Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupted Thursday, March 20, 2025, sending lava fountains hundreds of feet into the air [1, 2].

This activity demonstrates the ongoing volatility of the state's most active volcano. The recurring nature of these events provides critical data for geologists monitoring magma movement beneath the surface of the Big Island.

The eruption began in the early morning hours, around 1:30 a.m. [1, 4]. Reports on the scale of the event varied among observers. The Associated Press said that lava fountains reached 700 feet, or 215 meters [1]. However, CBS News said that the fountains rose up to 1,000 feet above the ground [2].

This event is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of activity. According to MSN, this marks the 45th episode of the eruption since the current phase began in December 2024 [3]. The volcano has produced periodic lava fountains for more than a year [3, 5].

Kilauea is located on the Big Island of Hawaii in the U.S. [1, 6]. The intermittent nature of these episodes suggests a complex system of magma supply and release. While these eruptions create dramatic visual displays, they also reshape the local landscape through the deposition of new volcanic rock.

Local authorities and scientists continue to monitor the site to ensure public safety. Because the eruption is part of a long-term cycle, officials have established protocols for managing visitor access to the area during active phases.

“Lava fountains rose up to 1,000 feet above ground.”

The frequency of these episodes—45 since December 2024—indicates that Kilauea is in a highly active state of degassing and magma transport. This pattern of short, repetitive eruptions suggests that the volcanic plumbing system is currently allowing magma to reach the surface in bursts rather than through one sustained, massive flow, which alters how geologists predict future lava movements.