STORY SUMMARY>>>
Every year Kilauea Volcano attracts thousands of visitors to the Big Island. But it's when lava enters the ocean at Kalapana that the volcano draws its biggest crowds.
Shane Turpin, owner and operator of Lava Ocean Adventues, has been visiting the site where molten rock meets the cool waters of the Pacific for nealy twenty years. He was able to turn his love of the awesome spectacle into a thriving business, giving visitors a chance to come within only a few yards of the lava on his 34 foot aluminum boat the Lavakai.
"It's tough when the lava's gone," says Turpin. "You got to sit there and wait, but you gotta believe because when it's here, it's the best thing going here on this island."
Turpin and his employees meet visitors anxious to get an up close view of the lava at 4:30 a.m. at Pohoiki Bay - just up the coast from Kalapana.
"This is the most amazing time to go see the water," said Keith Starkey, who's responsible for keeping visitors organized and the operation running smoothly. "Nothing like seeing the new day and new land forming."
After motoring past the crashing waves at Pohoiki Bay the Lavakai, powered by a pair of Honda 200 hp engines, arrives at Kalapana in about 25 minutes.
Once there, visitors and locals alike are treated to an incredible display - rivers of lava pouring into the ocean close enough that you can feel the heat on your face and actually hear the turmoil that's unfolding right before your very eyes.
"I was excited," said Pennsylvania resident Beth Klasic. "We couldn't wait to get there...it was just fantastic."
Klasic and her husband Frank were among two dozen visitors on the Lavakai who had cameras at the ready, prepared to capture all that Madame Pele, the Hawaiian volcano deity, had to offer.
"Matter of a fact," said Pennsylvania resident Frank Klasic, "I plan on taking some of those pictures and emailing them to people to make them envious."
Lava from Kilauea results in a huge influx of business for the Puna district of Hawaii island. Turpin works hand in hand with local bed and breakfast homes like Hale Makamai. Owner Petra Wiesenbauer says visitors ptruly appreciate the old Hawaii feel of the area.
"It's something that many people are still looking for," she says. The authenticity of Hawaii and the old Hawaiian Aloha spirit."
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