A trio of professional kayakers journeyed to Hawaii’s Big Island to experience the fury of Kilauea Volcano for themselves, up close and personal. Kilauea is the most active of the island’s five volcanoes and is in a constant state of activity. That is fitting for its name, which means “spewing” in the Hawaiian language.

Extreme adventurers Pedro Oliva, Ben Stookesberry, and Chris Korbulic came within touching distance of the lava streams as the molten rock slipped into the boiling water.

“When I was closest to the lava it was impossible to put your hand in the water,” said Oliva. “Because it was literally boiling and I would’ve burned my hands. I hope people don’t see these images and think that it is safe to paddle so close to the lava because it’s not that safe at all.”

The footage was captured for a show in Oliva’s home country of Brazil called Kaiak.

httpv://youtu.be/TszHiC6fjDg

Image screenshot of video by barcroftmedia on youtube