Kilauea's 56th Eruption Episode Features Record-Height Lava Fountain

Hawaii Volcano Observatory scientists measured a lava fountain from Kīlauea that reached at least 660 feet during the volcano's latest eruptive episode on November 5. This marks the 56th fountaining event since eruptions began in December 2024, following two months of volcanic unrest and intermittent spattering. While early episodes saw relatively low heights around 300 feet or less, this specific activity produced a towering plume that soared to an altitude exceeding sea level by approximately 18,000 feet. Geologists utilized real-time webcam imagery and detailed timelapse camera data collected from the caldera rim to accurately determine these measurements for scientific analysis. The eruption originated primarily from Halemaʻumaʻu crater's north vent at roughly 12:10 p.m., with wind gusts reaching up to 32 mph directing volcanic material toward the southwest.