The lava is flowing!
 

For the first time in 15 years, lava is flowing east of Pu'u o'o on the Big Island. If you would like to check out the webcam of this lava flow visit http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/cam/

Here's the story:
http://www.khon2.com/news/local/8653841.html

Mahalo for sharing. Interesting since the lava flow had stopped for awhile if I am correct. Hopefully Pele is making magic and this new flow will not jeapardize locals. I am hoping this is an exciting turn of events and not a tragic one!

Alooooooooha!
'lani

Yay! We're headed to the BI (and then Kauai) in 10 days! Thanks for posting.

Here's more:
http://starbulletin.com/2007/07/23/news/story03.html

We're going to BI on August 11. Does anyone know if you can hike out to see the new lava flow from a viewpoint or is it only visible via helicopter?

This particular lava flow is closed to the public.

I guess the earthquakes got stuff cracking :-)

One of my biggest thrills was to see pahoehoe and aa up close and personal!

I'd love to see the lava flow up close (although not too close!). We'll keep our fingers crossed and see what happens in about 3 weeks.

The new lava flow so far is in an area that is inacessible to the public. If you do decide to drive to the old flow area at the bottom of the Chain of Craters road, make sure to read, understand, and follow the instructions on how to walk on the old lava and what to bring.

This map from the USGS site shows in red where the new lava flow is. You can see it's no where near the ocean and is up the the flank of the volcano quite a ways....

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/updat...w_070725_L.jpg

Sorry, the link for the one map doesn't seem to be working. Try this one instead....

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/maps.html

Also, as an emphasis to those who think they might want to try and see it close up: Don't! The fumes are toxic.

Good safety tip Mels! I read they won't let you near the place for very good reason.

Bad 'lani read the title and wanted to respond, "Well, yes dear, of course it is!" LOL!!!!!

naughty lani!
;)

Some new closures, including the Chain of Craters road.

From the NPS press release (July 27)....

An intrusion of magma into the upper east rift zone of Kilauea has prompted the closure of some roads and areas in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve, which includes Puu Oo and the new eruption site, is closed because of hazardous conditions, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Chain of Craters Road, Kilauea's East Rift, Napau Trail, Napau Campsite, Naulu Trail and all coastal trails are closed.

Mauna Ulu parking lot is closed as firefighters continue to carry out fire suppression activities that include helicopter operations.

The east boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the Puna District near Kalapana is closed.

ttt