Hawaii – Kilauea volcano erupted from two vents early Tuesday morning, continuing its latest period of activity that began on April 16 and has now seen 18 eruptions.

Episode 18 of Kilauea’s ongoing eruption began around 3 a.m., with fountains emerging from both vents within minutes.

Visitors rushed to the crater to witness the eruption firsthand.

“It’s just an amazing scene, it’s unbelievable,” said Ali Saghafi, a visitor from California on his honeymoon. “It’s unexplainable because you see the force of the earth and the universe just in your face. You can hear it. There’s nothing like it.”

The eruption created a dramatic scene, with fountains reaching heights of 650 feet. Pele’s hair, fine volcanic glass, drifted across the park, while rock fragments known as tephra fell from the sky.

“I heard it come to my body and it’s like raining,” said Saghafi’s wife, Tina Sani. “We were very close to the top of the fire, so it was raining rocks on us and just grabbed them.”

Episode 18 paused around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, but volcanic glass remains scattered on the ground.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials expect more visitors during Merrie Monarch week. They advised halau to protect their skin and wear shoes, as Pele’s hair can irritate the skin and eyes.

Kilauea’s latest series of eruptions began in December 2024.

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