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Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again, Sends Lava Over 1000 Feet Into the Sky | Watch

May 27, 2025, 6:54 am

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, erupted again in Hawaii. Lava blasted more than 1,000 feet into the air. US volcanologists confirmed the eruption. Meanwhile, video footage captured the fiery display lighting up the sky.

🇺🇸 KILAUEA BLOWS AGAIN — LAVA FOUNTAINS REACH EIFFEL TOWER HEIGHT

Kilauea’s fiery fury continues as the volcano erupted for the 23rd time since December — blasting lava over 1,000 feet high from its northern vent, lighting up the night above Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

To put that in… pic.twitter.com/LjPw2qMknv

— Juan Torres (@juanpodcast1) May 26, 2025

Lava Shoots from Kilauea’s Crater

The eruption took place at the summit of Kilauea on Hawaii’s Big Island. Since the last eruption on December 23, 2024, volcanic activity has been off and on.

On Sunday, bright jets of lava exploded from the volcano. As a result, glowing orange cracks formed and lava flowed inside the caldera.

When and Where It Happened

According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the eruption began at 4:15 p.m. Sunday (Hawaii time), which was 2:15 a.m. GMT on Monday. It started from the north vent of Halemaʻumaʻu, a pit crater inside Kilauea.

Later, about an hour after the eruption began, the south vent became active too. It released lava fountains about 230 feet high. At the same time, the north vent launched lava over 1,000 feet high. The agency said, “Lava fountains from the north vent are exceeding 1,000 feet (300 meters) in height.” They also added, “Lava flows are covering the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater.”

Repeated Eruptions Continue

So far, this is the 23rd eruption since December. According to experts, these lava fountains usually last for about a day or less.

However, the eruption brings serious dangers. The volcano releases large amounts of gas. When this gas mixes with the atmosphere, it forms a haze called vog, or volcanic smog. Vog can spread downwind and cause harm to people, animals, and even crops.

Kilauea’s Ongoing Activity

Kilauea has remained very active since 1983. It is one of six active volcanoes in Hawaii. Although Mauna Loa is larger, Kilauea erupts more often. As a result, it often attracts tourists who enjoy viewing the lava from helicopters.

Deported and Strip-Searched: Hawaii Trip Turns Nightmare for Women

April 21, 2025, 1:30 pm

Two teenage German tourists, Charlotte Pohl (19) and Maria Lepere (18), were deported from Hawaii in unsettling ways, turning their holiday of a lifetime into a nightmare. What began as a vacation to see Auckland’s Hawaii, California, and Costa Rica shortly transformed into hours of interrogation, detention, and forced deportation.

Upon arrival at Honolulu, officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) became suspicious about the couple’s elastic travel schedule, especially not having pre-arranged housing for their five-week visit. Even though they had ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) clearance, they were picked up on grounds of possible unauthorized work.

The German Foreign Office, who offered consular assistance, states that ‘ESTA approval is not a guarantee of entry into the United States’, as ultimate entry is subject to the border officers’ discretion.

Strip-Searched and Jailed

Pohl and Lepere were held for hours of questioning before they were handcuffed and taken to a detention center. They were there subjected to full-body scans, strip searches, and clad in green prison uniforms. They spent the night on thin, moldy mattresses with long-term detainees some with serious criminal charges were warned not to eat expired food.

The two were taken back to Honolulu Airport the following morning and deported in handcuffs. On their request, they were flown to Japan instead of Germany to save the longer route back to New Zealand.

Travel Policy Issues

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently spoke to European visitors’ concerns, saying: “If you’re not coming to the United States to join a Hamas protest. then you have nothing to worry about.”

The incident has raised alarms regarding the volatility of U.S. border policy. Germany subsequently revised its travel warning to caution that admission to the U.S. ‘is in the sole discretion of U.S. border officials’.

This episode highlights the need for well-defined accommodation arrangements, a structured itinerary, and financial evidence even when traveling on ESTA.

30 Years Behind Bars: Hawaii Man Freed by DNA Evidence

February 23, 2025, 2:31 am

A Hawaii man who spent three decades in prison for a murder he has always denied committing declared the day as “Freedom Friday” after a judge ordered his release based on new DNA evidence. He expressed his eagerness to reunite with his mother.

