Kilauea Volcano Erupts with Torrents of Lava and Towering Gas Plumes on Hawaii's Big Island

Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted once again on Hawaii's Big Island, sending red-hot lava torrents and clouds of volcanic gas skyward. The eruption, confined to the volcano’s summit caldera within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, began early Monday morning, according to the Hawaii Volcano Observatory.

Increased seismic activity was detected around 2 a.m. local time, shortly before webcam footage revealed lava emerging from fissures and forming fountains within the caldera. Some of these lava fountains reached staggering heights of 260 feet, according to a live broadcast by the US Geological Survey (USGS).

“The lava is erupting at a very rapid rate, which is typical at the onset of these events,” said Ken Hon, lead scientist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, during the USGS stream.Potential Hazards

The most immediate concern is the spread of volcanic smog, or "vog," which contains sulfur dioxide. Vog can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, posing a health risk to residents downwind of the eruption.

The summit area where the eruption is occurring has been off-limits to the public since 2007 due to hazards such as unstable crater walls, ground fissures, and potential rockfalls.

Kilauea’s eruptions are a hallmark of its identity as a shield volcano—a broad, flat formation resembling a warrior’s shield, distinct from the towering peaks of composite volcanoes. With rare pauses in its eruptive history, Kilauea has been a near-constant source of geological activity.

The volcano erupted earlier in June and September this year, adding to a long history of activity. Notably, its 2018 eruption devastated the island, destroying over 700 homes during a months-long event.

Kilauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu crater has also drawn scientific interest. In 2019, researchers documented a growing lake within the crater—a first in modern times. By 2020, that lake had evaporated when lava re-entered the crater, creating a dramatic display of nature’s power.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which includes Kilauea and Mauna Loa, continues to be a hub for scientific study and tourism, despite access restrictions to dangerous areas.

As Kilauea’s latest eruption unfolds, it serves as a vivid reminder of the island's dynamic volcanic landscape and the need for continued vigilance in the face of nature’s unpredictable forces.