Researchers flew a helicopter over Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, capturing dramatic footage of its latest eruptive episode.

Close-up aerial shots showed molten rock pouring from the crater as plumes of smoke billowed overhead, with gas pistoning occurring moments before the 25th explosive outburst.

Local media reported that the volcano erupted on June 11, spewing lava flows and blasting fiery fountains up to 330ft (100m) into the sky.

Reports said this marked the 25th eruptive episode since December, continuing a pattern of intermittent volcanic activity.

The eruption began at the volcano's north vent. Scientists observed intense activity following a phase of gas-pistoning, a buildup of gas under the lava's surface that triggers violent bursts.

This gas activity escalated until a dome-shaped lava fountain appeared, feeding fresh lava flows into the crater floor.

This eruption, which began on December 23 of the previous year, follows a pattern of brief, explosive episodes—each lasting around 13 hours, separated by pauses ranging from one day to nearly two weeks.

Kilauea is the world's most active volcanic mass and is the central feature of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Its caldera is nearly three miles long and two miles wide, with an area of more than four square miles.