Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted early Monday after a three-month hiatus, sending bright orange lava fountains as high as 300 feet into the sky. According to the reports of Leaders team sources, the eruption began at approximately 2:20 a.m. local time, captivating crowds at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island, which remains open 24 hours a day.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provided a livestream of the event, offering a front-row view of the spectacular natural phenomenon. By 5:30 a.m., the eruption had spread lava across 500 acres of the caldera floor—a large basin created when the volcano’s summit collapses during an eruption, according to the National Park Service.
A Volcanic Spectacle
Videos and photos captured by CNN revealed dramatic scenes of lava fountains flowing and spreading across the Halema‘uma‘u crater, which lies within the summit caldera known as Kaluapele. Lava flowed from vents on the western wall of the caldera, creating a fiery display that enthralled both on-site visitors and online viewers.
“It’s a pretty exciting time,” said Ken Hon, lead scientist at USGS’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, during a livestream chat. “This is a really big, voluminous eruption.”
Hon noted that the eruption occurred with remarkable speed, adding, “This is the fifth eruption in the summit area of Kilauea since December 2020.” By the time lava flows slowed significantly in the late afternoon, they had already blanketed a 400-acre lava lake that had formed during a 2020 eruption.
Slowing Activity but Persistent Hazards
Volcanic activity began tapering off between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m., according to scientists. By 5:00 p.m., the eruption had covered approximately one square mile with lava, which was measured at an average thickness of one yard.
Although authorities assured the public that nearby communities were not in danger, they warned of high emission rates of volcanic gases spreading downwind from the crater, affecting air quality in the region. The National Park Service urged individuals with respiratory or heart conditions to exercise caution.
A Reminder of Kilauea’s Power
As per the sources of Leaders team, Monday’s eruption adds to Kilauea’s legacy as one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Its fiery display serves as a reminder of the geological forces that shape the Hawaiian Islands and continues to draw visitors from around the world eager to witness nature’s raw power.
As the lava cools and activity subsides, scientists and visitors alike are left with a sense of awe at the dynamic beauty of one of Earth’s most iconic volcanoes.