Gasps and cries filled the courtroom when Judge Kirstin Hamman announced, “And the judgement and sentence is vacated and the defendant is ordered to be released from custody,” before the Zoom broadcast of the hearing abruptly ended.

The judge ruled that newly presented evidence, including DNA test results, would likely alter the outcome of a retrial for Gordon Cordeiro.

The case dates back to 1994 when Timothy Blaisdell was killed during a drug-related robbery on Maui. Cordeiro’s first trial ended in a hung jury, with only one juror voting for conviction. However, he was later found guilty of murder, robbery, and attempted murder and sentenced to life without parole.

The Hawaii Innocence Project took on Cordeiro’s case, arguing in a recent hearing that he should be freed due to new evidence proving his innocence, ineffective legal representation in the past, and prosecutorial misconduct.

Maui County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin voiced disappointment in the ruling, stating, “None of the judge’s findings exonerate him in any way.” He also confirmed that his office plans to appeal and will seek bail conditions upon Cordeiro’s release, citing a flight risk due to the severity of the charges.

Kenneth Lawson, co-director of the Hawaii Innocence Project, described the courtroom scene as deeply emotional. “He cried, we all cried,” Lawson said. “He believed that he was going to be exonerated … but having gone through two trials, you lose faith in the justice system. To finally hear a judge say, ‘I’m vacating your convictions,’ that’s when it hit him.”

After his release, Cordeiro, now 51, spoke to reporters outside the Maui Community Correctional Center, with The Associated Press listening via phone from Honolulu. Calling the moment “Freedom Friday,” he expressed gratitude to his supporters, the judge, and even the prosecutors who agreed to certain facts in the case.

“I’d like to go see my mom,” he said. “Would be nice.” When asked about adjusting to life after 30 years behind bars, he responded, “I got good support.”

Court documents submitted by Cordeiro’s legal team indicated that his wrongful conviction was partly due to police relying on four jailhouse informants who were incentivized by offers of reduced sentences and fabricated murder-for-hire plots.

“Unfortunately for Cordeiro, the State’s use of incentivized jailhouse informants and their fabricated evidence and testimony about the murder-for-hire plots, was enough to convince a jury of his guilt in his second trial,” the Hawaii Innocence Project stated in its filings.

However, the judge determined that there was insufficient evidence to prove the state deliberately presented false testimony and rejected claims of prosecutorial misconduct.

Cordeiro’s attorneys emphasized that he had multiple alibis on the day of Blaisdell’s murder. At the time, the 22-year-old was at home with his parents and sisters, working on a shelving unit in the family’s open-air garage and installing a stereo in his sister’s car—far from the “Skid Row” area of upcountry Maui where the crime took place.

Blaisdell had gone to Skid Row with Michael Freitas, planning to purchase a pound of marijuana with $800, according to court documents. His body was later discovered at the bottom of a ravine.

Cordeiro’s lawyers argued that Freitas, who repeatedly changed his story, falsely implicated Cordeiro, believing he had “snitched” on him in an unrelated drug case.

Following Cordeiro’s conviction, new testing on crime scene evidence ruled him out as the source of DNA found on Blaisdell’s body and other key items. Instead, a DNA profile of an unidentified individual was discovered inside the pockets of Blaisdell’s jeans, according to the Hawaii Innocence Project.

The judge acknowledged that the newly revealed DNA evidence and additional details about gunshot residue could significantly impact the outcome of a retrial.

Cordeiro’s attorneys suspect that Freitas, who passed away in 2020, orchestrated Blaisdell’s robbery and played a role in his death.

“The police botched this case from the beginning and turned the No. 1 suspect into the state’s star witness, resulting in a 30-plus-year nightmare and miscarriage of justice for Gordon and his family,” Lawson said.

Hawaii Beachside Resort Explosion Injures 7, Scatters Debris | Watch

February 22, 2025, 9:02 pm

Seven persons were hurt, including three seriously, following a suspected gas explosion at a well-known Hawaii beachside resort, reports Maui police and hotel management.

