Previous lava flows have covered the Big Island's Chain of Craters Road along the ocean to the east and west, leaving one small section untouched. The section of road is less than a mile long.

But at 8:20 a.m. yesterday, lava touched the road and by 11:10 a.m. had completely covered the section as it continued its flow to the sea, said David Jordan, a photographer who was one of three people who viewed the lava crossing yesterday morning.

The lava then went down a set of steps that pedestrians once used to view the lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Nearby, a lava bench ­ an area of new, unstable land created by cooled lava ­ collapsed into the ocean sending a large steam cloud into the air.

"We heard it, turned around and saw a giant plume in the air," Jordan said.

Fewer than two dozen visitors were out hiking around the lava flows early yesterday, but by midday a line of cars had started to build up at park entrances.

Park officials have said about 3,000 to 4,000 people have visited each day in recent weeks.

This latest eruption has been drawing tourists since Mother's Day, but has received increased attention since the lava crossed the Chain of Craters Road at the end of last month, giving viewers an up-close look.

Park rangers warn about the dangers of sulfuric fumes, unstable lava and scalding water sprays where lava enters the ocean. The rangers say medics have treated numerous visitors who have tripped or fallen on jagged, hardened lava.

Lava has been pouring out of Kilauea for more than 19 years, but usually at a slower pace.