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Lava flowing into the ocean from the Kilauea Volcano has become a hot spot, so to speak, for tourists. I joined them Wednesday for a boat ride along the Big Island coast. We started out at Pohoiki on a metal-hulled 49-foot boat named Lavaone operated by Lava Ocean Tours.

The ride from from Pohoiki Pier to a spot off the shore at Kalapana in Volcanoes National Park was a bouncy one. The tourists enjoyed it, though.

A large wave hits the Lavaone and caused my seat-mate a few moments of concern. To be honest, I’ve never felt as much fear for flying out of my seat.

This was our first sight of the lava that is boiling and hissing as it enters the ocean. A sulfuric salty mist blanketed the boat. Thankfully, the wind was blowing away from us so we were spared most of the poisonous fumes.

Many visitors choose to view the lava flow from the cliff above it. Dozens of people lined the cliff on Wednesday. The flow is more than 60 feet wide at the point it pours over the cliff and into the sea.

The bright orange glow of molten lava making its final run to the sea is an exceptional sight when you’re viewing it from the water. It seems like the flow would be obscured by all the steam for those looking down from above.

Kilauea has been active since 1983 but it’s only been since late July that lava has entered the ocean for the first time in three years. We have a front-row seat as our boat glides past new land that is being formed south of Kalapana.

And of course, who can resist a selfie in front of such a unique backdrop? My fellow travelers document the steaming lava with GoPros and cellphone cameras while I document them.

We could feel the intense heat on our faces as we got a close and personal view of the lava. A hot cauldron of salt water and sulfur-laden steam made the view almost surreal.

Despite the churning seas, visitors were able to take pictures and videos from the stability of Lavaone. It’s outfitted with four motors which could be necessary to keep the boat from getting too close, something the U.S. Geological Survey has warned against.

Cold ocean water can seem to freeze molten lava despite its its temperature of more than 2,000 degrees. Watching the formation of new land is an experience, especially when seen from the ocean. But park officials warn to be wary of ledges that can collapse, steam blasts that can hurtle rocks at you and acid fumes that can burn your eyes and throat.