Eruption episode 33 begins at Kilauea with soaring lava fountains
By Island News Web Staff
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KILAUEA, Hawai’i (KITV) — A new eruption began early this morning (September 19) at 3:11 a.m. inside the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at Kīlauea’s summit. This is Episode 33 of the ongoing eruption series and it’s putting on quite a show!
Lava fountains are shooting over 500 feet (150 meters) into the air, and a large plume of gas and steam is rising up to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) above the ground. All lava activity is staying inside the crater, safely within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
What’s Happening Now:
Before this big eruption, there were small lava splashes and overflows in the days leading up to it, starting around September 16. Lava fountains really picked up strength early this morning, and by 3:30 a.m., they were feeding multiple lava streams across the crater floor.
Winds are blowing volcanic gas and fine particles like ash and Pele’s Hair toward the southwest, across the Ka‘ū Desert area in the park. These materials can travel several miles, but they are not expected to affect airports or flights on the Big Island.
What to Know:
All the lava is staying inside the crater.
Lava fountains are currently over 500 feet tall.
Volcanic gas (mainly sulfur dioxide) is being released—up to 50,000 tons a day.
The eruption is not affecting Hilo or Kona airports.
The volcano’s alert level is still at WATCH and the aviation color code is ORANGE, meaning an eruption is happening, but not disrupting daily life.
Eruption Facts:
This is the 33rd eruption episode since December 2024. Most episodes like this last less than a day, with a few days of quiet in between. The USGS is keeping a close eye on everything and has live webcams available for anyone who wants to watch the lava fountains in action.
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Kevin Harrington7-9473