Kilauea thrills the crowds more than 30 times in less than one year

America’s most active volcano has more than lived up to its reputation so far this year.

Kilauea, the fire god of Hawaii, has been demonstrating its power since last December, erupting dozens of times in a series of eruptions that geologists say are part of the same cycle. And the cycle of eruptions has become so regular as to become nearly predictable, enticing thousands of tourists to the park that’s Kilauea’s home.

Officials at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii report that Kilauea’s 32^nd eruption and lava fountaining episode lasted for more than 13 hours. Geologists with the US Geological Survey have become skilled at predicting about when these periodic eruptions will start, drawing in huge crowds to see the spectacle.

A 33^rd episode could begin within days or even hours, USGS says. At the time of this writing, the USGS live feed of Kilauea showed a bubbling cauldron of lava steadily getting higher.

Earlier this year, Public Parks traveled to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness this natural wonder for ourselves. Unfortunately, we missed it by one day.

To say we were very disappointed is an understatement—the fountaining episode we didn’t make it in time to see was the most dramatic one yet, with lava spurting more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) into the air, according to USGS.

Photo: Kilauea at the time of Public Parks’ tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Public Parks.

Eruption no. 32 was no less impressive.

“Volcanic gas emissions have greatly decreased at the end of the eruption but were probably well in excess of 50,000 tonnes of SO2 per day during the vigorous fountaining,” the Hawaii Volcano Observatory reported at the end of episode 32. “Lava flows from this episode covered 40-50% of the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu within the southern part of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera).”

The US Geological Survey expects more to come. USGS modeling forecasts another eruption to begin sometime between September 19 and September 23. It may be underway as you read this.

National Park authorities welcome visitors to witness the spectacle themselves but ask that viewers take precautions. Officials are especially worried about Pele’s hair, a phenomenon where thin strands of lava are cooled and blown by the wind. The threads are like fiberglass and can irritate or damage airways if accidentally inhaled.

“The extent of Pele’s hair deposition is dependent on lava fountaining activity and wind conditions,” USGS said. “Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to Pele’s hair and other glassy volcanic fragments, which can cause skin and eye irritation and can also contaminate catchment water supplies.”

Areas that can be affected by toxic gases traveling downwind are closed to visitors.

The beautiful lava fountains are otherwise not a risk to visitors. The lava has been staying confined to the crater floor, though it’s possible for fissures to open, sending lava cascading downhill and toward the sea.

The current activity at Kilauea began on December 23, 2024 and the volcano has been showing eruptions approximately once every one or two weeks.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park staff warn that traffic to the park surges during an eruption and parking cand be hard to come by. There is also ongoing construction at the park that further complicates access during eruptions.

The park is also hosting numerous activities and events in September and October. Interested travelers can learn more at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s official website.