Pahoehoe lava. Time exposure image of a pahoehoe lava flow from Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, USA. This thick ropylooking lava may flow at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. Pahoehoe lava is a type of basic lava with a low silica content, giving it a low melting point. This means the lava can travel great distances from the crater or vent from which it was issued. Photographed in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.