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One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Hawaii’s Kilauea, erupted again on Sunday, sending dramatic lava fountains shooting more than 1,000 feet into the sky from its summit caldera. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the eruption began at 4:15 PM local time in the north vent of Halema'uma'u crater, located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. The Sunday eruption marked the 23rd episode since Kilauea’s latest eruption cycle began on December 23, 2024, with both the north and south vents becoming active during the recent event. The lava fountains from the north vent were as high as 1,000 feet (300 meters), while lava flowed up to 230 feet into the air from the south vent just an hour after the first burst, said USGS scientists. Live video from the USGS captured glowing orange cracks and lava flows illuminating the crater floor, fascinating onlookers worldwide, and reminding Hawaiians of the island's fiery geologic forces.

USGS Sees Unusual Eruption Pattern

The volcano is one of the world's most active, but it is now in a "unique phase of activity" defined by periodic twin vent eruptions and changing pressure patterns, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. Ground tilt measurements indicate a saw-tooth inflation-deflation pattern, with pressure accumulating under the volcano before every eruption and released as lava fountains erupt. "Back-and-forth movement suggests a persistent pressure reset with every lava burst," the USGS said, adding that no notable long-term pressurization has happened since late December.

Authorities caution of continued dangers posed by the eruption, such as high concentrations of gases from the volcano that cause vog, or volcanic smog. Vog has the potential to cause reduced visibility and health hazards to people and animals. It can also harm crops in downwind villages. Visitors to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have been advised to maintain a safe distance, as new lava flows continue to spread across the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor. While the fountains have since decreased in intensity, glowing lava and heat activity remain visible, suggesting more episodes could occur at any time.

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Situated along the southeastern rim of Hawaii Island, Kilauea has been erupting more or less continuously since 1983, attracting world attention for its regular and often spectacular showings. Though smaller in volume than its giant neighbour, Mauna Loa, Kilauea is the most active volcano in Hawaii, and one of the world's most active. May 2025 has seen a series of significant eruptive events, with previous fountaining phases recorded on May 2, 6, 11, and 16, lasting between 4.5 to 10 hours each. Sunday’s eruption was among the most dramatic, with lava jets reaching extraordinary heights.

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