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Kilauea Erupts Again, Dazzling Onlookers
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano put on another spectacular show Friday, marking its 31st eruption since December. Lava fountains shot 100 feet into the air across the summit crater floor, a breathtaking display for those lucky enough to witness it.
The eruption began with spattering at the north vent of the summit crater Friday morning, escalating to lava overflow and finally, dramatic lava fountains in the afternoon. The activity remained contained within the summit crater, posing no threat to homes.
Visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park were treated to a front-row seat to nature’s fiery performance. Park Service volunteer Janice Wei, who captures photos and videos of Halemaumau Crater (believed by Native Hawaiians to be the home of volcano goddess Pele), described the sound as a mix of a roaring jet engine and crashing ocean waves, with heat radiating from over a mile away. “Every eruption feels like I am sitting in the front row at nature’s most extraordinary show,” she said.
Understanding Kilauea’s Behavior
Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory explain that magma is flowing into a lower chamber beneath Halemaumau Crater at a rate of about 5 cubic yards per second. This inflates the chamber, forcing magma into an upper chamber and ultimately, out through surface cracks. This process has been consistent since December, linking the current activity to the same ongoing eruption.
The impressive lava fountains are attributed to the magma’s journey through narrow vents, releasing gases as it rises. Heavier, degassed magma from previous eruptions caps the rising magma until enough pressure builds, resulting in an eruption similar to a shaken champagne bottle being uncorked.
This eruption pattern, with repeated lava fountain episodes, has only occurred four times in the past 200 years at Kilauea. While similar eruptions occurred in 1959 and 1969, the most recent comparable event began in 1983, featuring 44 fountaining episodes over three years. However, that eruption occurred in a remote location, limiting public viewing.
Predicting the Future
The duration and evolution of the current eruption remain uncertain. Scientists point to the 1983 eruption, where a lower vent eventually opened, leading to continuous lava flow for three decades.
A similar scenario could unfold this time, or the eruption could cease if the magma supply dwindles. Using sensors to detect earthquakes and ground changes, scientists can anticipate eruptions a few days to a week in advance.
While recent lava fountains have been shorter, experts suggest this may be due to a widening vent, resulting in less pressurized molten rock. While future eruptions may not reach the same heights, they are still expected to be visually stunning.
Cultural Significance
For some, lava flows represent destruction, but for Huihui Kanahele-Mossman, executive director of the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation, they symbolize a natural resource that forms the foundation of Hawaii Island. Her foundation honors her grandmother, a revered practitioner of Hawaiian language and culture, whose hula school celebrates the stories of Pele and her sister, Hiʻiaka.
Kanahele-Mossman regularly visits the crater, observing the eruptions in relation to ancient tales and presenting offerings. She emphasized the importance of witnessing these events firsthand to connect with the stories passed down through generations.
Visiting the Volcano
Kilauea’s ongoing eruption has boosted park visitation significantly, with an April increase of 49% compared to 2024. However, potential visitors should be aware that recent eruptions have been short-lived, lasting only 10 to 12 hours.
Signing up for U.S. Geological Survey alerts is recommended.
The park service emphasizes safety precautions, advising visitors to stick to marked trails and overlooks due to unstable terrain. Keeping children close and being mindful of volcanic gas, glass, and ash are also essential. Flashlights are recommended for nighttime visits.