Towering Lava Fountains Erupt from Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano

Park and highway closures enacted due to falling volcanic fragments and ash

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island has been erupting for over a year, and the latest lava fountaining episode reached heights of 1,000 feet on Tuesday, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a partial closure of a major highway due to falling volcanic fragments and ash.

Why it matters

Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and these eruptions can pose risks to nearby communities and infrastructure. The falling tephra, or volcanic fragments and ash, can irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory system, as well as cause problems with water catchment systems that many residents rely on.

The details

The lava fountaining that began on Tuesday morning marked the eruption's 43rd episode since it began in December 2024. The molten rock was confined within Kilauea's summit crater inside the national park and did not threaten homes or buildings. However, the falling tephra prompted the temporary closures at the park around the summit and a partial closure of Highway 11, an important route around the island. Hawaii County officials also opened a shelter at a district gymnasium for residents and tourists impacted by the road closure or falling tephra.

  • The latest lava fountaining episode began on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • Kilauea has been erupting on and off for more than a year since the eruption began in December 2024.

The players

Kilauea Volcano

One of the world's most active volcanoes, located on Hawaii's Big Island.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A national park that encompasses Kilauea Volcano and other volcanic features on the Big Island.

Highway 11

An important route around Hawaii's Big Island that was partially closed due to the volcanic activity.

Hawaii County

The local government on Hawaii's Big Island that opened a shelter for residents and tourists impacted by the volcanic activity.

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What they’re saying

“Volcanic tephra can irritate eyes, skin and the respiratory system, according to county officials. Tephra also can clog and cause other problems with water catchment collection systems, which are common in some parts of the Big Island, officials said.”

— Tom Callis, County spokesperson (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service has issued an ashfall warning, and officials are monitoring the situation closely to determine when it may be safe to reopen the park and highway.

The takeaway

Kilauea's ongoing eruption serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of Hawaii's volcanoes, and the importance of being prepared for potential disruptions to daily life and infrastructure in areas near active volcanic activity.