Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said it is the first time since 1982 lava has erupted from anywhere in the crater, and the first time since 1968 there has been an eruption of this kind inside the crater.

The vent in the crater came to life on March 12 when a glowing red spot appeared inside the crater.

On Wednesday, March 19, that red spot blew up sending rocks over a wide area in and around the crater. And Sunday night, for the first time, small amounts of lava were thrown from the vent.

"It's sort of like spitting. There's just not that much of it in volume, but the significance is that the stuff that came out on the 19th was all older exploded stuff. And this was the first time we've seen what we call juvenile magma origin lava," said Jim Kauahikaua, scientist in charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

So far only a very small amount of lava, pieces called Pele's Hair and Pele's Tears, have shot from the vent.

The portion of Chain of Craters Road closest to Halemaumau Crater and some of the lookouts in the area are closed in case there is another explosion of rocks or a larger eruption of lava.

The greatest threat right now comes from sulfur dioxide. Dangerous levels of sulfur dioxide are spewing from the vent.

People in nearby communities are complaining about the sulfur irritating their eyes and causing respiratory problems.