Kīlauea Volcano Erupts, Sending Lava Fountains Over 1,000 Feet High

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed and main road shut down due to dangerous volcanic activity.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano erupted on Tuesday evening, producing spectacular lava fountains reaching over 1,300 feet in height. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the eruption has covered about one third of the floor of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the volcano's summit. Authorities have closed the Kīlauea summit and the main road to the volcano due to the danger of glassy volcanic fragments known as tephra.

Why it matters

Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and its eruptions can pose significant risks to nearby communities. This latest eruption is a reminder of the power and unpredictability of Hawaii's volcanic activity, which can have major impacts on the state's infrastructure, tourism industry, and natural environment.

The details

The eruption on Tuesday evening was marked by sustained lava fountains reaching over 1,000 feet in height, with peak heights exceeding 1,300 feet. The U.S. Geological Survey said the lava flows have covered about one third of the floor of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the volcano's summit. Authorities have closed the Kīlauea summit and the main road to the volcano, Highway 11, due to the danger of glassy volcanic fragments known as tephra. The National Weather Service has also issued an ashfall warning for the national park and surrounding areas, advising residents to stay indoors and seal doors and windows.

  • The eruption started on Tuesday evening, March 11, 2026.
  • The U.S. Geological Survey said the eruption is a continuation of an event that began on December 23, 2024.

The players

Kīlauea

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, located on the Big Island of Hawaii within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

The federal agency responsible for monitoring and reporting on volcanic activity in the United States, including Kīlauea.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency

The local government agency responsible for emergency response and public safety in Hawaii County, including during volcanic eruptions.

National Park Service

The federal agency responsible for managing and protecting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which includes the Kīlauea volcano.

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather and volcanic ash warnings for the United States, including the Big Island of Hawaii.

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What’s next

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates on the status of the eruption and any necessary evacuations or road closures. The National Park Service will also assess the damage and safety of the Kīlauea summit area before potentially reopening it to visitors.

The takeaway

This eruption at Kīlauea is a powerful reminder of the ongoing volcanic activity in Hawaii and the need for residents and visitors to be prepared for potential natural disasters. The swift action by authorities to close the summit and main road demonstrates the importance of having robust emergency response plans in place to protect public safety during such events.