HONOLULU -- Visitors flocked over the weekend to a new viewing site for a rare opportunity to see lava from the Kilauea volcano up close.

Hawaii County officials opened up the new viewing site as a way to both control and allow visitors to hike in and see a real lava flow.

The opening ceremonies paid respect to the volcano and acknowledged people who lost homes and properties to the lava. Hundreds of cars parked along the side of the highway as visitors waited to get access to the new trail.

"I think this is an opportunity to have people see and feel touch and smell nature's power -- and maybe gain a greater respect for nature's way," said Big Island Mayor Harry Kim.

The lava cut off one portion of the trail on Saturday, forcing viewers to take a long hike to get to the active areas. Their reward for their hike was a view of plumes of steam as lava entered the ocean, which hasn't happened since June.

Tour operators praised the county for allowing the access.

"This is great," tour operator Gary Marrow said. "It's going to increase tourism, and the county did an amazing job putting this together. Its safe. It's organized. It's amazing."

Although the eruption is continuing, officials said the surface flows have slowed, and none were visible by late Sunday.