This is the dramatic moment Kilauea volcano erupted in Hawaii, hurling molten rocks from its crater.

Dramatic footage shows fiery fountains shooting into the sky during Episode 38 of the ongoing activity on December 6.

Officials from the United States Geological Survey Volcanoes said: 'This eruptive episode began from the north vent at about 8:45 am HST this morning, December 6. Smaller fountains began from the south vent at 8:49 am HST and quickly grew to over 1000ft high and inclined to the south, towards a closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

'At 9:55 am, hot tephra falling from this fountain destroyed the V3 streaming camera site located within less than a mile (2,000 ft/500 m) from the eruptive vents; its burial highlights the hazardous nature of this closed area.

'In addition to the tephra, volcanic gas is being emitted, with sulfur dioxide emission rates likely exceeding 50,000 tonnes per day. The high effusion rate of this episode is also producing a very dramatic plume extending over 20,000ft above sea level.'

The current outburst, 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.