Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted again, with lava fountains reaching heights of up to 1,100 feet on Sunday (November 9). This marked Episode 36 of the ongoing eruption series that began in December 2024. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the eruption lasted nearly five hours, covering 80% of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor with lava.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noted that the lava fountains reached between 1,000 and 1,100 feet during the episode. The eruption was contained within a closed area of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, and a Code Orange volcano watch remains in place, indicating that an eruption is either likely or occurring with no or minor ash.
The current series of eruptions has been characterized by episodic lava fountaining, a phenomenon not seen since the 1983-86 Puʻuʻōʻō eruption. According to the USGS, hazards from these eruptions include high levels of volcanic gas, ash, and Pele’s hair, which are strands of volcanic glass that can be carried more than 10 miles from the vent.
The USGS continues to monitor Kilauea closely, working with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency to manage eruptive hazards. The next episode is anticipated to be at least a week away, as the magma chamber recharges and repressurizes.
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