US officials have raised a red aviation alert after the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted on Wednesday (8 June).

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said summit eruption started at 4.44am, but added that all activity was confined to the Kilauea summit region in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island.

The USGS that there were ‘no indications of activity migrating out of the summit region’.

A red aviation warning has been issued due to ash spewing out of the volcano.

On Wednesday, the USGS said: “Kilauea’s volcano alert level and aviation colour code will remain at WARNING/ RED as hazards associated with the eruption onset are evaluated overnight.”

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane confirmed the park was anticipating a surge of tourists wanting to view the eruption.

The park is open 24 hours a day.

Kilauea last erupted in January and continued for 61 days until March.

Pictured credit: The United States Geological Survey