This is the spectacular moment Kilauea Volcano erupted, spewing a fountain of lava in Hawaii.

Dramatic footage shows the fiery display as molten rock burst from the crater in a stunning blast.

A spokesman for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) said: 'We are closely monitoring the summit, where molten rock is rising and falling in dramatic cycles, a process known as 'gas pistoning.''

The activity has triggered small lava overflows and dome fountains shooting 10 to 20 ft from the north vent within Halema'uma'u crater.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) added: 'The current eruption has been characterised by episodic lava fountaining not seen in any eruptions since the 1983–86 episodic fountains at the beginning of the Pu'u'o'o eruption.'

Officials confirmed that the outburst remained confined within the summit crater. No homes were under threat from the volcanic activity.

This eruption, the 33nd since December 23 last year, follows a pattern of brief, explosive episodes. Each last around 13 hours and is 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.