HONOLULU -- The governor and State Civil Defense Director General Robert Lee also were in Madame Pele's domain to survey the area and ensure everything possible will be done to keep visitors safe.

The governor's visit to the lava flow was brief, but she returned with words of advice for all visitors to go for the show but to be very cautious.

The sight and sounds of lava plunging into the sea is a magnet, drawing visitors, but also raising concerns for the state. Gov. Linda Lingle and Lee said they want the state to be ready to help if need be.

The trip brought the pair over the Royal Gardens to check out what houses were impacted and to quickly survey the area from the ground. On returning to the airport after the 90-minute tour, the governor said she was awed.

"It was very powerful -- it's a reminder of just how raw Mother Nature can be," said Lingle "What impressed me is how vast it is."

The governor said the State Highways Division is maintaining road safety and the health department is monitoring sulphur dioxide emissions.

"It is really a united effort to make sure people have an opportunity to view this miraculous display by Mother Nature but also keep safe," said Lingle.

Lee said there is now a potential for the lava to take a different path into the ocean, and with a new finger developing, viewing sites might have to be changed.

"I would encourage the visitors to listen to the authorities and just follow the safety zones and do not go beyond that," said Lee. "I hate to use the pun, but it is a fluid situation and the lava is making some changes in direction going into the ocean."

The changes making the flow exciting, but also potentially treacherous.

When KITV reporters were on the Big Island, officials said some 50 cars were waiting to get out to the new visitor viewing area on Saturday.

Viewing is open from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. each night with viewing sites potentially changing in the future.