Kilauea Erupts Again As Ash Plume Soars 18,000 Feet Over Hawaii

Kilauea erupted again at 3:30 p.m. local time Thursday.

Lava fountains reached 500 feet, while the ash plume from the eruption rose more than 18,000 feet above sea level.

The eruption remained confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where no people live. Volcanic gas released during eruptions can affect people downwind, particularly those with respiratory issues or other sensitive populations.

The USGS said the eruption could have released Pele’s hair, strands of volcanic glass that can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system.

The eruption ended shortly before 1:30 a.m. Friday after lasting 9.6 hours. Kilauea’s previous eruptive episode occurred on July 29.

The frequent activity is being driven by magma chambers that are quickly refilling within the volcano. These short eruptions have not been strong enough to dramatically change the pressure in the chambers, which have reached an equilibrium.