Lava flowing from Kīlauea has reached the ocean for the first time in three years, and the Hawaiian volcano seems to be pretty happy about that. For the past two months the active volcano has been pouring lava, slowly creeping off the island and drawing tourists and locals alike to watch nature at work.
Perhaps she likes all the attention because she was grinning ear to ear when a chopper from Paradise Helicopters cruised by to capture footage of the lava flow and Kamokuna ocean entry.
While the flow is definitely a beautiful sight, the US Geological Survey is still warning visitors hoping to catch a peak and released the following warning.
Venturing too close to an ocean entry exposes you to flying debris created by the explosive interaction between lava and water. Also, the new land created is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea. Finally, the interaction of lava with the ocean creates an acidic plume laden with fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.
