Kilauea Erupts Again in Hawaii, Lava Fountains Reach 330 Feet in 32nd Outburst Since 2024

Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again, Lava Fountains Soar 330 Feet in Latest Episode.

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted once more, sending fiery lava fountains up to 330 feet (100 meters) into the air from its summit crater. This marks the 32nd episode in the ongoing eruption cycle that began in December 2024.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the eruption began just after midnight when lava emerged from the north vent of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. By morning, new vents had opened to the south and in between, all contained within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

What Drives the Eruptions
Scientists explain that molten rock flows into a lower magma chamber beneath the crater at a rate of about 3.8 cubic meters per second. Pressure builds as the magma is forced upward into an upper chamber, eventually bursting out through narrow vents.

“This magma blows the chamber up like a balloon and pushes it through cracks until it bursts out like liquid from a shaken champagne bottle,” said Ken Hon, scientist-in-charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

A Rare Pattern
Kilauea’s current activity has been following the same underground pathway since December 2024, making each burst part of the same extended eruption. While earlier fountains soared more than 1,000 feet (300 meters), scientists say such recurring episodes have only been documented four times in the last 200 years. The most notable eruption began in 1983 and continued for decades, reshaping Hawaii Island before ending in 2018.

Looking ahead, experts warn that Kilauea could open new vents at lower elevations, potentially leading to continuous lava flows. On the other hand, the activity may fade if the magma supply dwindles.