Kilauea Record Eruption Sends Lava 200 Meters Into The Sky Over Hawaii

Kilauea roared back to life on Monday morning, setting a new record at one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

The latest outburst marked the 48th episode of the ongoing Halema’uma’u eruption, which began on Dec. 23, 2024. The new milestone surpassed the previous record of 47 episodes recorded during the Pu’u’o’o eruption between 1983 and 1986.

“Episode 48 began at 4:40 am HST on June 1,” the USGS said. “North vent fountains are 500-650 feet (150-200 m) feeding the plume cloud to over 20,000 feet.”

An ashfall advisory was issued for areas near the volcano.

The ongoing eruption has been notable for the frequency of its lava fountains. According to the USGS, Kilauea has erupted about once every 10 days, producing 48 episodes over roughly a year and a half. The previous record-holder required around three and a half years to reach 47 episodes.

The repeated lava fountains have also transformed the summit area, with volcanic vents growing to more than 500 feet in height.

The record-setting eruption occurred only days after a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Hawaii on May 23. The USGS said the quake was likely caused by the weight of the Hawaiian island chain bending the oceanic plate beneath the seafloor and was not linked to volcanic activity. It was the strongest earthquake in Hawaii since 2021.

There is currently no indication that Kilauea is preparing to become quiet, and additional eruptive episodes may still occur.

“The ongoing summit eruption is already an event for the history books, and has garnered worldwide attention due to its visibility and access,” the USGS said. “No doubt, years from now, today’s kids will be telling their grandchildren about these fountains.”