1961 Fissure Eruption near Nāpau Crater

The 1961 fissure eruption near Nāpau Crater was a short-lived but notable event on Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone, occurring in late September. Over two days, lava erupted from vents along a 13-mile stretch, producing 13 small flows and lava fountains that reached heights of up to 400 feet, with the largest flows occurring near Pāhoa.