Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has erupted for the 31st time in less than a year, sending spectacular fountains of lava 100 feet into the air and blanketing parts of its summit crater with molten rock and tephra.
The eruption began at 2:04 p.m. local time on Thursday on Hawaii’s Big Island, with lava spewing from vents within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Video released by the agency shows dramatic streams of lava arcing laterally across the crater floor.
By 5:30 p.m., inclined lava fountaining from the north vent was extending nearly 1,000 feet eastward, while the south vent continued to produce lower-level activity. Although the eruption created a fiery display, officials confirmed that no homes were at risk.
Scientists explained that the angled fountaining likely resulted from temporary obstructions within the eruptive vents, similar to the effect of placing a thumb over the end of a garden hose. Similar phenomena were observed during earlier eruptions at Kilauea Iki in 1959 and Maunaulu in 1969.
Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and its frequent eruptions are closely monitored for both scientific study and public safety.
Inclined lava fountaining continues as of 5:30 p.m. on August 22 during episode 31 of Kīlauea’s summit eruption. Lava fountains from the north vent are extending about 300 meters (1000 feet) laterally, going eastward towards the center of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Parts of… pic.twitter.com/0BEmRFbJNN
— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) August 23, 2025
