Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Witnesses months of Spectacular Eruptions
Kilauea remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It is an active shield volcano located along the southeastern shore of Hawaii Island, United States, and is the youngest and most active of the five volcanoes that form the island. It is part of the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain, formed by the Pacific tectonic plate moving over the Hawaiian hotspot, and is estimated to be between 210,000 and 280,000 years old. The volcano has a summit caldera known as Kaluapele, which contains the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, traditionally viewed by Native Hawaiians as the home of Pelehonuamea, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Kīlauea has two major rift zones extending east and southwest, with the East Rift Zone historically being the most active.
The volcano has been in a state of near-continuous activity for much of its recorded history, with its most recent eruption beginning on December 23, 2024, and continuing into 2025. Eruptions at the crater has provided visitors with spectacular displays of lava fountains reaching heights as high as 1,200 feet!
The United States Geological Survey has a livestream of the volcano on YouTube. Click here to check it out.
Thankfully, the lava has continued to flow within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a closed area of the park. Experts have been quick to mention that this eruption is not expected to flow into residential areas like it did with the 2018 eruption that decimated hundreds of homes and displaced many residents.
Kilauea Eruption History
Kilauea has been active since 1952 and many traditional Hawaiian chants and anecdotes tell stories of numerous eruptions. The 2018 eruption left geologists with clues about the future of this active site. Because much of the magma that filled Kilauea for years left the volcano in 2018, scientists say the volcano is refilling and will experience many eruptions of this size for years to come. In fact, this latest eruption has been drawing many people to the park to witness the lava flows.
USGS scientists have indicated that this eruption will stay within the crater. Only the 2018 eruption was located in the lower east rift zone when fissures opened across various populated areas of the Puna district. If you have ever wondered what creates Hawaii’s esteemed and incredibly unique black sand beaches, check out some of the footage from the 2018 eruption. When lava from eruptions reaches the Pacific Ocean the molten lava reacts with the water and creates these remarkable phenomena.
Pele Goddess of Fire and Volcanoes
No discussion of Hawaiian volcanic activity is possible without mention of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. The ancient Hawaiians personified many natural phenomena and forces as gods and goddesses. Volcanic eruptions are remarkable experiences of power and nature’s ability to both create and destroy. It’s no wonder Pele was considered one of the most polarizing and visible goddesses.
Pelehonuamea literally translates to, “She who shapes the sacred land.” Portrayed as a beautiful female goddess with a passionate and volatile temper who lived at the summit of Kilauea. The goddess was known to consume the Big Island during volcanic eruptions, thus creating new land and opportunity for growth in the process.
So renowned is this goddess that a form of lava has been named after her. Pele’s hair is the name of lightweight volcanic glass that forms from lava fountains. The strands are formed through the stretching of molten basaltic glass from lava and fountains.
In the stories passed down across generations of native Hawaiians, Pele travels throughout the islands, appearing as a beautiful young or much older woman. Legends told by many are filled with feuds and fights. It was until the fire goddess left Tahiti after another feud for Kaua’i that she established her home in Kilauea.
Safety Warning
Prior to visiting the park, officials have warned to be very careful of ground instability and the minor hazards of ashfalls, dusting, and obviously avoiding the edge of the caldera which features a 500-foot drop.
Let’s Chat
Give me a call at 808.938.3910 or email me if you are interested in learning more about Kilauea, Pele, or anything in general about life on the the Big Island of Hawaii.
