Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Erupts for 25th Time Since December, Spewing Lava 330 Feet High

Published: Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 2:21 am

Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again, Marking 25th Episode Since December

HILO, Hawaii – Kilauea volcano, a highly active volcano on Hawaii's Big Island, has erupted again, marking its 25th eruptive episode since December. The eruption, which began Wednesday from the northern vent, is the latest in a series of events that have been ongoing for nearly six months.

Lava fountains have been observed reaching heights of over 330 feet, feeding various lava streams. According to scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the intensity of the fountains could increase further.

The eruption was preceded by gas-pistoning activity on Tuesday. This process involves the accumulation of gas at the top of a lava column within a vent, causing the lava surface to rise and fall. Eventually, the gas escapes, expelling lava and then withdrawing back into the vent. This activity occurred up to ten times per hour before intensifying, leading to a sustained dome fountain that began feeding lava flows to the crater floor.

The current eruptive episodes have been characterized by relatively short durations, typically lasting a day or less, with pauses of a few days between each event. This ongoing activity highlights the dynamic nature of Kilauea and the continued monitoring efforts by scientists to understand its behavior.

BNN's Perspective: The ongoing activity at Kilauea serves as a reminder of the powerful forces of nature. While the eruptions pose potential risks, the scientific monitoring and understanding of volcanic activity are crucial for public safety and preparedness. The cyclical nature of these events also underscores the importance of long-term observation and research in understanding volcanic processes.

Keywords: Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, eruption, lava, volcano, USGS, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, gas-pistoning, Big Island, eruptive episode

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