The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the eruption followed an increase in seismic activity on Tuesday (6 June). Images and footage shared by the USGS show lava flowing in the Halemaumau crater on Hawaii’s Big Island.

The USGS said the summit eruption started at 4.44am local time on Wednesday, with all volcanic activity confined to the Kiluaea summit region within Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park.

It added that despite there being "no indications of activity migrating out of the summit region", Kilauea’s volcano alert level and aviation colour code would remain red/warning pending a full evaluation of the hazards.

National park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane said the park was standing by to welcome an uptick in visitors keen to observe the eruption.

Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and was "nearly continuously" active between 1983 and 2018 according to the USGS. This week’s activity marks a resumption of activity after a three-month pause.