Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano resumed its sporadic eruption on Sunday, shooting lava hundreds of feet into the air and releasing huge plumes of ash and other volcanic material into the skies.
The activity started around 4:15 p.m. local time on Sunday and lasted for several hours, according to a status report from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS).
Lava fountains from the mountain’s north vent reached heights of more than 1,000 feet, before stopping around 9:45 p.m. local time, the Observatory said. At the south vent, the lava fountains reached heights of more than 800 feet and stopped around 10:25 p.m., according to the Observatory. Lava flows remained within Kilauea’s summit caldera, and did not appear to be affecting residential areas, reports noted.
Officials Recommend Caution in Avoiding Volcanic Materials
The volcano also released an eruptive plume that reached at least 5,000 feet, the Observatory said. That plume included ash, volcanic rock and volcanic glass shards known as Pele’s hair—Pele being the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.
The Observatory warned that these volcanic fragments can be a hazard to people—causing skin and eye irritation—especially when carried by wind; residents and visitors should minimize exposure to Pele’s hair and other volcanic fragments, the Observatory advised.
However, Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency says there is currently “No indication that populated areas are threatened.”
Kilauea is one of six active volcanoes in Hawaii and is located on the state’s Big Island, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, about 200 miles from Honolulu. It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has been emitting lava fountains frequently since December 2024. The episodes have ranged from hours to days. Tourists have flocked to see the spectacle. The USGS also offers multiple YouTube livestreams of the volcanic activity.
Hawaii is also home to the largest active volcano in the world, Mauna Loa. That volcano also is located in the national park and last erupted in 2022.
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