Football-sized Rocks Fall from Sky at Hawaii's Kīlauea Volcano

Lava fountains reach over 1,000 feet high during latest eruption.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii experienced a new eruption on Tuesday, with lava fountains reaching over 1,000 feet in the air. During the eruption, large chunks of tephra, or volcanic rock, the size of a football were observed falling from the sky around the volcano.

Why it matters

Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and its eruptions can pose a significant threat to nearby communities. The fall of large volcanic rocks during an eruption can be extremely dangerous and damaging, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and safety precautions around the volcano.

The details

Eyewitnesses reported seeing lava fountains reaching heights of over 1,000 feet during the latest eruption at Kīlauea. In addition to the towering lava plumes, large chunks of tephra, or solidified volcanic rock, were observed falling from the sky around the volcano. Some of these rocks were estimated to be the size of a standard football, posing a serious risk to anyone in the immediate vicinity.

  • The eruption began on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Kīlauea

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

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The takeaway

The latest eruption at Kīlauea volcano serves as a reminder of the power and danger of Hawaii's active volcanoes. Residents and visitors near the volcano must remain vigilant and heed all safety warnings from local authorities to avoid potentially devastating consequences from falling volcanic rocks and other hazards.