Hawaii placed on red volcano alert as tourists flock to see spectacular Mount Kilauea eruption

Hawaii's Mount Kilauea volcano began erupting at approximately 4:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday morning. The United States Geological Survey recorded increased seismic activity on Tuesday, indicating that a full-scale eruption was imminent.

Kilauea is in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. At 4,091 feet, it's the state's second-largest volcano and one of the world's most active. Currently, the volcano's molten red lava lake is around 4,300 feet wide and is visible from several miles within the park, according to reports.

The national park is also home to Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano, which stands 13,677 feet tall.

"The opening phases of eruptions are dynamic. Webcam imagery shows fissures at the base of Halemaʻumaʻu crater generating lava flows on the surface of the crater floor," a spokesperson for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.

Following the eruption, the USGS issued a red aviation warning due to the potential effect volcanic ash in the atmosphere could have on flights. Despite the precaution, the eruption is not expected to be a risk to the general public.

There are "no indications of activity migrating out of the summit region," according to the USGS. However, the red aviation warning will remain pending a full analysis of the activity.

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An influx of tourists is expected to flock to the park to witness the striking natural event. The park advises visitors to stay on marked trails and steer clear of closed areas to avoid the volcano's toxic gases released from the eruption. The National Park Service website provides advice on safely viewing the eruption.

If you plan to visit the park to witness the eruption, you should go between 9 p.m. and sunrise to avoid the expected crowds. The park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Kilauea's last eruption was in January, with volcanic activity for 61 days. Prior to that, eruptions occurred from December 2020 to May 2021 and again from September 2021 to December 2022.

The slow-moving flood of lava from the volcano's 2018 eruption devastated hundreds of homes on the southeast side of the Big Island.

Related: The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles