As lava from Kilauea Volcano keeps flowing into the ocean at Kamokuna, setting off spectacular explosions and bursts of steam, rangers are warning visitors about the hazards of approaching the action.

“Venturing too close to an ocean entry exposes you to flying debris created by the explosive interaction between lava and water,” the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said in an online update Sunday. “Also the new land created is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea.”

Sometimes older sea cliffs break off and tumble into the ocean with the new flows. Scalding lava hitting the water sets off plumes containing hydrochloric acid and volcanic particles that can irritate the eyes, lungs and skin.

The lava at Kamokuna is coming from Puu Oo on Kilauea’s south flank. The eruption also continues at the summit and the Puu Oo vent. Seismic activity is typical, with volcanic tremors and lava lake spattering in Halemaumau Crater.

For more information on viewing lava safely, see: pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2000/ fs152-00/.