One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea in Hawaii, has erupted again, sending dramatic fountains of lava high into the air at approximately 500 feet. The officials have issued an aviation alert in code `red`.
According to a social media post by the US Geological Survey (USGS), the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has reported a fresh development in the ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano, with a new eruptive episode beginning at approximately 11:10 a.m. HST on April 9.
This marks Episode 44 of the current eruptive sequence. A Volcano Activity Notice (VAN) and Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) have been issued as a precaution.
Lava fountains from the volcano’s north vent were around 500 feet in height, indicating increasing activity at the summit.
Kīlauea Eruption Update
April 9, 2026, 1 p.m. HSTEpisode 44 Lava fountaining began at 11:10 a.m. HST today, April 9, and is ongoing at this time with lava fountains reaching over 500 feet above the vent, and National Weather Service a plume 10,000 feet above sea level and… pic.twitter.com/1YaZU54ASL
— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) April 9, 2026
The USGS also shared videos of the lava from Kilauea.
Authorities have identified downwind volcanic gas emissions and falling tephra — small fragments of volcanic material — as the main hazards.
Monitoring of the situation is ongoing, with further updates expected as activity develops.
Lava fountains and rising gas plumes
A post on X by the USGS, “Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Message 2026-04-09 11:24:23 HST. Episode 44 began at approximately 11:10. VAN/VONA has been issued. Lava fountains from the north vent are currently under 300 feet high and growing. Downwind gas emissions and tephra fall are the primary hazards”
The main concern during this eruption is volcanic gas, especially sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. These gases can travel long distances downwind and form a visible haze known as “vog” (volcanic smog), which may cause breathing problems and eye irritation.
Another hazard is “Pele’s hair” – fine strands of volcanic glass formed during lava fountains. These sharp fibres can irritate the skin and eyes if they fall in populated areas.
Aviation alert
The USGS raised the volcano alert level from advisory to warning with an aviation colour code red, stating that it continues to assess the situation.
The lava fountains remain below 150 metres (500 feet) in height, while the fall of tephra — small volcanic fragments — has decreased compared to earlier in the day.
Due to a reduction in ground-level hazards, the Volcano Alert Level was hours later lowered to “Watch”. However, the Aviation Colour Code remains at “Red”, indicating that volcanic ash emissions still pose a risk to aircraft.
An another post on X by USGS said, “Episode 44 began at 11:10 a.m. and is ongoing. Fountains are under 150 m (500 ft) and tephra fall has decreased. The Volcano Alert Level is now WATCH due to reduced ground hazards. Aviation Color Code remains RED.”
Kīlauea Update — Apr 9, 6pm HST
Episode 44 began at 11:10 a.m. and is ongoing. Fountains are under 150 m (500 ft) and tephra fall has decreased. The Volcano Alert Level is now WATCH due to reduced ground hazards. Aviation Color Code remains RED.#Kilauea #tephra #lava pic.twitter.com/844NDHo9Z2— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) April 10, 2026
A highly active volcano
Kilauea has been erupting frequently since 1983 and remains one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
While smaller than its neighbour Mauna Loa, Kilauea is far more active and continues to draw global attention with its powerful and visually stunning eruptions.