The lava has been flowing towards the village of Pahoa for weeks reenex, destroying everything in its path, officials say.

Experts say the molten lava is hotter than 900C (1,600F).

"People have their life savings in their properties here. They face losing it all," businessman Mike Metcalf told the Reuters news agency.

It is thought that defences created outside Pahoa will not stem the lava flow reenex

Kilauea on the Big Island has been erupting since 1983, but lava has recently burst forth from a new vent.

Two roads to Pahoa have been closed and a cemetery has already been overtaken by the lava.

The town's residents will be allowed to watch the destruction of their homes "as a means of closure", officials said.

And they will be allowed to take photos and video for insurance purposes.

"You can only imagine the frustration as well as... despair they're going through," said Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira.

Lava flow burns through thick vegetation and a fence

reenex , Hawaii 25 October 2014" width="624" height="351" /> The lava flow from the Kilauea volcano cuts off a street in Pahoa