See it: Gushing lava fountains from Mount Kilauea Volcano amid 44th eruption

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Gushing lava from the 44th eruption of the Mount Kīlauea volcano

Lava shoots out of the Mount Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii for the 44th time.

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii – Kīlauea volcano erupted for the 44th time since Dec. 23, 2024, producing large lava fountains in Hawaii on Thursday.

The 44th episode began in the late morning on Thursday, with lava fountains reaching 800 feet, according to the USGS.

Video footage from the USGS shows the south Halemaʻumaʻu crater gushing large lava fountains from the ground.

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Watch: Lava sprays during Kilauea's 44th eruptive episode

Lava roared out of Kilauea Thursday afternoon, with lava fountains reaching 800 feet, according to USGS. Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes. 

As the crater continues to shoot lava, strengthening over time, the risk of tephra falling from volcanic ash clouds and Pele’s Hair increases.

Tephra is a catch-all term that describes various kinds of rocks blasted into the air during eruptions.

RARE ASHFALL WARNING ISSUED AS MOUNT KILAUEA VOLCANO ERUPTS FOR 43RD TIME, PRODUCING LARGE LAVA FOUNTAINS

As a result, officials from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Service (NPS) have closed the park entrance due to hazardous volcanic material associated with the eruption.

Tephra on Crater Rim Drive during Kilauea's 44th eruptive episode on April 10, 2026.

(M. Patrick/USGS / FOX Weather)

Pele’s Hair consists of thin glass fibers formed by gas during a volcanic eruption, according to the USGS. When gas bubbles near the surface of lava burst, they can stretch the skin of the molten lava into long threads.

These can become airborne and be carried by the wind, posing a threat to humans, as a tiny piece of glass can get lodged in your skin or eyes.

Tephra near the Kilauea Military Camp During Kilauea's 44th eruptive episode on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

(K. Mulliken/USGS / FOX Weather)

"A combination of fountaining dynamics and wind conditions determines where tephra fall may occur for any given eruption episode," a statement from the USGS said.

As an extra precaution, motorists are advised to avoid the area, with a portion of Highway 11 being closed.

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Lava flows will continue to quickly advance downhill as the powerful Mount Kīlauea continues to produce steadily strengthening lava fountains this evening.