Kilauea’s Spectacular Lava Fountain Captivates Visitors in Hawaii

Kilauea, one of Hawaii’s most dynamic volcanoes, unleashed a dramatic display of nature’s power, propelling lava up to 1,000 feet (300 meters) into the sky during its latest eruption, according to geologists. The towering plume of molten rock attracted crowds to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with some spectators arriving on horseback to witness the fiery spectacle firsthand.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the lava has stayed contained within the volcano’s summit caldera and the park’s boundaries, posing no risk to nearby residential areas. Kilauea’s current eruptive phase kicked off on December 23, with activity intermittently halting and restarting more than a dozen times since then. The most recent burst began midday Tuesday and continued through Wednesday evening, the USGS noted.

Situated on the southeastern side of Hawaii’s Big Island, Kilauea ranks among the planet’s most active volcanoes and holds the title of the state’s busiest. Its frequent eruptions draw travelers from across the globe eager to see its explosive performances. Meanwhile, Mauna Loa, the largest of Hawaii’s six active volcanoes, also located on the Big Island, last erupted in 2022.