Subscribe Now

travelers today

Home » News

Don’t Take ‘Volcano Selfies’ In Hawaii Unless You Want To Get Arrested

Travelers Today       By    MJ De Castro

Updated: Jun 20, 2018 03:56 PM EDT

Text Size: A A A

People in Hawaii are taking their selfie game at a whole new level by "Instagramming" at Kīlauea volcano's summit on Big Island.

Social media fanatics are taking selfies near the gushing river of fast-moving lava while waiting for the major eruption. Police in the area has already issued precautions to keep the people safe.

The volcano on the island of Hawaii has been releasing lava since its eruption on May 3 and has destroyed countless homes. Thousands of residents have also evacuated the East Rift Zone of the Big Island.

The flowing lava river travels at a whopping speed of more than 200 yards per hour and now connects the nine-mile distance of the lower-east fissures and the ocean. The lava poses a threat to humans not only because of its temperature but also because of the chemicals in its composition which can create an explosive and toxic reaction upon contact with chemicals in air and water.

Furthermore, the eruption has caused an abrasive volcanic glass phenomenon called Pele's Hair which can scratch concrete surfaces and is hazardous when inhaled.

However, the danger is not enough to stop people from taking its picture to upload of their social media.

Prohibited Area

Alan Richmond, spokesman for the Hawaii Police Department said that it's a frustrating scenario.

Richmond said that aside from over a hundred National Guards on the area for security purposes, authorities have also set up roadblocks near the volcano.

He added that they have also released alerts to remind the people that the area is supposed to be off-limits.

Furthermore, Richmond added that some residents who were allowed to go back to their homes during the day might have handed their placards to those who want to witness the flowing lava up close.

The spokesman has reminded them through an interview with People that the fissures are very deadly. As a matter of fact, they are currently under condition red because of the increased ash area.

Although there are still no injuries in the area, nobody knows how long it will stay that way.

Lava Chaser

Self-proclaimed "lava chaser" Demian Barrios filmed Hawaii's Puna district, where a new fissure opened up. Barrios has been tracking every open fissure of the volcano for 11 days before he finally caught the 17th fissure.

Also a professional photographer, Barrios live streamed the action from the ground which showed huge "lava bombs" dropping on the ground around him that are half the size of a Volkswagen beetle car.

The 37-year old said that lava chasing is almost addictive and it makes him feel alive. He also said that there is a strong sense of love, respect, and power that he gets from standing there and being able to see it.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018

Tags
volcano, Hawaii, lava
© 2023 Traverlers Today, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Join Our Conversation

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive the latest travel news, reviews, and more..

Most Popular

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

Planning for a trip takes some time, even if it's just you g

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

If you have never traveled before but are thinking of doing so then

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

So there are a few islands that can be found off the Sco

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

You need to know how to plan appropriately and

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

A campus visit's significance could not be overstated. After all, fo

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

Having a gallery wall brings plenty of benefits to your

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

There is something equally relaxing and invigorati

Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash

Things That Will Help Cost-Conscious Vacationers Save Money

There are several ways you can significan

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

How to Make Vet Visits Affordable in 2022

If the situation is minor, you might be lucky and get away

Photo by Tim Samuel from Pexels

Know Your Florida Driving Rules

There is so much to do in the region, but we want to focus on some of

Photo by Ging Ang from Pexels

Holidaying in your own Country: Try these Fun Trips!

Many countries are opening their borders, but if

Photo by Jessica Lewis Creative from Pexels

The Best Tech Tools for Expats

Here’s a quick look at most versatile tech tools for expats on the m

Photo by Tobi from Pexels

How to Turn a Road Trip Into A Luxury Adventure

But a road trip doesn’t have to mean living on the

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Do you want to become a citizen of Australia

Hair transplant Istanbul: Why is it so popular?

Hair Transplant Istanbul: Why is it so Popular?

Getting a hair transplant in Istanbul is affordable i

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

They are incredibly expensive, and they’re also in sh

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

International trade holds great importance in a

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

Riesling is Germany’s best-known wine, but the country makes other fi

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

There is nothing like the great outdoors –– natureâ€

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

Who knew you could pack your entire life away into one litt

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

San Diego is a magnificent place, and it would not be

travelers today

© 2023 TRAVELERS TODAY All rights reserved.

Subscribe to our newsletter
Real Time Analytics