How lava builds new land that can suddenly collapse--enjoy the show, but be aware of potential danger Lava erupting from the Pu`u `O`o vent on the east rift zone of Kilauea began entering the sea early on July 19 only 600 meters from the end of the Chain of Craters Road in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. A second lava flow covered the road and entered the sea on July 21. The lava flows, arms of the larger Mother?s Day flow, are rapidly adding new land to the coast. Since mid June, the Mother's Day lava flow has been easily accessible and has provided safe, spectacular viewing conditions for tens of thousands of park visitors. Now that lava is once again spilling into the sea and building new land, however, viewing has become more unpredictable and potentially dangerous for people. New land built by lava can collapse into the sea with little warning, sometimes resulting in explosions that blast lava spatter and large rocks into the air and send scalding water onshore. Check out the following information to learn more about how lava builds new land, how that land can collapse into the sea, and what to be concerned about when viewing lava. With this information, you should be able to watch the spectacular show enjoyably and safely. Viewing Hawai`i's lava safely—common sense is not enough (fact sheet) Growth and collapse of new land Explosions at lava entry points Hot water and waves at entry points

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