Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts with Lava Fountains Reaching 260 Feet

The eruption, confined to the summit caldera, poses no immediate threat to infrastructure but raises health concerns from volcanic gas emissions.

Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, began erupting early Monday morning within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Lava fountains reached heights of up to 260 feet, covering approximately 650 acres of the caldera floor, with lava flows about 1 yard thick.
The eruption has been classified as stabilized, prompting the USGS to lower the volcano alert level from 'Warning' to 'Watch' and the aviation color code from red to orange.
Volcanic gas emissions, particularly sulfur dioxide, pose health risks and have created vog, a volcanic haze that can affect air quality downwind.
The eruption has drawn large crowds to the national park, where designated viewing areas offer safe vantage points for observing the spectacle.