Rare Lava Tornado Whirls Above Active Erupting U.S. Volcano
Rare ‘Lavanado’ Spotted Over Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano
(Image: Scott Malis captured a swirling "lavanado" over Kilauea’s lava pool on February 26, 2024.)
A rare “lavanado” — a fiery whirlwind blending hot gases and lava — was filmed swirling above Hawaii’s erupting Kilauea volcano. Videographer Scott Malis captured the phenomenon, which resembles a dust devil, during the volcano’s 11th eruption episode since December 2023. The vortex churned over fresh lava pools in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with molten rock splashing as the funnel tore across the crater floor.
How Lavanados Form
Lavanados occur under conditions similar to dust devils, where extreme surface heat creates unstable air currents. At Kilauea, scorching lava heated the air, causing it to rise rapidly while cooler air rushed in, triggering a vertical spin. This “vertical mixing” formed a four-minute vortex visible in Malis’s footage. Unlike tornadoes, these fiery whirlwinds are smaller and short-lived but can lift debris — in this case, lava — hundreds of feet high.
(Image: Kilauea’s eruption on February 26, 2024, showing lava fountains and flows during its 11th eruptive episode.)
Kilauea’s Recent Activity
Kilauea has erupted 12 times since December 23, 2023, with the February 26 lavanado marking its 11th event. On March 4, a 22-hour eruption produced 600-foot lava fountains. These episodes, occurring days to weeks apart, have drawn visitors to the park’s overlooks, though no evacuations or threats to residents have been reported. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory livestreams the eruptions, offering real-time views of the dynamic activity.
Historical Context
Kilauea, overlapping with the massive Mauna Loa volcano, is one of Earth’s most active volcanoes. Its 1983–2018 eruption destroyed towns and reshaped landscapes, including a famed black sand beach. While recent activity remains confined to the park, scientists monitor it closely. The current eruptions, though frequent, are shorter and less destructive than past events.
(Image: Geologists observed Kilauea’s caldera during the February 26 eruption, documenting lava fountains minutes before activity ceased.)
Safety and Monitoring
Authorities confirm no immediate danger to communities, as lava flows stay within the park’s boundaries. The US Geological Survey (USGS) highlights that such eruptions provide critical data for understanding volcanic behavior. The last recorded lavanado before Malis’s footage occurred in June 2023, emphasizing Kilauea’s unpredictable nature.
Standing over 4,000 feet tall, Kilauea continues to shape Hawaii’s Big Island, reminding us of the planet’s raw power — capturing both scientific interest and public awe.
