'Firehose' lava stream explodes as it gushes into ocean in Hawaii

Visitors to the area are being warned not to go too close over fears of a further collapse

Video has captured a stream of molten lava shooting out from a cliff in Hawaii, which explodes as it splashes into the Pacific Ocean.

The dramatic “firehose” flow, which stems from the Kilauea shield volcano on the south-east side of the Big Island.

Lava flows were first exposed after a 26-acre delta collapsed on New Year's Eve, leading to the stream, which continues to spill out into the ocean.

The "firehose" was given its name as it shoots lava out from the souce. Starting out as a light drizzle, the stream has recently intensified, causing bigger explosions as it hits the water.

Staff from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are urging visitors not to venture out too close to the area affected.

Collapses can happen at any time in prone areas like this, and despite warning people are still reportedly crossing the boundaries to get a close look at the cliffs.

A major concern is that a "hot crack" above the firehose could threaten surrounding land to further collapse.

"The seaward side of that crack could fall away," said geologist Janet Babb, who works at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory.

"That is of great concern because if it does, it's going to drop a lot of hot rock into the water and hot rock mixing with cool seawater makes for explosive interactions."

The Kilauea volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983, and the most recent spill has been a continuous threat for months.

"There's no indication of it slowing down or stopping," Ms Babb said.