A stream of molten lava from an erupting volcano on Hawaii's Big Island crept to within a mile of the only grocery store and gas station in the village of Pahoa on Thursday as it neared a highway link with the rest of the island.<br/> <br />The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported that lava from the Kilauea Volcano's June 27 eruption continued to move in an east-northeast direction, following the path of steepest descent through rough terrain and thick undergrowth.<br/> <br />Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey said the flow measured about 250 feet across and had advanced about 220 yards in 24 hours, putting its leading edge 0.9 mile from a small commercial plaza at the junction of Pahoa Village Road and the main highway.<br/> <br />Authorities said the lava was likely to reach the intersection sometime next week. An earlier branch of the lava flow stalled just feet from a recycling transfer station.<br/> <br />While the lava poses no immediate threat to homes, it is headed directly at the P
