Kīlauea Volcano in Hawai‘i Erupts Once More

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Kīlauea started erupting within its summit crater on Thursday, just shy of a month after the volcano and its larger counterpart, Mauna Loa, halted their lava flows.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported a glow captured in webcam images, signaling that Kīlauea had commenced erupting within the Halema‘uma‘u crater located at the summit caldera of the volcano.

Kīlauea’s summit is situated within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, away from populated areas.

Earlier on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey elevated the alert status for Kīlauea due to indications of magma movement beneath the summit surface, suggesting a potential eruption.

Kīlauea is recognized as one of the globe's most active volcanoes, having erupted continuously for 16 months starting in September 2021. For approximately two weeks beginning on November 27, Hawaii witnessed dual volcanic eruptions when Mauna Loa erupted for the first time in 38 years. Both volcanoes halted their eruptions around the same time.

During the simultaneous eruptions, visitors to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park were able to witness lava from both volcanoes at the same time.

Ken Hon, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s lead scientist, remarked, “It was a spectacular eruption, allowing many people to witness it, and fortunately, it didn’t damage any significant infrastructure or, most importantly, disrupt anyone’s life.”

The lava flow from Mauna Loa did not threaten any communities but came as close as 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) from a key highway linking the island's east and west sides. In contrast, a 2018 eruption of Kīlauea resulted in the destruction of over 700 homes.

The observatory intends to keep a close watch on the volcanoes for any signs of renewed activity. Hon mentioned that typically there is a three-month “cooling off” period before scientists deem an eruption as concluded.

The reason behind the simultaneous cessation of eruptions from both volcanoes remains unclear. However, they can be viewed from various locations within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, particularly near Kīlauea’s caldera.

Scientists are set to analyze data to explore the potential relationship between the two volcanoes, as noted by Hon earlier.

For Native Hawaiians, volcanic eruptions carry profound cultural and spiritual significance. During the eruption of Mauna Loa, many Hawaiians engaged in cultural practices, including singing, chanting, and dancing to pay tribute to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire, while also presenting offerings known as “hookupu.”