Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii has been continuously erupting since 1983, but not often does its lava reach the ocean, creating a breathtaking show for daredevils who get close enough to view it. The volcano began spewing molten lava into the ocean, seven miles away from its Pu’u O’o vent, on Saturday.
Though the view may be breathtaking, officials are warning tourists to stay a safe distance away to avoid being hit by scorching hot water.
“The molten lava meeting the ocean creates steam which may look innocuous, but can be quite hazardous,” said Janet Babb, spokeswoman for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. “It’s acidic and contains tiny particles of volcanic glass. And waves crashing with the lava can send out scalding water.”