KALAPANA, Hawaii – Surface lava flows downslope of the Pulama pali continue to be active, prompting a new message from Hawaii County Civil Defense about the lava viewing area.

The surface flows recently moved beyond the National Park eastern boundary onto private property near the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision, emergency officials say. “Bright incandescence is visible from the active lava flow field, and the lava flow does not pose a threat to any community at this time,” a Friday media release stated.

The breakout is part of the 61g flow erupting from the flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, upslope from the shore and miles away. The active vent is on the East Rift Zone of Kilauea volcano.

“To maintain public safety and to extend the use of the emergency road or Highway 130, the County of Hawai‘i opened the emergency road to lava viewing since June 30, 2016,” civil defense says. “Vehicular traffic on the emergency road is limited to local residents and emergency vehicles, and is being monitored by security guards posted along the viewing area. The road is unpaved and surrounded on all sides by rough lava flows on private property. Public access is restricted to the graded roadway and viewers are asked to please respect private property and the rights of local residents.”

County officials provide this reminder:

Visitors need to be aware of the following reminders:
• Viewing area hours are from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, with the last car allowed to park at 9:00 p.m.
• It is about 8.5 miles round-trip from end of the pavement on Highway 130 to the ocean entry at Kamokuna and back. The flow can be seen starting from just beyond the parking lot all along the viewing area route.
• Restroom facilities are limited and lack running water.
• All members of your party should dress appropriately with boots or sturdy, covered shoes, long pants and a hat.
• Be prepared for rain, wind, sun, heat and dust exposure.
• Bring lots of water (1-2 liters per person), there is no potable water available.
• Bring a flashlight for walking at night.

The lava also continues to enter the ocean at Kamokuna. However, the firehose has slowed down considerably, the National Park Service says, “and light winds from the southwest carried the plume of volcanic gas, particulates and steam onto the cliffs, at times obscuring lava streaming into the ocean.”

(NPS Photo/Sami Steinkamp) The fire hose, barely visible from safe the lava viewing area established by rangers.

Visitors are strongly urged to stay within the safe viewing area established by rangers.