In the early morning hours of December 23rd, Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano roared back to life, marking the latest chapter in its long history of spectacular eruptions. Residents woke to the awe-inspiring sight of bright red lava fountains and billowing plumes of volcanic gas illuminating the night sky—a stark reminder of the immense power lying dormant beneath Hawaii’s paradise veneer.
Lava Fountains Light Up the Night
The eruption began around 2am local time, with seismic activity giving way to lava fissures opening up within Kilauea’s summit caldera. Webcam footage captured the dramatic moment, as molten rock burst forth in towering fountains reaching up to 80 meters (260 feet) high.
The lava is coming out at a very rapid rate as it usually does at the onset of these eruptions.
– Ken Hon, Scientist-in-Charge, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Volcanic Smog Poses Health Risks
While the eruption itself is confined to a closed area within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it still poses potential hazards to nearby communities. The most immediate threat comes from volcanic smog, or “vog”, which contains sulfur dioxide and other gases that can exacerbate respiratory issues.
- Vog is especially concerning for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma
- Other hazards include unstable crater walls, ground cracking, and flying rocks near the eruption site
Kilauea’s Eruptive History
As one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea has a long track record of spectacular eruptive events. Its current eruption continues an especially active period that began in 2018:
- The 2018 Lower East Rift Zone eruption destroyed over 700 homes and dramatically reshaped the coastline
- Kilauea also erupted twice earlier in 2024, in June and September
- Its near-continuous eruptive activity dates back to 1983, with only brief pauses
A Warrior’s Shield
Kilauea is classified as a shield volcano due to its broad, gently sloping flanks built up by countless fluid lava flows. This stands in contrast to steeper-sided stratovolcanoes like Mount St. Helens.
Imagine a warrior’s shield laid on the ground. That’s Kilauea—low, broad, and massive.
– Geologist comparing Kilauea’s shape to its name, which means “spewing” or “much spreading” in Hawaiian
Summit Water Lake Forms…and Boils Away
In a surprising twist, a water lake appeared in Kilauea’s Halema’uma’u summit crater in 2019—the first in recorded history. However, the lake was short-lived, boiling away a year later when lava returned to the crater.
We witnessed something that had never been documented before. A truly once-in-a-lifetime event.
– USGS Volcanologist on the ephemeral summit water lake
Looking Ahead
As the current eruption continues, volcanologists are closely monitoring Kilauea’s every move. While its lava lakes and fiery fountains are undeniably mesmerizing, they also serve as poignant reminders of the unpredictable and often hazardous nature of living in the shadow of an active volcano.
With Kilauea and neighboring Mauna Loa both showing signs of increased restlessness, it’s clear that Hawaii’s volcanoes are entering an especially active phase. For now, residents remain vigilant, ready to adapt to the ever-changing volcanic landscape that both shapes and endangers their island paradise.
