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Kilauea Erupts Again, Sending Lava Over 1,000 Feet High
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano put on another spectacular show early Friday morning, with lava fountains shooting over 1,000 feet into the air. The latest eruption began late Thursday night local time, initially marked by small, sporadic spattering and lava outflows, according to the U.S.
Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Activity intensified quickly, and by 1:40 a.m.
Friday, lava fountains from the north vent were reaching heights exceeding 1,000 feet, accompanied by increased seismic activity. Just fifteen minutes later, the volcano continued to put on a dazzling display with 800-foot lava fountains.
The lava flow is currently contained within the Halema’uma’u caldera at the volcano’s summit. However, a volcanic plume reaching 15,000 feet has raised concerns about potential hazards, including Pele’s hair (strands of volcanic glass) and tephra (rock fragments), which could be carried downwind, primarily south of the caldera.
This marks Kilauea’s 26th lava fountaining episode since December 2024, with most episodes lasting a day or less. Kilauea, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and a popular attraction for visitors. The park is also home to Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, which last erupted in 2022.