HONOLULU -- A lava flow that threatened to crawl through the last remaining homes at Royal Gardens stalled less than half a mile from the houses.

While the lava near the subdivision stalled four-tenths of a mile away from the houses, the stream of lava at the top continues to flow, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.

Lava destroyed 60 homes in the subdivision since 1983. There are only two homes with residents still living in them.

Hawaii County Civil Defense made contact has been made with the remaining residents. They said precautions have been taken to ensure their safety.

Officials said they will continue to monitor the flow.

Only residents are allowed up to the area. Officials said there is no place for sightseers to get a good look at the lava flow since it is in a remote location.