HI: lava flow

before we left (7/29/16), R sent me this news article:  

Lava from Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano reaches Pacific Ocean

(CNN)The Big Island of Hawaii is getting a little bigger as lava from the Kilauea Volcano flows into the Pacific Ocean.

The 6.5 mile-long lava flow has been dribbling down the south flank of Kilauea since May, according to the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. It reached the ocean on Tuesday morning.

The USGS said the flow is about 20 meters (66 feet) wide where it spills over the cliff into the sea.

The red-hot lava creates huge plumes of steam as it hits the water and begins cooling into rock, delighting locals and eager tourists.

Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Kilauea has been active since 1983, but this is the first time in three years that lava has reached the ocean.  

By the time we went to see the ocean entry (where the lava meets the sea), there were 40 yards of new land.  We heeded caution, and didn't venture past the safety ropes.  the new land created is unstable, and can easily be eroded away by surf and slide into the sea.  

Seeing the lava up-close-and-personal leaves an impression that few people ever forget.  this was our coolest expedition.  and free!

I was very nervous due to all the safety warnings online, but really it was totally fine, phew.  a long hike in on a gravel road 4+ miles each way, but we had cloud cover and it wasn't too hot at all.   we had no problems.  bought some cheap flashlights and gave them to a family heading that way after we had used them.  we arrived around 4pm and watched for 45 min or so, then hiked out at dusk.  lots of people there, many on bicycles.

drive to the end of the road, then park and hike.

some small houses and other dwellings formed a sparse community on the lava.

as we got closer, we could see the steam rising

 

some folks were in boats viewing the flow from close up.  would have made my stomach turn as the water was choppy.

the flow field

does the national park service let people get close to lava flow? yes, they do.