(CNN) Lava that's still flowing from the Kilauea volcano has now created a tiny new island off the coast of Hawaii.

The island of lava appeared Thursday, forming on the eastern side of the island of Hawaii, the United States Geological Survey said . A Hawaii Volcano Observatory crew noticed it during a Friday morning flight.

The island is part of the lava flow that extends underwater away from the coastline, the agency said. It thinks underwater pressure pushed the lava flow to the surface. This is very common -- it's called a tumulus.

The braided lava channel extending from the fissure 8 vent (near top, center) and flowing toward the ocean.

If the lava flow stays active, the island will probably connect to the coastline, USGS said. If not, it might erode away because of wave action.

The agency said the island is just a few meters offshore, and about 20 to 30 feet in diameter.

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