Hawaii Island's Kilauea volcano erupted on Sunday, November 9, attracting numerous visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This eruption, one of Kilauea's intermittent episodes since December 2024, lasted for five hours, with lava fountains reaching up to 1,100 feet and generating a "volnado," a vortex of ash. The spectacle drew crowds eager to witness the event, which holds cultural significance in Hawaiian tradition.
Despite a reduced number of park rangers due to a shutdown, law enforcement managed the influx of visitors. The park announced on November 9 that the eruptive phase had concluded, and as of November 13, Kilauea had paused its eruption. However, the volcano remains on an orange "watch" alert, with its vents still glowing and emitting fumes, indicating a likelihood of future eruptive episodes.
Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is considered safe provided visitors stay within designated areas and avoid closed-off zones. Hazards such as volcanic gas, unstable cliffs, and falling rock material are present in the eruption area, which has been closed since 2007. Visitors have reported congestion, and a previous incident involved a visitor falling off a cliff while attempting to get a closer view of an eruption. Nighttime visits are popular for viewing the lava glow but require caution due to uneven roads and the need for lighting.
The current eruption does not pose a threat to the local community or air travel, as the lava is contained within the Halemaumau crater and summit caldera. However, volcanic glass strands known as "Pele hair" and ash can be carried by winds, prompting advice for residents and travelers, especially those with respiratory or heart conditions or who are pregnant, to minimize exposure.
