Filed under: Travel News
Alexandre Socci/Barcroft Media
Question: what do you do if you can't find any water to kayak on? Answer: find some molten lava instead.
This kayaker did just that - and even managed to set his oar on fire in the process. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO!
Pedro Oliva, from Brazil, paddled within feet of the red-hot liquid flows pouring down from Kilauea volcano, on the island of Hawaii.
But as if that wasn't enough, he decided to get out and explore the expanding coastline - on foot.
He even tested the searing heat of the 700C to 1,100C molten lava by dipping his oar in it - before it promptly caught fire.
Wearing white sunglasses to protect him from the lava's glare, Pedro walked on recently cooled flows, which rapidly expand the island's size.
Pedro was part of an expedition to explore some of Hawaii's lesser known kayaking routes with Chris Korbulic and Ben Stookesberry.
Alexandre Socci/Barcroft Media
Californian Ben, who was stood in a boat out to shore, told Barcroft Media: "This was a bit of a side journey.
"We were on a big kayak expedition exploring the rivers and waterfalls of Hawaii, but there had been no rain and the rivers were empty.
"So to keep ourselves occupied we took our kayaks out to see the lava flows. We didn't have any intentions of getting as close as we did to the lava.
"But Pedro being Pedro, wanted to explore a little closer."
Ben, a professional kayaker himself, added: "Once Pedro realised he wasn't going to instantly melt away, he got out and started walking on the cooled lava.
"He dipped his oar into some lava and it literally exploded right there."
The group, who spent one day exploring the lava flows, which cascaded down from a 200ft cliff, braved red-hot water temperature tipping 50C degrees.
Ben said: "One of the biggest dangers was the toxic steam produced when the lava comes into contact with the water.
"You could hear the sound of the lava hissing as it hit the ocean. It was out of this world.
"The actual ocean itself would burn your hand if you put it in there."
The group were filming the latest leg of TV programme Kaiak, an adventure kayak series aired on Brazilian channel Canal Off.
During the trip last month they explored four islands - Big Island (Hawaii), Maui, Kauai, and Oahu - scouting over 300 waterfalls and rivers.
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We stayed in the 
When it comes to travel, Geckos will throw you straight in at the deep end. Eat weird food, ride public transport and stay in locally run places. They'll take you to the 'must-see' sights but mix it up with experiences that aren't found in any guidebook. And there's plenty of free time to do your own thing. If you've got an open mind and a sense of adventure, and are willing to step outside your comfort zone, then you'll fit right in. Run wild with Geckos.
