Kīlauea produces rapid fountains in episode 38 of eruptions
By Jeremiah Estrada
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KĪLAUEA, Hawaiʻi (KITV) — Kīlauea began its 38th eruptive episode in its series of eruptions on Saturday morning with a spectacle of lava fountains coming out rapidly from the volcano’s vents.
The volcanic activity at the Halemaʻumaʻu crater resumed at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The new eruption episode began with steeping tremor and decreasing tilt. The lava fountains are reaching 50 to 100 feet from both the left and right vents within the north cone, and these heights are increasing rapidly.
Signs of a new episode began at 12:50 p.m. on Dec. 5, where there were small, sporadic spatter fountains and six precursory overflows were observed from the north vent. Kīlauea Continuous overflows began coming out of Kīlauea which increased in intensity at 8:45 a.m. where the fountaining remained constant.
Winds are blowing from the north-northeast direction, which could cause volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material to head south, according to the National Weather Service.
The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency is advising residents and visitors to avoid the area due to the elevated gas levels and tephra (fine glass particles that may irritate the skin and eyes) if you have sensitivities or other respiratory conditions. Tephra may reduce visibility on the road thus creating traffic congestion.
Kīlauea’s eruptions started on Dec. 23, 2024, which have shown patterns of episodes lasting around a day or less. The interval in eruptive activity would generally last at least several days.
These latest eruptions come after its most recent activity, episode 37 on Nov. 25. Visit the USGS website for a timeline of eruptive episodes over the past year.
Visitors at the park are urged to stay updated on conditions and be cautious of potential air quality and falling debris.
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