Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano resumes dazzling show with lava fountains hundreds of feet high

Lava from Hawaii’s most active volcano created fountains that reached 700 feet (215 meters) on March 20, 2025, during the latest episode of an ongoing eruption.

Lava from Hawaii's most active volcano created fountains that reached 700 feet (215 meters) on Thursday (March 20, 2025) during the latest episode of an ongoing eruption.

Kilauea began continuously releasing lava from its summit caldera inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday morning after a weeklong pause, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The molten rock was contained within the park and wasn't threatening residential areas.

Large fountains reached heights up to 500 feet (150 meters) to 700 feet (215 meters) on Thursday morning, the USGS' Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.

In the afternoon, a webcam's livestream continued to show vigorous, bright-red fountains.

The volcano began its current eruption on December 23. It has stopped and resumed more than a dozen times since. The shortest episode lasted 13 hours, while the longest lasted eight days.

Each time, the volcano has sent lava shooting high into the sky from caldera vents, creating a dramatic sight for park visitors.

Local families on spring break were among those gathered at various overlooks in the national park, said park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane.