Volcanoes and Lava Flows on the Big Island of Hawaii
It is well known that the Big Island of Hawaii features some of the most unique natural habitats in the world. With its lush rainforests, black sand beaches and the Kilauea volcano, it is no surprise that thousands of visitors travel every year to experience the wonder and beauty of the Big Island and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The Hawaii’s Volcano National Park is home to Mauna Loa and Kilauea Volcanoes, two of the most geologically active volcanoes in the world. The most recent lava flow at the Mauna Loa Volcano could be seen in 1984 during its last eruption. The Kilauea Volcano has been continuously erupting from 1983-2018 and with the most recent eruption happening in late 2018 during the months of May-August.
This eruption destroyed over 700 homes as hot molten lava changed the island of Hawaii forever while the summit of the Kilauea National Park experienced thousands of earthquakes and a massive collapse of the Kilauea caldera which the landscape dramatically.
Although there is currently no active lava to be seen in Hawaii, it is well worth visiting the Hawaii Volcano National Park. Many visitors choose to take a helicopter tour in order to cover a large amount of ground in a short amount of time. When you take a Big Island helicopter tour, you can also visit places you are unable to reach by land which allows you to experience miles of fresh lava fields, steaming volcanic vents and lush rain-forests with stunning waterfalls.
We offer the 50 minute Circle of Fire helicopter tour and the Big Island Spectacular helicopter tour.
The Circle of Fire departs from Hilo and tours the Kilauea Volcano and surrounding rain-forest. While it is less expensive than the Big Island Spectacular, it is close to a 2 hour drive from the Kona side where most visitors stay. It is a great helicopter option if you planned on driving over to the Hilo side already.
The Big Island Spectacular helicopter tour is our most popular and was voted #1 by The Travel Channel as the "World's Best Helicopter Thrill." It conveniently departs from the Waikoloa heliport on the Kona side of the Big Island. In addition to touring the Kilauea volcano, you will experience the cascading waterfalls and valleys of the Kohala and Hamakua coastlines.
Taking a tour of the Big Island by air will be the highlight of your Hawaii vacation!