Breathtaking Images Capture Lava Eruption at Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano
HONOLULU—For the second consecutive day, one of the globe’s most active volcanoes erupted, sending lava high into the air on Tuesday.
The Kilauea volcano, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, has kept its eruption contained within the summit caldera of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Thankfully, no properties are at risk.
The volcanic activity commenced just before dawn on Monday when fissures emerged in the caldera floor, launching lava approximately 295 feet into the atmosphere. This molten rock created impressive fountains and eventually spread over 650 acres (about 263 hectares). According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the lava layer reached about 1 yard in thickness.
Onlookers observe an eruption occurring at the summit of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii on Dec. 23, 2024. Janice Wei/NPS via AP
An eruption taking place at the summit of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii on Dec. 23, 2024. Janice Wei/NPS via AP
An eruption occurring at the summit of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii on Dec. 23, 2024. Janice Wei/NPS via AP
An eruption taking place at Kilauea volcano’s summit in Hawaii on Dec. 23, 2024. Janice Wei/NPS via AP
Experts anticipate that the volcanic activity may vary in intensity over the coming days. The lava flow came to a halt Monday afternoon, but the fountains reappeared on Tuesday morning.
This recent eruption has occurred in a section that has been off-limits to the public since 2007 due to risks such as crater wall instability and rockfalls. However, visitors to the park were given the opportunity to view the fountains from a safe distance at an overlook.
This marks the sixth eruption in Kilauea’s summit caldera since 2020.
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The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park includes the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea experienced previous eruptions in both June and September.
