The sight is spectacular. These are pictures taken by Jeslene and Mark Davis Tuesday night, a couple hours before the access road got covered by lava meandering over the terrain.

And it's about to get even more amazing. On Wednesday afternoon, Big Island mayor Harry Kim said the flow has crossed the lava viewing area created back in 2002 and could reach ocean as early as Thursday.

"We would guess approximately 300 to 400 yards from the ocean," said the mayor Wednesday afternoon.

The last time lava hit the ocean on the Big Island was in August 2006.

The terrain in that area forced the flow off a steep cliff where it set off massive plumes of steam.

The excitement is building for those who want to see it again.

"I've seen it during the day time hit the ocean and that you can see and you can hear and feel the steam," said Hilo resident Makanani Kaaua, "and the black sand being made as it explodes, but at night, it's like watching fireworks in slow motion."

Kaaua's company offers volcano walking tours and she's expecting a spike in bookings in the coming days. That's why Big Island officials are busy getting a viewing site ready so that the all the visitors will be able to watch from a safe place.

"We will take them as far as we can where they can drive their vehicle," Mayor Kim said, "improve the road where it was inundated before so at least the trek is not that far, hopefully less than half a mile or so."

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