Hawaii's Kilauea volcano eruption causes weeks of destruction

Lava from the Kilauea volcano pours into the ocean from Hawaii's main island, while volcanologist Jessica Johnson monitors the developments.

A lava flow from the Kilauea volcano approaches the Puna geothermal power plant on Hawaii's Big Island. The plant, which provides 25 percent of the island's electricity, has been shut down due to the encroaching lava. It is believed to be the first time a lava flow has forced the closing of a geothermal plant.

Kilauea, which is one of the most active volcanos in the world, has been erupting, oozing lava, and spewing toxic gases for weeks on Hawaii's Big Island. Experts aren't certain when Kilauea will calm down again.

Around 2,000 people were evacuated from the area around the Kilauea volcano after it erupted and a lava fissure opened on May 3. In the weeks that followed, new eruptions and lava streams threatened the homes of residents located miles away.

Large streams of lava rising up from huge cracks in the earth threatened neighborhoods located near the volcano. The molten rock spilled over on to streets and has destroyed over 40 homes and other buildings.

Thousands of residents voluntarily left their homes due to high levels of toxic sulfur dioxide gas that spewed out of vents in the volcanic fissures. Officials also warned residents not to go near the lava that has poured into the ocean — the phenomenon causes the formation of clouds of hydrochloric acid and steam carrying fine glass particles.

The eruptions and volcanic fissures created massive damage to roads and highways. Two lava streams crossed over a main coastal highway that is used as an escape route for residents.

Other locals and tourists took a more relaxed approach to the volcanic eruptions. A group of people finished playing a round of golf while others take pictures of a massive ash cloud spewing from Kilauea.