Thursday night at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii, a popular destination surrounded by hotels, timeshares, and rentals, the explosion happened. It left behind a pile of debris near the resort’s Tower One barbecue area.

Evacuation Instructions and Serious Injuries

According to the Maui Police Department, the hurt people fell between 18 and 74. Police spokesperson Alana Pico corroborated that two seriously wounded patients were flown to Oahu for more advanced medical treatment.

Authorities failed to give the nearby area evacuation orders even during the blast. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which powers barbecue grills in the common area of the resort, was found to be used.

Video of Outdoor Explosion Close to Pool Helps

With debris strewn near the beach, a video going on social media captures the explosion happening outside by a pool. Witnesses said flashes of fire shot up and a great boom shot up before the region was suffused in smoke.

? #BREAKING: “EARTH- SHATTERING BOOM!”

⚠️ Hotel EXPLOSION in Lahaina, Maui at The Whaler resort on Kaanapali Beach leaves seven people injured.

What the HELL is going on in Hawaii? pic.twitter.com/H3ezm6ocHW

— HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) February 21, 2025

In a brief statement, The Whaler recognized the blast and said they are closely investigating with the fire department the source.

The statement said, “Thankfully, we are actively working with the fire department to investigate the situation, and we will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.” “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our owners, guests, and team members” it added.

Continuous Inquiry as to Cause

Official agencies are reviewing the explosion’s official source. Police observed witness testimonies pointing to a possible grill malfunction.”

Visitors and locals in the region are advised to be careful even as authorities conduct their inquiries. Concerns about the safety of gas-powered grills in public and shared areas have arisen from the event.

Horrific Crash In Hawaii: Plane Goes ‘Out of Control’ and Crashes Into Building, Killing 2 | WATCH

December 18, 2024, 2:53 pm

A tragic incident unfolded near Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Monday, when a Kamaka Air Cessna 208 Caravan crashed into a building, killing at least two people. The crash, which occurred around 3:05 p.m. on Aolele Street, involved the aircraft conducting a training flight. The plane struck a state-owned building that was unoccupied and scheduled for demolition. Kamaka Air later confirmed that both crew members on board the aircraft had perished in the crash.

Eyewitness Accounts and Response

First responders, including Honolulu fire and police departments, were quick to arrive at the scene. Witnesses described a harrowing scene as a loud explosion echoed through the area, followed by a cloud of smoke. One witness, who was working nearby, recalled hearing a “loud, one big boom” and then observing the aftermath. Nancy Timco, a local worker, reported seeing the plane flying unusually low before the crash, which further heightened concerns.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

JUST IN: Small plane crashes into building near Honolulu Airport, killing both people on board pic.twitter.com/DuCs4PifkP

— BNO News (@BNONews) December 18, 2024

According to radio communications, the pilot of Kamaka Flight 689 informed the control tower that the aircraft had lost control, stating, “We’re out of control here.” The tower responded with instructions for an emergency landing, but there was no further communication before the crash.

Condolences and Ongoing Investigation

Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi both expressed condolences, with Mayor Blangiardi calling the crash a “tragic” event. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Kamaka Air, which has been operating since 1993 and provides inter-island air services, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their two crew members. CEO David Hinderland issued a statement saying, “It is with heavy hearts that Kamaka Air confirms the loss of two members of the Kamaka Air family.”

The crash remains under investigation as authorities seek to determine the cause of the aircraft’s loss of control.

US ‘Red Carpet’ Welcome For Taiwan’s President: China Reacts

December 1, 2024, 10:43 am

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te kicked off his Pacific tour with a two-day stopover in Hawaii on Saturday, welcomed to the red carpet, with floral garlands and “alohas.” This marked a historic moment as Lai became the first Taiwanese president to receive such a ceremonial welcome at Honolulu’s international airport.

Accompanied by Hawaiian officials, including Governor Josh Green and Ingrid Larson from the American Institute in Taiwan, Lai toured notable sites such as a Pacific island history museum, an emergency management center, and the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Lai described the tour as ushering in “a new era of values-based democracy,” emphasising Taiwan’s commitment to deepening partnerships founded on democracy, peace, and prosperity. Addressing Taiwanese nationals and US officials during a dinner, Lai reaffirmed his goal of fostering stronger international ties.

