Kilauea Volcano’s Fountain Eruption: Unprecedented Geological Event Demands Careful Economic Assessment
Quick Facts
- Kilauea’s fountain eruption started on December 23, 2024, and has reached heights of over 500 feet (150 meters).
- The eruption is confined to Kilauea’s summit caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Aloha Friday Photo: Kilauea Fountain Eruption
Mahalo to Erin Markson for Sharing this Stunning Photo
In this Aloha Friday Photo feature, we’re thrilled to share with you a breathtaking shot of Kilauea’s fountain eruption, captured by Erin Markson on May 6th, 2025. This spectacular display of nature’s fury is the 20th episode of the current on-again-off-again eruption phase, which started on December 23, 2024, in Halemaumau crater within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Erin’s Journey to Witness the Eruption
Erin, a long-time resident of Hawaii, has been waiting patiently (or trying) for over 20 years to witness an eruption of Kilauea. And on May 6th, her dreams came true. Despite the cold, windy, and rainy conditions, she braved the elements to capture this stunning photo. Her perseverance was rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we’re grateful to her for sharing it with us.
A Brief History of the Eruption
The first episode of this incredible lava fountain started on December 23, 2024, and since then, the fountains have been reaching heights of over 500 feet (150 meters). This latest episode marks the 20th time the volcano has erupted in this phase. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides regular updates on the eruption, including footage from live webcams.
The Lava Activity: What’s Going On
Currently, the lava activity is confined to Kilauea’s summit caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The good news is that it’s not posing a danger to nearby communities and homes. If you’re interested in learning more about the eruption or planning a visit to the park, I recommend checking out the USGS website for the latest information and updates.
What to Expect: More Fountains Ahead?
If you’re following the USGS’s V1 cam or V2 cam YouTube channels, you might have noticed some low, intermittent fountaining and lava flow recently. According to historical data, this type of activity often precedes a larger fountain event. For this reason, it’s likely that we’ll see more spectacular displays of Kilauea’s eruptive power in the coming days and weeks.
The Power of Nature: Breathtaking Moments
In this photo, you can see the sheer power and beauty of Kilauea’s fountain eruption. The sight of the pyroclastic flows, the steam plumes, and the lava flows is awe-inspiring. It’s a reminder of the incredible natural forces that shape our planet and the importance of respecting and protecting these natural wonders.
Mahalo to Erin Markson for sharing her incredible photo and for reminding us of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural heritage.
Happy Aloha Friday!
