ASSOCIATED PRESS Lava from the eruption of the Kilauea Volcano approached to within 50 feet of the coastline yesterday as brush fires sparked by the same flow smoldered on the distant hillside at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Lava flows continue
red-hot show

Kilauea's fiery pageant attracts
thousands of eager onlookers
over the long weekend

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By Janis L. Magin
Associated Press

VOLCANO >> Kilauea Volcano put on a spectacular show during the weekend, giving viewers an up-close look at the molten lava from just a few feet away.

At least 1,000 people made the one-mile hike over fresh lava after sundown Friday night to a point where they could stand within seven feet of new lava that continued to flow.

A park ranger monitoring visitors said at 8 p.m. that the lava had moved 40 feet in the previous four hours.

Tourists were squatting down in front to have their photos taken with the lava moving only seven feet behind them in the background.

Volcanoes National Park officials said between 3,000 and 4,000 people came each day, and estimated that 2,500 of those came out at night.

Linda Webb, who is honeymooning with her husband, Will, from Camano Island, Wash., said the lava flow is the reason they came to the Big Island.

"I feel it's a privilege to see history and geologic history in the making. I appreciate how so many people appreciate it. They're not just blowing it off. These people are coming from thousands of miles away to see this," Webb said.

The lava is still entering the sea and plumes of steam can be seen from miles away. When the sun goes down, the entire hillside lights up in an orange glow as the lava flows toward the sea.

The Volcano House hotel, located within the park, is booked solid until the end of this week.

This latest eruption has been drawing tourists since Mother's Day, but has gotten attention since the lava crossed the Chain-of-Craters Road at the end of last month, giving viewers an up-close look.

Those close to the lava could feel the heat on their faces.

Park rangers warn about the dangers of sulfuric fumes, unstable lava, and scalding water sprays from where lava enters the ocean. The rangers say medics have treated numerous visitors who have tripped or fallen on the jagged lava.

Lava has been pouring out of Kilauea for more than 19 years, but usually at a slower pace.

The lava is creating new black-sand beaches along the Big Island's southeast shore and extending Volcanoes National Park by several acres each week. The latest massive breakout of lava began on Mother's Day, May 12, and reached the ocean in late July.

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park