Eager visitors flock to see spectacular lava fountains from the Kilauea eruption in Hawaii

HONOLULU (AP) – People flocked to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Wednesday to catch a glimpse fountain lava.

The eruption that began December 23 in a crater on top of Kilauea volcano have been taking breaks at regular intervals. It resumed Wednesday morning as a “small sluggish lava flow,” then grew into a fountain that appeared to be 200 feet (60 meters) high, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.

In the afternoon, visitors to the Big Island National Park could see two fountains from an overlook.

The observatory said it was possible the fountain’s heights would rise as more gas-rich lava erupted.

“The park is already very busy with people eager to see the eruption, and we expect visitation to increase as news gets out again,” Jessica Ferracane, park spokeswoman, said in an email.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park includes the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

The outbreak is visible from many public oversight in the park. The lava does not pose a danger to homes or infrastructure.