ADVERTISEMENTThe Kilauea volcano - one of the most active in the world - is spewing lava once again, the seventh recorded episode in recent weeks.
It lies in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a popular nature tourism destination.
The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcano summits: Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
Here's what you need to know if you are planning on travelling to or from the affected area.
Hawaii: One of the world's most active volcanoes is erupting
The eruption that began on 23 December 2024 in a crater at Kilauea's summit in Hawaii has been intermittently active in recent weeks.
After a brief pause, it resumed on Monday, preceded by small, sporadic spatter fountains that continued to increase in intensity to reach “sustained fountaining,” the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.
Fountains on the north side are 30 to 40 metres high and are feeding multiple lava streams, the observatory said. A small fountain can be seen on the south side with a small lava flow emerging.
Each episode since 23 December has continued for 13 hours to eight days, the observatory said. The pauses have lasted less than 24 hours to 12 days.
The current episode will probably last 10 to 20 hours, the observatory added.
Is it safe to travel to Hawaii during the Kilauea volcanic eruption?
The Kilauea Volcano is very active - this is the sixth episode of eruptions in the past four years.
Visitors flock to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - to witness the dramatic events.
Currently, it is safe to visit the park and experience the spectacle. The lava is not posing a hazard to homes or infrastructure.
The National Park Service cautions, however, that visitors should be aware the eruption at Kilauea Volcano "is a reminder of the sacredness of this land and the creative forces of Hawaii".
"Watching the eruption is a privilege, and it’s important to approach it with respect. Visitors are encouraged to stay silent while observing and take the time to learn about the strong cultural connections between the land and Native Hawaiians".
Best places to view the Kilauea volcanic eruption
The eruption is visible from many public viewpoints in the park. When the volcano is active, the National Park Service says you can observe bright eruptions, flowing lava, and a strong glow, especially at night.
ADVERTISEMENTThe current eruption within Halema'uma'u Crater can be seen from various viewpoints along Crater Rim Drive.
Visibility may be affected by weather conditions such as fog or rain. You should also expect long waits and crowds at overlooks.
If you intend to visit, the National Park Service warns to stay out of closed areas as toxic volcanic gas and strands of volcanic glass are among the hazards.