The steamy South coast of the Big Island is now the hottest show in town, literally.

The show is spectacular. But for now, visitors aren't allowed to see it. Mayor Harry Kim got a look at the lava pouring into the ocean. He also saw how dangerous how it can be.

"Because of ooze outs, how very easily it can cut off a person, because it was cutting off a roadway that wasn't even endangered, as I walked down to the ocean less than an hour before that," said Kim.

Police are patrolling the area to keep the curious away. They are planning to do so until Saturday, when the mayor hopes to open a public viewing site.
The county is working together with state and federal agencies to make sure the spot they select is safe.

"What area to set aside, how to rope it off, what signs need to be up," said Kim.
"We will have interpreters there, national park rangers all of those arrangements and training are being done now."

The flow going into the ocean poses hazards like the sudden collapse of unstable lava. Also, seawater mixing with the lava produces a steam plume that contains acids and particles of volcanic glass or laze.

"Nature is giving us an opportunity because the tradewinds are blowing the very dangerous hydrochloric acid or laze fumes away from the spectator site," Kim said.

This mesmerizing sight is expected to draw big crowds. Once the viewing area is unveiled Saturday, it will be open daily from 2 to 10 at night.

But authorities will evaluate conditions each day, so sightseers should be prepared for possible changes.

"Sometimes the viewing area may change," Mayor Kim said. "The walk might be shorter or longer or viewing might not be as good or might be better."

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