Towering lava fountains of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano trigger park and highway closures

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is shooting lava fountains up to 1,000 feet, and falling ash and volcanic fragments are forcing temporary closures on the Big Island. The volcano began its 43rd fountaining episode since an eruption started in December 2024. Lava has stayed inside the summit crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and hasn't threatened homes. Still, ash and other glassy fragments are falling on nearby communities and parts of an important highway. Officials have closed areas around the park summit and part of the highway. Hawaii County has opened a shelter. The National Weather Service is warning about falling ash.