The lava lake within the Kilauea Volcano has reached its highest level since 2008, said a scientist working with the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

On April 23, the lava reached to within 68 feet of the rim of the Halemaumau Crater at the volcano's summit. Scientists also announced the lake had risen another two feet.

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The current activity of the lake is starting to concern residents that now fear an eruption is imminent. Kilauea is the most active volcano out of five major volcanoes that contributed to forming the island chain of Hawaii. Geologists also consider Kilauea the most active volcano on the planet.

Fluctuations at Kilauea's summit can be a normal activity, however, but the rise in the lava level is notable.

"The summit lake level fluctuates all the time, this is just a little bit unusual as to how high it came up," she explained. "There have been times when (the lake) has dropped below view and times when it has been higher," said Geologist Janet Babb.

The rising lava lake level is visible from Jagger Museum that sits around 0.8 miles from the edge of Halemaumau Crater.

"There was a lot of spattering that visitors are able to see from the Jagger Museum observation deck and also a lot of rumbling sounds as the crater walls heat up and the rocks fall into that roiling lava lake below," said Jessica Ferracane, spokesperson for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Tourists are now frequenting the Jagger Museum for a better view of the rising lava lake. Some experts fear the rising lava could submerge the facility, however.

Geologists are keeping a close eye on developments at the lava lake and are recording every change in the lava lake and its gas emissions, as well.

TagsKilauea Summit Lava Lake Reaches its Highest Level, Kilauea Lake, lava lake, lake eruption, Jagger Museum, kilauea volcano