See it: Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts for 55th time since 2024 after rare two-month pause

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii — Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano began its 55th eruptive episode since Dec. 23, 2024, just after 3 a.m. local time Saturday, following an unusually long two-month pause.

Kilauea has seen episodic eruptions since 2024. But after the previous episode ended Aug. 25, USGS scientists said changes in activity at the summit — including a series of earthquakes and a shallow magma intrusion beneath Halemaʻumaʻu in late September and early October — made it impossible to predict exactly when the next episode would begin.

USGS volcano observers said lava fountains have reached 250 feet in height.

"The fountain is feeding a broad sheet of lava into Halema'uma'u crater," the agency said on social media.

Volcanic gas that's released during eruptions can impact people downwind, particularly those with respiratory issues or other sensitive populations. Eruptions can also release Pele's hair, which are strands of volcanic glass, and can irritate skin, eyes and respiratory systems.

Previously, the somewhat regular activity at Kiluea was being driven by magma chambers that are quickly refilling within the volcano. Small eruptions have not been strong enough to dramatically change the pressure in these chambers, which have reached something of an equilibrium.

However, several swarms of shallow earthquakes shook Kilauea in September and earlier in October, opening new cracks in the caldera, which may have delayed the 55th eruptive episode.

Kilauea is considered one of the world's most active volcanoes. 

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