Big Island, Hawai'i
We had just one thing planned on the Big Island, a helicopter tour over the lava fields. To be able to get better views and to be able to make better photographs we went for the option 'without doors'. And yes, that means exactly what it says. A bit scary at first and a bit windy too, but absolutely thrilling. Unfortunately there were no active volcanoes at this time so no red glowing lava flows. Overwhelming enough though to see the enormity of the fields that caused a lot of destruction in 2018.
All photo's can be purchased on various materials through my shop on artheroes.com.
Below are all the photos related to this travel experience including the relevant link to the shop.
Going on a lava & rainforests adventure tour
Going on a lava & rainforests adventure tour departing from the airport in the town of Hilo on the Big Island in Hawai'i, USA. We opted for the option to fly without doors in the helicopter as that would certainly be better for viewing and photography. Upon looking at this we had some second thoughts. Went for it anyway.
Looking straight down
Looking straight down from our helicopter without doors and well on our way to the 2018 lava fields on the Big Island in Hawai'i, USA. And yes, it is as scary as it looks. Proud of ourselves that we did it anyway.
Approaching the 2018 lava fields
Approaching the 2018 lava fields in the Puna district on the Big Island in Hawai'i, USA. This view from above, out of the helicopter, gives an excellent idea of the impact and the large scale of volcanic activity.
Approaching Pohoiki Beach
Approaching Pohoiki Beach on the Big Island in Hawai'i, USA. This new beach came into existence after the volcanic activities in 2018. Clearly visible is that it lies in between recent lava fields.
New beach since May 2018
During the volcanic eruptions early 2018, a new beach was created. Pohoiki Beach on the Big Island in Hawai'i, USA exsists since May 2018. Also known as Isaac Hale Beach Park, this new black sand beach, a result of the 2018 volcanic activity of Kīlauea, is visually stunning.
Wild lava patterns
Wild lava patterns as seen from the helicopter flying us over the 2018 lava fields on the Big Island in Hawai'i, USA. The details of the molten rock are magnificent to see.
Closer to the Pu'u 'O'o crater
Flying closer to the Pu'u 'O'o crater on the Big Island in Hawai'i, USA. This crater was the center of many eruptions on the island for quite some decades. In April of 2018 the crater collapsed and magma created lava flows elsewhere. There is still activity at the bottom of the crater given the steam rising up from it. Kind of scary to be hanging above this deep hole from a helicopter without doors in it.
Waterfalls in the Kapehu stream
Great to be able to see these waterfalls in the Kapehu stream near the town of Hilo on the Big Island in Hawai'i, USA. We absolutely do not regret taking the helicopter tour that took us over this part of the island.
Hard to reach waterfall in the Kapehu stream
The Kapehu stream near the town of Hilo on the Big Island in Hawai'i, USA is hard to reach by foot. Well, unless you like jungle hiking that is. Luckily, looking at the various falls from inside the helicopter is a lot easier.
Rainbow Falls
After our helicopter flight over the lava fields we had the taxi driver stop briefly at Rainbow Falls near the town of Hilo on the Big Island in Hawai'i, USA. Certainly a nice place to visit if you're in the area.