Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again

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Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano resumed erupting Friday, sending lava fountains approximately 100 feet into the air from its summit crater. This marks the 31st episode of molten rock since December, consistent with the ongoing activity of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

The eruption remains confined to the summit crater, with no residential areas threatened. Visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have the opportunity to observe the lava firsthand, while hundreds of thousands more can watch online through US Geological Survey livestreams.

Park Service volunteer Janice Wei described the display as a “front-row seat to nature’s most extraordinary show,” noting that the roar of the lava fountains can be heard over a mile away.

Kilauea is located on Hawaii Island, roughly 200 miles south of Honolulu on Oahu. The volcano’s north vent at Halemaumau Crater has been spattering lava continuously since morning, with the fountains becoming more pronounced later in the day.

According to Ken Hon, scientist-in-charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, magma from a lower chamber beneath Halemaumau is rising at about five cubic yards per second. The pressure forces molten rock through an upper chamber before reaching the surface. This consistent pathway has characterized Kilauea’s eruptions since December, making the current activity part of a long-term volcanic event.

While lava fountains have reached over 1,000 feet in past episodes, the current eruption is slightly lower due to vent widening, which reduces magma pressure. Narrow vents and gas-filled magma continue to create dramatic bursts, a phenomenon observed during major eruptions in 1959, 1969, and the three-decade eruption beginning in 1983.

Scientists emphasize that predicting the volcano’s behavior remains challenging. In 1983, activity eventually opened a lower vent that continuously released lava until 2018. Monitoring sensors around Kilauea detect earthquakes and subtle ground shifts, helping experts forecast short-term lava activity.

The eruption also carries cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. Huihui Kanahele-Mossman, executive director of the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation, explained that lava is a natural resource that shapes the island and represents a connection to Pele, the volcano goddess. The foundation continues traditional chants and offerings at the crater to honor this heritage.

Park visitation has increased throughout the year, partly due to the eruption. Officials advise visitors to stay on marked trails and designated overlooks to avoid unstable ground. Short-term eruptions typically last 10–12 hours, making timely alerts from the US Geological Survey essential for public safety.

Although Kilauea’s lava poses little immediate threat to homes, the volcano remains a powerful symbol of nature’s force. Both scientists and the public continue to follow the ongoing eruptions closely, marveling at the dramatic display of molten rock and the evolving landscape of Hawaii Island.