Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano erupts, lava fountains reach 1,000 feet

One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea on Hawaii’s Big Island, has erupted again, sending lava fountains soaring as high as 1,000 feet (300 meters) into the air, according to the BBC. The eruption, which began on May 25, 2024, marks the latest phase in a series of intermittent volcanic events that have captivated scientists and visitors alike. Footage from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, highlighted by the BBC, shows molten rock bursting from vents in the volcano’s summit caldera, creating a dramatic display likened to the height of the Eiffel Tower. 

The activity has been confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, posing no immediate threat to nearby communities, though officials warn of volcanic smog drifting into inhabited areas downwind. The BBC notes that this eruption follows a pattern of stop-start activity since December 2023, with episodes lasting anywhere from 13 hours to eight days.

Newly released video from Fox News captures the intensity of the eruption, revealing how lava fountains from two distinct vents, North and South, reached staggering heights of 1,000 feet and 800 feet, respectively. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), cited by Fox News, reported that the north vent ceased activity first, followed by the south vent just 37 minutes later, ending the explosive phase abruptly. The footage also highlights the dangers of volcanic smog, a mix of sulfur dioxide and fine particles, which can affect air quality miles from the eruption site. Fox News emphasizes that while the lava flows remain within the park, the USGS has maintained a “watch” alert level, urging caution due to potential hazards like falling debris and ground instability near the caldera rim.

The USGS provided further technical insights in its latest update, detailing how the eruption’s abrupt end coincided with seismic shifts and a rapid transition from deflation to inflation at the summit. According to the agency, the event, classified as Episode 23, produced a plume laden with tephra, including ash and volcanic glass strands known as Pele’s hair, which rose over 5,000 feet. The USGS also reiterated long-standing safety warnings, noting that the Halemaʻumaʻu crater rim has been closed since 2007 due to risks of rockfalls and ground cracks. 

Visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are advised to heed closure signs and avoid hazardous areas, a precaution underscored by recent incidents, including a near-fatal fall by a toddler in December 2024. With volcanic activity remaining unpredictable, scientists continue to monitor Kilauea closely, combining live webcam feeds and ground sensors to track its next move.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/c071vx4vrpzo

https://www.foxnews.com/video/6373497884112

https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/news/photo-video-chronology-may-21-22-2025-v3cam-views-and-flaming-vents