Kilauea Volcano Lava Bomb showers tour boat in Hawaii

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Curiosity once killed the cat, and a tour bout full of tourists which ventured too close to the Kilauea lava flow to the ocean, almost joined the ill-fated feline. While there are few reasons not to travel to the island state of Hawaii for vacation or business, the presence of Volcanic Fog and the lava flow from the Kilauea volcano do require your attention.

Our advice concerning the Big Island remains the same as provided in Four Important Tips to Know Before You Go to Hawaii, stay on top of the volcano’s activity, the level of volcanic VOG which may be reaching the locale your lodging, and where one is able to go safely.

The following video, courtesy of NBC News, shares the near-death experience of these individuals who were on the tour boat to see the lava entering the ocean.

The Hawaii office of Department of Natural Resources, Conservation and Resources Enforcement advise,

“At least 22 people on a Lava Ocean Tours vessel were injured this morning after an explosion sent lava through the roof of the boat’s passenger cabin. The tours depart from the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor. Prior to the beginning of the East Rift Zone Eruption event, tours left from the Pohoiki Boat Ramp, which now is within ½ mile of the active ocean entrance.”

The USGS tells us that only one fissure, number eight (8), is pushing lava to the ocean and that fissure number 22 is making noise, but no activity.

Kīlauea Volcano Lower East Rift Zone Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the perched channel leading northeastward from the vent. The channel is full but not quite up to the rim; there were no significant overflows this morning. The southern margin of the flow remained about 1 km (0.6 mi) from Isaac Hale Park this morning. Despite no visible surface connection to the fissure 8 channel, lava continues to ooze out at several points on the 6 km (3.7 mi) wide flow front into the ocean. Explosions were reported from the main ocean entry this morning with at least one being quite strong. Fissure 22 did not appear active this morning but sounds were heard from it last night. No other fissures are active this morning.

Securely Travel - Kilauea Volcano lava flow East Rift Zone July 18 — via @USGS

The County of Hawaii Civil Defense Office advises constituents and visitors that the area remains hazardous.

The following policies remain in effect: Do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard. Be aware that spill overs of the flow channel and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field. The ocean entry continues to produce a “laze” plume. Take precautions and stay out of the plume to avoid exposure to hydrochloric acid and glass particles, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

The National Park Service advises that portions of Hawaii Volcanos National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is partially open. The NPS provides a visual and has an FAQ set up for travelers.