One of the world's most active volcanoes has erupted in a spectacular fashion.

Scientists say a new vent had opened at the Pu'u O'o crater in Hawaii which caused lava to spray up to 65 ft high into the air on Sunday.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the fissure eruption was spotted shortly after the floor at the Pu'u O'o collapsed on Saturday afternoon.

The activity has prompted the observatory to update the eruption watch to a warning, meaning a "hazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected."

It occurred along the middle of Kilauea Volcano's east rift zone.

Kilauea has been in constant eruption since January 3, 1983.

Officials said the fissure has expanded to about 535 yards long and scientists are hiking into the remote area to observe the fissure and take readings.