Hiker watching the lava at ocean entry site, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island of Hawaii, 2001 (MR)

The lava "show" is the number one reason to visit the Big Island of Hawaii. Visitors here often get spectacular close-up views of geolologic history being made.

In this image, lava pours into the ocean, producing a steam cloud of toxic gas as it mixes with the seawater. The quickly chilled lava shatters into tiny pieces which wash up on the adjacent shore and create the famous "black sand beach".

At dusk and throughout the night visitors come and go to get an excellent view of the orange glow of the new lava.