HONOLULU -- Officials with the U.S Geological Survey at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Kilauea's Halema'uma'u Crater continues to belch ash hundreds of feet into the air.

The ash has been seen on cars in the town of Pahala and some residents in Volcano are making contingency plans to move should the plume change direction and dump ash on them, especially water into catchments systems.

The rare event involves something deep inside Kilauea, officials said, and includes lava being ejected from the vent by powerful gas and water pressure.

"It's not clear what will happen in the future. It could continue exactly like this, it could lead to a different kind of eruption, small explosions or possibly a little more involvement in lava," scientists Jim Kauahikaua said.

While parts of Hawaii National Park are closed, some of it remains open. Visitors who want to see the historic event should be aware that sulfur dioxide can be harmful to those with asthma or other respiratory problems.

Some ash is falling in Pahala, one of several towns in the area. Officials are warning people to stock up on emergency items such as dust masks.