Lava from Hawaii’s most active volcano surged to heights of 700 feet (215 meters) on Thursday during the latest episode of an ongoing eruption in Kilauea. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the volcano began spewing lava continuously from its summit caldera inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday morning, following a weeklong pause. Fortunately, the molten rock remained contained within the park and did not pose a threat to nearby residential areas. This 14th episode of the eruption came to an end on Thursday afternoon after 28 hours. Lava fountains were observed reaching up to 600 feet (180 meters) high during the final seven hours of the event, according to the USGS’ Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Although a webcam initially captured vivid, bright-red fountains, it later showed only billowing smoke. The current eruption at Kilauea began on December 23 and has paused and resumed more than a dozen times since then, with episodes lasting anywhere from 13 hours to eight days. Spectators, including local families on spring break, gathered at various overlooks within the national park to witness the awe-inspiring display. Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane noted the excitement among visitors as they rushed to view the lava activity before it subsided. This marks the sixth summit eruption at Kilauea since 2020. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea also erupted in June and September 2024. Located on Hawaii’s Big Island, the park is situated approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Honolulu.
