A person has died after entering a restricted zone near the Kīlauea volcano in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the National Park Service reported. The incident occurred in an area east of the Kīlauea caldera that remains closed to the public due to unstable terrain.

Search and rescue crews launched overnight operations in the area, which features cliffs, volcanic hazards, and potential landslides. Officials located the individual the following day and airlifted them to a local medical center, where they were pronounced dead. The person was identified as a 33-year-old Hawaiʻi resident, though full details are being withheld for privacy reasons.

Park officials and the U.S. Geological Survey emphasized that the terrain is highly dangerous, particularly near the crater rim of Halemaʻumaʻu, with unstable cliffs and cracks that can open unexpectedly, especially during tremors. The area remains off-limits to visitors for safety reasons.

Kīlauea’s last eruption occurred Feb. 15, 2026, marking the volcano’s 42nd eruption since Dec. 23, 2024. Volcanic activity in the area is unpredictable, with pauses between eruptions ranging from hours to several days. Current forecasts suggest the next eruption could occur between March 10and 16, though timing is subject to change.

The National Park Service reiterated that visitors must remain in designated open areas and avoid closed zones. The incident remains under investigation as authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the fatality.