An Island has been formed by lava from the exploding Hawaii volcano creating a landmass off the coast of the Pacific US state.

Land formed by lava flowing from Mount Kilauea first appeared offshore last Thursday, off the northern edge of the Big Island, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

It was noted by the Hawaii Volcano Observatory on Friday, as they took a morning flight over the island.

The new island is only a few metres offshore, and is thought to be between six and nine metres in diameter.

It is part of the lava flow running underwater away from the coastline.