-fountaining episode ended, eruption paused

After the end of the lava fountaining episode at Kilauea, the floor of Halema'uma'u crater is still covered with incandescent lava (image: HVO webcams)

Episode 20 ended at 9:58 p.m. HST on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, after 4.5 hours of sustained fountaining, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO reported. The Halema'uma'u eruption is currently paused. ... Read all

Wed, 7 May 2025, 05:22

Kilauea volcano (Hawai'i): 20th lava fountaining episode in progress at summit crater

Tall lava fountains from Kilauea volcano this morning (image: HVO webcam)

The 20th lava fountaining episode began from the active vents at Halema'uma'u summit crater a short time ago, at 5:28 p.m. HST local time on May 6, 2025. ... Read all