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Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has erupted once again, hurling fountains of lava nearly 330 feet (100 meters) into the sky from its summit crater. The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the eruption began late Tuesday, making it the 32nd eruption since December 2024, when the volcano’s current activity cycle started.

Lava first emerged from the north vent of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater just after midnight, according to USGS scientists. By 6:35 am local time, fountains of molten rock were shooting into the air, lighting up the skies above Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. By mid-morning, two additional vents, one at the south end of the crater and another in between, had also opened up, creating a spectacular natural display.

All lava has remained confined within the summit crater, posing no immediate risk to nearby communities. Videos captured by visitors and scientists show glowing lava streams and powerful bursts of molten rock, underscoring why Kilauea is often described as one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

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What Drives The Eruption?

Ken Hon, scientist-in-charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, explained that magma is currently flowing into a lower chamber beneath Halemaʻumaʻu at a rate of about 3.8 cubic meters (5 cubic yards) per second. This influx pressurises the chamber, forcing magma into an upper chamber and eventually out through cracks in the Earth’s crust.

The dramatic lava fountains are partly caused by trapped gases within the magma. As the magma rises, the gases escape explosively, shooting lava skyward, much like the release of champagne from a shaken bottle.

A Familiar Yet Powerful Volcano

Kilauea sits on Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, about 200 miles (320 kilometres) south of Honolulu on Oahu. The volcano is no stranger to spectacular eruptions. Over the years, its activity has drawn scientists, tourists, and thrill-seekers eager to witness one of Earth’s most powerful natural forces.

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Although the current eruption is confined to the summit, Kilauea’s history shows its capacity for destruction. In 2018, an eruption destroyed hundreds of homes and forced mass evacuations. The ongoing cycle since December 2024, however, has remained contained within the national park, making it a stunning but relatively safe event for observers.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor the eruption closely, warning that conditions can change quickly. While there are no immediate threats to populated areas, authorities caution visitors to stay updated and maintain safe distances from volcanic activity.