How does the eruptive style of Kilauea differ from explosive volcanoes?

Kilauea's eruptive style is primarily effusive, characterized by the outpouring of fluid basaltic lava with low viscosity and gas content. This contrasts with explosive volcanoes, which typically involve more viscous magma with a higher gas content. Explosive eruptions shatter magma into pyroclastic fragments due to rapid gas expansion.1

Kilauea's frequent eruptions are usually nonexplosive, often appearing as a boiling lake of lava that overflows its caldera. While Kilauea has had some steam explosions and one notable explosive eruption in 2018 that sent ash plumes high into the air, its typical activity involves lava flows. This effusive style is similar to the Hawaiian eruption type, which builds gentle-sloped shield volcanoes. Explosive eruptions, such as Plinian or Vulcanian types, are driven by the violent release of pent-up gases.21