Kīlauea volcano erupted again with lava fountains shooting over 330 feet amid gas-pistoning, raising hazards from volcanic gas and volcanic glass.
At a Glance
- Kīlauea on Hawaii’s Big Island erupted for the 25th time since December 23, 2024, on June 11, 2025.
- Lava fountains from the north vent reached heights over 330 feet (~100 meters).
- The eruption followed frequent gas-pistoning events occurring up to ten times per hour.
- Most eruptive episodes in this cycle have lasted about a day or less, with multi-day pauses.
- Scientists warn that shared hazards include volcanic smog (vog) and Pele’s hair glass fibers.
Eruption Dynamics
Since December 23, 2024, Kīlauea has entered an episodic eruption cycle, producing bursts of activity at its Halemaʻumaʻu summit crater. On June 11, the volcano’s 25th event in this sequence began around 11:57 a.m. HST, as lava erupted from the north vent. Fountain heights exceeded 330 feet, with reports from the Associated Press and The Independent confirming the spectacle.
These jets were driven by gas-pistoning events, a phenomenon where trapped gases periodically blast magma to the surface before subsiding. These pulses, occurring as often as ten times per hour, evolved into dome fountaining that coated the crater floor with lava. Eruptions have typically lasted under 24 hours before pausing for several days.
Watch a report: Kīlauea Volcano Erupts Again, Lava Reaches Over 330 Feet.
Hazards and Observatory Monitoring
The eruption remains contained within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, posing no immediate threat to homes or infrastructure. However, it releases sulfur dioxide gas that forms volcanic smog (vog), irritating the eyes and respiratory system. Additionally, the eruption ejects Pele’s hair, fine glass threads formed from cooling lava droplets that can lodge in the skin or lungs.
According to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, this eruption marks the 25th in a sequence that mirrors historic activity, such as the Puʻu ʻŌʻō eruptions in the 1980s. The recurring, high-intensity nature of these events reflects an actively pressurized magma system beneath Kīlauea’s summit.
Public Response and Context
Visitors have flocked to official viewing areas in the park to witness the fiery display, while others observe remotely via live USGS webcams. Park rangers emphasize safety protocols as gas concentrations and airborne glass particles vary with wind conditions.
These episodes are part of Kīlauea’s legacy as one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Previous major events—like the 1960 Kapoho eruption and the 1983–2018 Puʻu ʻŌʻō series—reshaped Hawaii’s landscape and prompted evacuations.
Risk and Implications
Though currently contained, these eruptions highlight the volatile potential of Kīlauea’s summit system. Ongoing air quality alerts and restricted park zones reflect real-time hazards from volcanic gases and glass fibers.
With magma pressure remaining elevated, further short-lived eruptions are likely. Officials urge the public to stay informed through USGS alerts and comply with all park advisories to minimize risk.
