A large section of the 26-acre lava delta formed by the “61g” lava flow collapsed into the ocean around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, launching showers of volcanic rock into the air, and creating a flurry of large waves that eroded away a portion of the older sea cliff and viewing area.
A large section of the 26-acre lava delta formed by the “61g” lava flow collapsed into the ocean around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, launching showers of volcanic rock into the air, and creating a flurry of large waves that eroded away a portion of the older sea cliff and viewing area.
As a result, the Kamokuna ocean entry within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park remained closed Sunday. Rangers on duty reported that the former viewing area is gone, and that loud cracks continue to be heard throughout the unstable area. Although park rangers temporarily closed the Kamokuna lava viewing area Saturday night, five visitors ducked beneath the white rope closure line and headed toward the coastal cliffs around 7 p.m. Eruption Crew Ranger Travis Delimont and a coworker chased after the visitors before they turned around. Within 15 minutes, the section of cliff where the visitors were standing crashed into the ocean.
“It was a really close brush with death for them,” Delimont said. “Luckily, they finally listened to us and turned around in time,” he said.
The lava viewing area will remain closed until it is determined safe to reopen. The County of Hawaii also closed the Kalapana access to the park. Visitors are strongly urged to stay out of closed areas and heed all posted warning signs.