Towering lava fountains erupted at Kīlauea's summit, reaching staggering heights of 262 to 295 feet (80 to 90 meters), according to USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists. The fiery display marked a powerful surge in volcanic activity,

At 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2024, the eruption continued in Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) with 50–80 foot (15–25 meter) lava fountains from two vents. A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field crew observed continuous fountaining that fed an expanding lava fan across the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that fountaining from the southern active vent began to increase and become more continuous at about 5:15 p.m. today, with spatter rising to 60 to 100 feet high, mainly from the more southerly of the two active vents.

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano showed a surge in activity as lava fountains reached heights of up to 130 feet. United States Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists stationed on the crater rim have been monitoring the increasing activity.