<P> The first well - documented eruption of Kīlauea occurred in 1823 ( Western contact and written history began in 1778 ) . Since then , the volcano has erupted repeatedly . Most historical eruptions occurred at the volcano 's summit or its eastern rift zone , and were prolonged and effusive in character . The geological record shows , however , that violent explosive activity predating European contact was extremely common ; in 1790 one such eruption killed more than 400 people , making it the deadliest volcanic eruption in what is now the United States . Should explosive activity start anew , the volcano would become much more of a danger to humans . Kīlauea 's current eruption dates back to January 3 , 1983 , and is by far its longest - duration historical period of activity , as well as one of the longest - duration eruptions in the world ; as of January 2011 , the eruption has produced 3.5 km ( 1 cu mi ) of lava and resurfaced 123.2 km ( 48 sq mi ) of land . </P>
<P> The first well - documented eruption of Kīlauea occurred in 1823 ( Western contact and written history began in 1778 ) . Since then , the volcano has erupted repeatedly . Most historical eruptions occurred at the volcano 's summit or its eastern rift zone , and were prolonged and effusive in character . The geological record shows , however , that violent explosive activity predating European contact was extremely common ; in 1790 one such eruption killed more than 400 people , making it the deadliest volcanic eruption in what is now the United States . Should explosive activity start anew , the volcano would become much more of a danger to humans . Kīlauea 's current eruption dates back to January 3 , 1983 , and is by far its longest - duration historical period of activity , as well as one of the longest - duration eruptions in the world ; as of January 2011 , the eruption has produced 3.5 km ( 1 cu mi ) of lava and resurfaced 123.2 km ( 48 sq mi ) of land . </P>
where do most of kilauea 's eruptions occur
where do most of kilauea 's eruptions occur
volcano 's summit eastern rift zone
volcano 's summit eastern rift zone