Lava Before the Storm

Rainy weather scrubbed our regular Thursday flight, but we were able to access the flow field just ahead of the rain on Saturday morning. Steamy conditions allowed us only a few minutes above several very large flows and skylights within about a half-mile of the Pu’u ‘O’o vent… numerous smaller, but still sizable breakouts on, and above the Pali this morning were also discovered. Recent rains caused billows of steam, creating a volcanic wonderland! Student Protester Ducky joined Leilani, Special Return Guest, Leslie Gleim, Bruce Omori and me as Paradise Helicopters’ amazing pilot, Sean Regehr guided us safely to Pele’s ever-changing canvas… mahalo Sean!

If you want to feel the awesome heat of the volcano and take some incredible photos – don’t forget to add our “doors off” option to your tour for an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience.