Kilauea volcano, one of the most active in the world, is erupting from two vents simultaneously, creating a mesmerizing display of molten rock shooting high into the sky.
The eruptions illuminate the summit crater with vibrant red and orange hues, captivating both a select few visitors at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and hundreds of thousands more tuning in to livestreams of the event.
Thanks to camera angles set up by the US Geological Survey, people can watch the volcanic spectacle from the comfort of their homes.
Park Service volunteer Janice Wei is among those who feel the powerful connection to Kilauea’s eruptions.
She eagerly captures photos and videos of Halemaumau Crater, a location deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian tradition as the sacred home of the volcano goddess, Pele.
Wei describes the eruption’s sounds as reminiscent of a roaring jet engine or crashing ocean waves, felt from over a mile away.
“Every eruption feels like I am sitting in the front row at nature’s most extraordinary show,” Wei remarked in an email.
Kilauea is located on Hawaii Island, the largest landmass in the Hawaiian archipelago and about 320 kilometers (200 miles) south of Honolulu, the largest city in the state, situated on Oahu.
Currently, the volcano is experiencing its 31st eruption since December, with lava fountains reaching impressive heights of over 1,000 feet (300 meters).
The current volcanic activity is fueled by magma accumulating in a lower chamber beneath Halemaumau Crater, fed by a steady influx of about 5 cubic yards (3.8 cubic meters) of magma per second from the Earth’s interior.
Ken Hon, the scientist-in-charge at the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, explains that this influx inflates the chamber, pushing magma into an upper chamber, which then finds its way to the surface through cracks.
This ongoing eruption is characterized by the use of the same pathway for magma movement since December, with each fountain being part of the same event.
The eruption’s dynamism means that scientists monitoring Kilauea cannot definitively predict how it will develop or when it may come to an end.
Previous eruptions have shown varied patterns; for instance, the eruption that began in 1983 transitioned to a continuous flow from a lower vent after sufficient pressure built up.
This earlier eruption lasted in various forms for three decades, concluding in 2018.
Scientists can estimate lava emergence a few days or a week in advance using sensors to detect slight underground shifts and earthquake activity, allowing for effective monitoring of the volcano’s state.
During recent eruptions, lava fountains have exhibited decreased height, suggesting that the vent may have expanded
This leads to molten rock being less pressurized, according to Steve Lundblad, a geology professor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Lundblad reassures that while the fountains might not reach previous heights, they will still provide stunning displays.
“We’re still gonna have spectacular eruptions. They’re just going to be wider and not as high,” he said.
Perceptions of lava flows vary dramatically;
While some view them as destructive, Huihui Kanahele-Mossman, executive director of the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation, emphasizes the vital role lava plays in forming land and the ecosystem of Hawaii Island.
Her nonprofit honors her grandmother, a notable practitioner of Hawaiian language and culture, and the foundation is known for its hula school, Hālau o Kekuhi, which celebrates hula rooted in stories of Pele.
Kanahele-Mossman makes regular visits to the crater, where she initially observes the eruption in awe, absorbing its details to draw comparisons with the lava described in centuries-old tales performed by her school.
During her visits, she offers chants and various offerings, such as awa, a kava drink, and a fern lei, honoring the volcanic activity that connects with her heritage.
“You as the dancer, you are the storyteller and you carry that history that was written in those mele forward,” she explains, referring to the Hawaiian word for song.
The ongoing eruptions have resulted in increased visitation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with an impressive 49% rise in April compared to the same month in 2024.
Jessica Ferracane, a spokesperson for the park, advises those interested in witnessing the eruptions to sign up for U.S. Geological Survey alert notifications, as recent episodes have often lasted only 10 to 12 hours.
Visitors to the park are urged to stay on marked trails and overlooks due to the unpredictable nature of the landscape, which can include unstable cliff edges and earth cracks.
These hazards pose serious risks, as falls can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
Particular caution is advised for families with young children.
Additionally, volcanic gas, glass, and ash are potential dangers for park-goers, with nighttime visitors reminded to carry flashlights for visibility.
As Kilauea continues to erupt, both local residents and the wider audience around the world remain captivated by the raw power and beauty of this natural phenomenon, connecting them to the land and the rich traditions of Hawaii.
image source from：the-independent
