HILO >> The public could soon get an up-close look at portions of the cooling lava flow on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator Darryl Oliveira says they plan to allow people to walk up to — but not on — the lava.

The Hawaii Tribune Herald reported Friday that officials hope to arrange viewings within the next week.

Lava oozing from Kilauea Volcano crossed Apaa Street in October, and then covered a cemetery and destroyed a nearby house. It’s been cooling for nearly a month, leaving behind a craggy mass of black rock.

Heat still radiates from underneath some parts of the flow.

Reopening Apaa Street would offer the general public the first opportunity to see the flow for themselves. School children and journalists already got to peek.