Kilauea Volcano Erupts in Hawaii, Spewing Lava Towers

Lava fountains reach 1,300 feet as USGS issues volcano warning

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:19pm

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On March 10th, the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted, sending towers of lava and ash up to 1,300 feet into the air. The US Geological Survey raised the Volcano Alert level from watch to warning as ash clouds reached 30,000 feet.

Why it matters

Kilauea 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 of Hawaii's volcanic landscape and the importance of monitoring and preparing for such events.

The details

The eruption at Kilauea featured lava fountains rising on both the north and south sides of the volcano, creating dramatic towers of molten rock. The USGS reported that the ash clouds reached an altitude of 30,000 feet, prompting the elevated volcano alert level.

  • The eruption began on March 10, 2026.

The players

Kilauea Volcano

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

US Geological Survey (USGS)

The scientific agency responsible for monitoring and reporting on volcanic activity in the United States.

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What’s next

The USGS will continue to monitor the situation at Kilauea and provide updates on the volcano's activity and any potential risks to nearby communities.

The takeaway

Hawaii's volcanic landscape is a powerful and dynamic force of nature, and events like this eruption at Kilauea serve as a reminder of the importance of scientific monitoring and preparedness when it comes to natural disasters.