Hawaii Volcano Erupts 500 Feet, Spewing Toxic Gases and 'Pele's Hair'

Kilauea Volcano Erupts with Fiery Fury, Spewing Lava and Hazards

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has once again roared to life, sending plumes of molten lava hundreds of feet into the air and raising concerns about the health risks for those in the surrounding areas. This recent eruption, which took place on September 2, was captured on video and labeled as Episode 32 by the US Geological Survey (USGS). It marks the 32nd episode of volcanic activity in Kilauea's ongoing eruption cycle that began in December 2024 at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

The eruption started early Tuesday morning and continued for over 13 hours before abruptly stopping at 2:01 am ET (8:01 pm in Hawaii). During this time, lava shot up as high as 500 feet into the sky, while a smoky cloud rose to an altitude of 10,000 feet above the Big Island. The event significantly impacted the summit crater, known as Halemaʻumaʻu, covering between 40 and 50 percent of its bowl-shaped area.

Although the eruption did not immediately threaten residents, the USGS issued warnings about the dangers of volcanic gases and tiny fragments of lava that could travel for miles. One of the primary concerns is vog, a hazy smog formed from volcanic emissions such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide reacts in the atmosphere to create this smog, which can cause respiratory issues, headaches, sore throats, and skin irritation.

During the eruption, sulfur dioxide levels were extremely high, releasing over 50,000 tons of vog during the day. As the eruption subsided, gas emissions dropped significantly, but the risk remains high in areas affected by the flow.

Another hazard associated with the eruption is "Pele's hair," thin, glass-like strands of lava that can float over 10 miles from the eruption site. These strands, named after the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, can contaminate drinking water and cause skin or eye irritation if touched. They appear as golden or brownish threads, often stretching several inches to a foot long.

The USGS has advised people on the Big Island to avoid the area around the national park and monitor local wind conditions. The volcano alert level has been set to "watch," indicating it is active but not an emergency.

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, is part of the five volcanoes that form the Big Island. Previous eruptions in this current cycle have lasted between 13 hours and eight days, with brief pauses in between. Despite the danger, many visitors have flocked to overlook sites within the national park to witness the spectacle.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has also provided live streams of the eruptions, allowing people to observe the event remotely. Kilauea is estimated to be between 210,000 and 280,000 years old, though it only grew above sea level around 100,000 years ago.

The longest and most destructive recorded eruption from Kilauea occurred from January 1983 to April 2018, causing significant property damage, including the destruction of two towns in 1990 and a famous black sand beach. Kilauea overlaps with the eastern side of Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth, which stands nearly 14,000 feet tall.

As Kilauea continues to show signs of activity, questions remain about the potential for more intense eruptions and the impact on nearby communities. With ongoing monitoring and public awareness, officials aim to ensure safety while allowing people to witness the raw power of nature.