• Kilauea volcano erupted again, launching lava fountains 100 feet high.
• This marks the 31st eruption since December, a notable frequency for the volcano.
• No homes are threatened as eruptions remain confined to the summit crater.
• Visitor numbers have surged, with a 49% increase in park visitation in April.
• Experts predict various potential outcomes for the ongoing eruption, including a possible transition to continuous lava flow.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano resumed erupting on Friday, sending lava shooting an impressive 100 feet into the air from its summit crater. This latest eruption is its 31st since December, a high frequency characteristic of one of the world's most active volcanoes, noted for its past explosive episodes. The eruption began with spattering from a northern vent, which soon overflowed onto the crater floor and developed into brilliant lava fountains by the afternoon, remaining safely contained and posing no threat to surrounding homes, according to CBS News and India Times.

Lucky visitors at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have a front-row seat to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon firsthand. National Park Service volunteer Janice Wei described the eruptions as resembling “nature’s most extraordinary show.” She remarked on the sound of the lava, comparing it to "a roaring jet engine or crashing ocean waves," and emphasized the heat that could be felt from over a mile away, as reported by Los Angeles Times and NPR.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has detailed that the lower magma chamber beneath Halemaumau Crater is receiving magma at a rapid rate of approximately 5 cubic yards (or 3.8 cubic meters) per second. As this magma rises, it builds pressure in a manner akin to a shaken champagne bottle, eventually forcing out molten rock into the atmosphere. While many past eruptions have featured lava jets reaching over 1,000 feet, recent fountains have been shorter, possibly due to a widening vent, according to Ken Hon, the scientist in charge at the observatory, as mentioned in India Times and Los Angeles Times.

As scientists continue to monitor the situation, they acknowledge that predicting the end of the current eruption poses challenges. Historical precedents reveal varied outcomes, including the possibility of Kilauea transitioning to a continuously erupting flow, similar to the prolonged eruption that began in 1983, which lasted for several decades. “Our job is like being a bunch of ants crawling on an elephant trying to figure out how the elephant works,” Hon confidently stated, as reflected in multiple reports, including CBS News and NPR.

The cultural significance of these eruptions is profound, particularly for the Native Hawaiian community. Huihui Kanahele-Mossman, executive director of the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation, emphasized that lava is not merely seen as destructive; rather, it serves as a vital natural resource that builds the land. She performs chants and offers gifts at the crater, conveying the importance of Kilauea and its connection to Hawaiian mythology, showcasing a blend of cultural reverence and scientific observation as echoed in details from Los Angeles Times and NPR.

Visitor numbers to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have dramatically increased, with particular spikes observed in April, when visitation rose by 49% compared to the previous year. Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane cautioned potential visitors to remain aware of safety guidelines, such as staying on marked trails due to risks from unstable cliff edges and volcanic gases, ensuring both safety and enjoyment during their visits. The brevity of eruptions, often lasting just 10 to 12 hours, adds an element of urgency for viewing, as highlighted by multiple sources including CBS News and India Times.