Two Photographers Risked Their Lives To Get A Never-Before-Seen Shot Of Lava

To capture the unprecedented photographs, CJ and Nick hiked to Kilauea, a volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii

Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes. It's been erupting since January 3, 1983, producing enough lava per day to repave a two-lane road for two miles.

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Liquid lava flows from the vents down the sides of the volcano about 7 miles to the sea. When the two forces meet, it makes a beautiful display.

The brave photographers spent six days camped out near the edge of volcanoes waiting for the perfect moment.

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On May 9, 2010, CJ entered the ocean wearing just regular surf shorts and flippers. "You regulated your temperature by distance from the flow so fins were important to help us swim quickly if we got pushed too close by a wave," he says.

It's about 110 degrees Fahrenheit where CJ is standing. His skin turns red from the temperature, which is several degrees hotter than a hot tub.

He has to be wary of floating blobs of lava, called volcanic bombs, and volcanic glass created when lava rapidly cools. "We both got a few small burns, Nick cut his knee and I cut my shin pretty bad," CJ says.

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Around 5:50 a.m., just as the sun is beginning to rise, CJ captures the very first image of lava hitting the ocean through the surf.