Lava Delta Collapsed, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Temporarily Closed

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - a lava delta created by a recent lava flow of Kilauea volcano has collapsed as the Hawaii celebrates the last day of 2016, creating an massive lava flow pouring out into the sea.

The 26-acre delta produced an immense plume of ashes into the sky and a large wave washing over the nearby sea cliff as it collapses. Loud cracks throughout the area were audible after the collapse and the public viewing area of the park were destroyed.

According to the statement of Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando with Foxnews, "No one was harmed when the lava delta gave way, thought the power of the fracturing rock was considerable." She also added, "Fortunately, there were no aircraft of boats reported in the area at the time of the collapse, nor were any visitors on the delta itself which is closed for public safety."

However, despite of the horrific scenario, several tourists still manage to cross over the closure line set by the Rangers.

At around 7 in the evening, hours after the initial collapse, five visitors sneak past the barricade to get a closer look of what is happening in the area. But the two park rangers chased them down and returned them to safety. Luckily for them, 15 minutes later after they were rescued, the cliff where they had been standing dropped into the sea.

Dermont Travis, Eruption Crew Ranger, said, "It was really close brush with death for them. Luckily they listened to us and turned around in time."

Kamokuna ocean entry, where the lava meet the sea, was closed to and public after the explosion and a temporary flight restriction were issued to prohibit air travel 1,000 feet above ground level, said the National Park Service.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or Hawaii Island is one of the few place in the world that visitors can experience face to face with an active volcano. A once in a lifetime chance to safely explore Kilauea volcano, which is one of the most active volcano in the world, makes Hawaii a destination unlike any other.

According to GoHawaii.com, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a 377-square mile park on Hawaii Island is living museum where visitors can witness the power of Hawaii's volcanoes surprisingly in intimate ways. Visitors to this place will feel great self-mana or spiritual power, as they hike through the rocky trials and nature full of beauty.

One of the major attraction of Hawaii Island is the Kilauea volcano. It has been continuously erupting since 1983. Likewise, volcanoes like Maunaloa erupted in 1984 and Loihi, located underwater off the southern coast of Hawaii's big island and is responsible for adding the ninth island to the Hawaii island chain, has been continuously erupting since 1996 also gathers tourists.

Other noticeable volcano craters which visitors can hike onto are Haleakala on Maui, Leahi (Diamond Head) and the National Memorial of the Pacific at Punchbowl on Oahu.