China’s Sharp Response

China, which maintains the island as part of its territory, issued a tough censure over Lai’s layover. China blamed the United States of compromising its sovereignty and promised to resort to “resolute and strong measures” against Taiwan’s movement toward independence. The Defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian made another rejection to de jure official interactions of Washington and Taipei and called those attempts “crushing.“.

Lai’s visit coincides with heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, where Beijing frequently deploys military assets to assert its claims over the island. Adding to the friction, the US recently approved arms sales to Taiwan valued at $385 million, including F-16 spare parts and advanced radar systems.

Pacific Tour to Strengthen Alliances

Following his Hawaiian stopover, Lai is set to visit Taiwan’s allies in the Pacific—Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau—before returning via Guam. This trip underscores Taiwan’s strategic efforts to bolster its international alliances amid mounting pressure from Beijing.

With Taiwan’s sovereignty at the forefront, Lai continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, advocating for democracy and resilience in the face of China’s aggressive posture.

Is US Strengthening Taiwan’s Defense With A $385M Arms Deal Before Lai’s Trip?

November 30, 2024, 3:24 pm

US State Department has green flagged the potential sale of spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and radars to Taiwan, valued at approximately $385 million. The announcement came ahead of Taiwan President , which includes stopovers in Hawaii and Guam which are key military locations of US.

Pentagon has confirmed that the package includes $320 million for F-16 spare parts and radar systems, alongside a $65 million deal for mobile communications equipment, with General Dynamics as the principal contractor. Taiwan’s defense ministry welcomed the move, emphasizing that the upgrades would bolster its F-16 fleet’s operational readiness and enhance its defensive capabilities.

These latest arms deal underscores Washington’s commitment to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act, which mandates US support for the island’s self-defense. The move is expected to draw further ire from Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and has ramped up military pressure, including multiple war games this year.

Lai’s tour, officially framed as a stopover en route to Pacific allies, has heightened tensions, with China warning the US to act cautiously. US maintains that Lai’s transit is routine and should not be seen as provocative.

Last month, Washington also approved a $2 billion arms package for Taiwan, featuring advanced missile defense systems used in Ukraine, signaling a continued deepening of US-Taiwan security ties.

Hawaii Strengthens Measures Against Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles

October 25, 2024, 4:28 pm

Hawaii is intensifying its battle against the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles, with state officials approving new regulations aimed at halting the pests’ spread throughout the Pacific archipelago.

On Tuesday, the Hawaii agriculture board sanctioned measures including a prohibition on transferring infested soil and compost between islands and enhanced insect inspections to prevent an influx of these harmful pests, according to Honolulu Civil Beat. These changes come after a delay of about 20 months and follow the discovery of “multiple populations” of beetles on Kauai in May 2023, indicating a worsening situation, state officials reported.

Impact of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles

Coconut rhinoceros beetles are known to damage and sometimes kill palm trees, as well as threaten the growth of crops like pineapple, bananas, papaya, sugarcane, and taro, as noted by Hawaii Public Radio.

“This is about an all-hands-on-deck approach to managing, preventing – and hopefully eradicating – the ongoing cycle of invasive species,” stated Dianne Ley, a member of the board from the Big Island.

Characteristics and Risks

These black beetles measure about 2 inches in length and possess a horn but do not bite. However, authorities warn that they could potentially carry diseases due to their habitat in dirt and mulch.

The newly approved rules also aim to prevent the spread of little fire ants, another invasive species threatening local agriculture and native plants while posing risks to humans and pets. While these aggressive ants have plagued the Big Island for years, they have recently been reported on Oahu, prompting renewed calls for action, as reported by Hawaii Public Radio.

Controlling Beetle Population

Conservationists in Hawaii are enhancing efforts to locate breeding sites for the beetles, which could help control their population growth. Conservation Dogs of Hawaii has trained scent-detection dogs to find these pests, with one three-dog team discovering over 80 coconut rhinoceros beetles during a training session in June, according to Island News.

Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano: 30 Quakes Hourly, Eruption Any Time

July 2, 2024, 2:50 pm

Recent seismic activity beneath Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has stirred concerns as the region experienced a significant increase in earthquakes over the weekend. According to reports from the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS HVO), the Upper East Rift Zone of Kilauea began to experience a “seismic swarm” on June 27, with seismic events peaking at about 30 per hour.

Over the course of Saturday and Sunday, more than 500 earthquakes were detected beneath the Upper East Rift Zone and its surrounding areas. The seismicity, which intensified with earthquakes measuring up to M3.4, prompted heightened monitoring by geologists.

Despite the alarming surge in seismic activity, the USGS HVO has reassured the public that there are currently no signs indicating an imminent volcanic eruption. The earthquakes, largely centered below the south caldera region at depths ranging from 1.5 to 3 km, have shown variability but have not yet resulted in volcanic activity.

In their public notice, the USGS HVO noted that the current earthquake count is more than triple the rate observed just days ago, highlighting the ongoing seismic swarm since the initial M2.9 and M3.4 earthquakes.

Historically, Kilauea has been one of the world’s most active volcanoes, known for its periodic eruptions. The most recent eruption occurred on June 3, located approximately a mile south of Kilauea caldera within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. However, there have been no indications that magma is currently moving towards the surface to initiate another eruption.

While increased seismicity could potentially lead to an eruptive episode, geologists emphasize that predicting volcanic behavior remains challenging. Continuous monitoring and assessment of seismic activity and ground deformation are crucial to understanding any future volcanic threats.

For now, residents and visitors to the region are advised to stay informed through official updates from the USGS HVO and to heed any advisories issued by local authorities regarding volcanic activity in Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park.

US: Officials have raised the alert level for Hawaii’s erupting Kilauea volcano

June 8, 2023, 10:33 am

The level of alert for Hawaii’s erupting Kilauea volcano has been upgraded. According to CNN, officials have discussed a number of secure spots for the thousands who are anticipated to throng to the area to record the image. Kilauea volcano in Hawaii started erupting on Wednesday morning (local time), CNN reported citing Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). The US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected a glow in Kilauea summit webcam images on June 7. Kilauea volcano shot-up fountain burst about 200 feet high in the early phase of the eruption on Wednesday, with the largest lava fountain consistently coming in at about 50 feet high, the US Geological Survey said. As the lava was flowing on the surface of the crater floor, the alert level for Kilauea was raised to red for “warning,” as per the CNN report.
According to HVO, authorities analysed the hazards from the eruption. Kilauea’s eruption is confined to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. According to officials, there is no indication that populated areas are threatened.
“At approximately 4:44 a.m. HST on June 7, 2023, the (US Geological Survey’s) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected glow in Kilauea summit webcam images indicating that an eruption has commenced within Halema`uma`u crater in Kilauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park,” the observatory said in a statement as per the CNN report.
Kilauea is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the national park, according to officials. Visitors have been asked to stay on marked trails and overlooks and keep out of closed areas, according to CNN report.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park officials called seeing the crust of an active lava lake being dragged into seething fountains “unforgettable.” The officials further said, “While an eruption is an exciting experience, keep in mind you are observing a sacred event.”
According to the National Park Service (NPS), eruptions have incredible spiritual significance and Kilauea’s summit is sacred in native Hawaiian tradition. Those planning to witness lava display can witness it from as close as half a mile away from the Overlook near Keanakako`i Crater, a mile away from Uekahuna and two miles away from Kupina’i Pali from Crater Rim Trail, CNN reported citing NPS.
Park officials said lava might be visible from many areas and overlooks surrounding Kaluapele. However, officials warned that the conditions can change at any time due to the eruptive activity and weather conditions.
The NPS on its website said, “Large amounts of volcanic gas–primarily water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)–are continuously released during eruptions of Kilauea volcano,” according to CNN report.
Volcanic smog creates the potential for airborne health hazards to people, it further said. Long, thin strands of volcanic glass and other volcanic particles from the lava fountains can fall downwind of the fissure vents, according to officials, according to the report.
The USGS warned individuals to limit their exposure to volcanic particles since they can cause skin and eye discomfort.