The eruption, which began at approximately 2:20 a.m. on Monday, has drawn thousands of spectators to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which offers 24-hour access to witness the natural spectacle.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the volcano has been spewing bright orange lava as high as 300 feet. By 5:30 a.m. on the first day of the eruption, approximately 500 acres of the caldera floor were covered with lava. This ongoing event has transformed the landscape, covering a 400-acre lava lake that had formed in 2020.

Ken Hon, head scientist at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, described the eruption as "a really big voluminous eruption" in a livestream chat. He noted the rapid onset of this eruption, marking it as the fifth since December 2020 in Kilauea's summit area.

The intensity of the eruption seemed to wane by late afternoon on the first day, with volcanic activity significantly slowing between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. By 5 p.m., the lava had spread across just over one square mile, with an estimated thickness of about one yard, according to USGS reports.

Despite the dramatic visuals, authorities have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to nearby communities, as the eruption is confined to the national park. However, the USGS has warned about high emission rates of volcanic gases affecting air quality downwind from the crater. The National Park Service has advised those with respiratory or heart conditions to take precautions due to the compromised air quality.

The USGS has also provided a livestream for those interested in observing this geological event from the safety of their homes. (ILKHA)