With approximately 20 volcanoes ranging in age from 400,000 years to 5.1 million years, the Hawaiian archipelago is the youngest section of the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain of volcanoes and seamounts extending across the Pacific Ocean. The most famous of Hawaii’s volcanoes, Kilauea, is considered one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Though the volcano was previously active last in August 2018, an eruption began at the summit around 9:30 p.m. on December 20, 2020, with multiple fissures on the walls of the Halema’uma’u Crater. And let us tell you, this is one eruption you’ll want to see for yourself.

The volcano’s first well-documented eruption took place in 1823 and has been erupting on a regular basis ever since. Kilauea was steadily erupting from January 1983 to August 2018 – one of the longest duration eruptions in the world – and is back at it again.
NPS Photo/Janice Wei via Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park/Facebook
Previously filled with water, Halema’uma’u Crater turned into a lava lake and has been rapidly evolving ever since. This spectacular new eruption is drawing hundreds of visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which remains open 24 hours a day.
H. Dietterich via USGS Volcanoes/Facebook
Lava activity is confined to Halema’uma’u, with lava erupting from vents on the crater’s northwest edge. On January 10, the lake is approximately 634 feet deep, perched above its western edge, and stagnant over its eastern half.
B. Carr via USGS Volcanoes/Facebook

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With a volume of approximately 27 million cubic meters, the Halema’uma’u lava lake must be seen to be believed – in person, or at the very least, in photographs.
M. Patrick via Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park/Facebook
M. Patrick via Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park/Facebook
If you want to check out the action for yourself, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is currently open, but remember: crater edges are unstable and collapse without warning, so stick to the trail and keep your eyes on the trail while walking. And don't forget to maintain six feet of distance and wear your mask.
NPS Photo/J. Wei via Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park/Facebook
Unable to visit the park? Check out this epic footage from Volkan Yuksel, who has been documenting the eruption.

For the most recent updates on the Halema’uma’u eruption, visit the USGS website to check out their live webcams. Have you been to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park recently? What was your favorite lookout point, hiking trail, or geologic feature? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments, then click here to learn about Hawaii’s second active volcano, Mauna Loa.

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