Lava from Hawaii’s most active volcano, Kilauea, surged to heights of 700 feet (215 meters) on Thursday, marking the latest phase of an ongoing eruption. The eruption, which began on Wednesday within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park after a brief pause, saw molten rock spewing from the summit caldera. Fortunately, the lava remained contained within the park and posed no threat to nearby residential areas.
According to the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, impressive fountains of lava soared between 500 feet (150 meters) and 700 feet (215 meters) into the air on Thursday morning. Live webcam feeds continued to showcase the spectacular, bright-red displays throughout the afternoon.
This current eruption of Kilauea commenced on December 23, with intermittent periods of activity since then. The volcano has unleashed lava into the sky multiple times, with the duration of each episode varying from as short as 13 hours to as long as eight days. Visitors, including local families on spring break, eagerly gathered at overlooks within the national park to witness the awe-inspiring volcanic activity.
Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane described the atmosphere as charged with excitement, as visitors marveled at the sight of the lava and rushed to vantage points in hopes of catching a glimpse before the activity subsided. Despite the possibility of a decrease or cessation of volcanic action, officials anticipated a busy night ahead.
Due to safety concerns, the closest distance visitors can access the current eruption is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from an overlook. This eruption is the sixth recorded at Kilauea’s summit since 2020, underscoring the dynamic nature of the volcanic activity in the region.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, situated on the Big Island of Hawaii, encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea had also experienced eruptions in June and September of 2024. The park, located approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Honolulu, remains a captivating destination for visitors seeking to witness the powerful forces of nature in action.
