UPDATE: Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii has erupted spectacularly, showcasing “fireworks” during the New Year with lava fountains reaching record heights. The latest episode, known as episode 39, erupted for 6 hours from December 23-24, 2024, achieving maximum fountain heights of approximately 1,400 feet (425 m) from both the north and south vents.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirms that since the eruption began on December 23, 2024, there have been a staggering 39 lava fountaining episodes at Halemaʻumaʻu crater. This year, Kilauea has been a hub of geological activity, with lava fountain heights escalating dramatically. The highest recorded fountain reached an astonishing 1,574 feet (480 m) during episode 35 on October 17, 2025.
Why does this matter now? The ongoing eruption, classified at a WATCH level by the USGS, is reshaping the landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Nearly 200 million cubic meters (300 million cubic yards) of lava have erupted, more than double the annual output from Puʻuʻōʻō between 1983 and 2018. This unprecedented activity has raised the crater floor by an average of 225 feet (69 m) and the vent bases by nearly 450 feet (137 m), enhancing the visual spectacle for onlookers.
With the current lava fountaining pattern, residents and tourists are encouraged to safely enjoy the show while monitoring updates from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The observatory is closely observing the volcano for any changes in eruption patterns, style, or location. Though there are currently no signs of imminent changes, the situation is fluid, and officials warn that developments can occur rapidly.
Looking ahead, another fountaining episode is anticipated between January 8 and 14, 2025, as the summit continues to reinflate. While Kilauea is active, Mauna Loa remains dormant, with its USGS Volcano Alert Level at NORMAL.
No significant seismic activity has been reported on the islands in the past week, allowing for a calm environment as the community takes in this extraordinary natural event.
For more information on Kilauea’s latest updates, visit the HVO’s website or reach out via email at [email protected]. As the world watches, Kilauea continues to captivate with its explosive beauty and geological significance.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Kilauea continues to showcase its powerful forces.
