Hawaii, United States – Kilauea volcano erupted again on Thursday, marking the 45th episode over the past year and a half.

Lava began bursting from the volcano at around 1:30 a.m. local time, according to the United States Geological Survey. A livestream operated by the agency showed bright orange molten streams shooting upward more than 18 hours later.

Fountains from Kilauea’s northern vents reached heights of 1,000 feet at their peak, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. For several hours after the eruption began, the fountains hovered at roughly 500 feet before rising to about 700 feet.

The overall plume, made up of lava, gas, steam and ash, climbed to at least 16,500 feet above ground level about an hour into the eruption, marking its highest point during this episode.

Kilauea, located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. It has been erupting periodically since December 2024, attracting tourists eager to witness the towering lava flows.

Officials said the eruptions have remained confined to the Halemaumau crater, posing no threat to homes or people. Most episodes since December 2024 have lasted no longer than one day.

The USGS issued a volcano watch and an orange aviation alert, indicating limited hazards and little to no ash emissions. The National Weather Service also released an ashfall advisory overnight for communities downwind.

Authorities warned that volcanic gas can cause respiratory issues as it spreads through the air, creating pollution known as vog. They added that fragments of ash, pumice and glassy material, called tephra, may fall far from the volcano.

“Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to these fragments, which can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation,” USGS said.

A previous eruption in March led to temporary closures at the national park and a nearby highway, while officials opened a short-term shelter due to falling tephra and ash.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download