Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted spectacularly on Friday, September 19, 2025, sending lava fountains soaring over 500 feet into the Hawaiian sky and drawing crowds of awestruck locals and tourists to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Eruption Episode 33: A Fiery Spectacle
The latest eruption, officially designated as
Episode 33 by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, began at 3:11 a.m. HST within the summit caldera’s Halemaʻumaʻu crater. According to the USGS, lava fountains quickly reached heights exceeding 500 feet (150 meters), with a convective plume rising nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) above ground level. Past episodes have seen fountains soar even higher, sometimes topping 1,000 feet (300 meters) and producing plumes visible for miles.
Winds from the northeast are pushing volcanic gases and ash southwest across the Ka‘u desert, but so far, lava flows remain confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the southwest side of Kaluapele, Kīlauea’s summit caldera. This containment has helped limit immediate threats to nearby communities, though the situation remains dynamic.
What’s Fueling the Eruption?
In the days leading up to the eruption, scientists observed classic warning signs: inflationary tilt at the summit, vigorous “gas pistoning” (where the magma column rises and falls in cycles), and repeated overflows from the vent. These signals pointed to mounting pressure beneath the surface, setting the stage for the dramatic fountaining now underway.
The USGS had raised the
Volcano Alert Level to WATCH and the
Aviation Color Code to ORANGE in anticipation of increased activity. These alerts remain in effect, signaling that the eruption is ongoing and could pose hazards to air traffic and visitors in the area.
Hazards and Safety Measures
While the eruption is a breathtaking natural event, it comes with significant risks. The USGS warns of:
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Volcanic gas emissions (vog), which can affect air quality and visibility
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Rockfalls and ground cracking near the caldera rim, especially in areas closed to the public since 2007
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Potential for sudden explosive events if water interacts with magma or if crater walls collapse
Authorities urge visitors to respect all closures and heed official guidance. The National Park Service continues to monitor conditions and provides up-to-date information for those hoping to safely view the eruption.
A Magnet for Scientists and Tourists
Kīlauea’s frequent eruptions have made it a living laboratory for volcanologists and a bucket-list destination for travelers. The current eruption is the latest in a series of episodic events that began in December 2024, with activity turning on and off every few days or weeks.
For those eager to witness the spectacle, guided tours and designated viewing areas offer safe vantage points. However, experts caution that conditions can change rapidly, and the best way to stay informed is by checking real-time updates from the USGS and National Park Service.
What’s Next for Kīlauea?
With the eruption still in progress, scientists are closely monitoring seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation for signs of what’s to come. While the current lava flows are contained, Kīlauea’s history reminds us that volcanic behavior can shift quickly.
For now, Hawaiʻi’s iconic volcano is once again putting on a show—one that’s as mesmerizing as it is unpredictable.
Sources
1. USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-HVO-2025-09-18T18:38:05+00:00
2. How to See Lava in Hawaiʻi (DIY, Best Tours, and 2025 Updates)
3. Watch Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Spews Lava During Eruption | APT
4. Eruption Information | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov
5. Kīlauea - Volcano Updates | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov
6. What's Going On With The Volcanoes? - National Park Service
7. Kīlauea Volcano (United States) Activity Update Sep 17, 2025 - Continuing Eruption
8. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts with lava pouring out from multiple ...
9. Next Kīlauea Volcano Eruption Episode Enters Precursory Phase ...
10. Hawaiian volcano shoots lava for 31st time since December
