Trending Now - Kīlauea Volcano Erupts, Sending Lava Fountains Over 1,000 Feet

WHO:

Kīlauea volcano

Hawaii County officials

Tom Callis, county spokesperson

National Weather Service

WHAT:

Kīlauea volcano erupted, sending lava fountains up to 1,000 feet (300 meters) high.

The eruption marked the 43rd episode since it began in December 2024.

Temporary closures were implemented at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a partial closure of Highway 11.

An ashfall warning was issued by the National Weather Service.

A previous eruption in November 2025 dispensed just under 11 million cubic yards of lava.

WHERE:

Kīlauea, Big Island, Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Highway 11, an important route around the island

WHEN:

The latest fountaining episode began on March 10th, 2026.

The eruption began in December 2024.

The previous fountaining episode occurred in November 2025.

WHY:

The eruption is part of Kīlauea's ongoing activity, which has been occurring on and off for more than a year.

HOW:

Lava fountains were created by the volcanic activity within Kīlauea's summit crater.

Volcanic fragments and ash, known as tephra, fell due to the eruption, prompting safety measures and closures.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 13:23 UTC)

Kīlauea volcano erupted yesterday, sending impressive lava fountains soaring up to 1,000 feet high, marking the 43rd episode of activity since it began in December 2024. In response to the eruption, Hawaii County officials implemented temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and partially closed Highway 11, while the National Weather Service issued an ashfall warning due to volcanic fragments and ash falling in the area. This latest fountaining episode follows a previous eruption in November 2025 that released just under 11 million cubic yards of lava, highlighting Kīlauea's ongoing volcanic activity.