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Hawaii Volcanoes by Land Sea and Sky

Description:

The volcano has haunted and amazed many for generations. Kilauea has been active for over 25 years and the stories and mystical sightings of the hot-tempered Hawaiian goddess Pele lend even more to the mystery and fascination. This tour allows you to embrace the legends and lava of the volcano and make the memories yours.

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Author: hulagirl

Day 1 - Big Island (Hawaii), Hilo

Get an early start, this trip will take you from sun up to after sunset especially if starting from Kona. From the Keahole –Kona Airport, the drive to the Hilo Airport should take about 3 hours. The drive is an easy and scenic one along Hawaii Belt Road via Waimea, along the Hamakua Coast and finally into Hilo Airport. Helicopter trips are best reserved in advance. Book something between 9-11 in the morning. The shortest trips offered last between 45-50 minutes and those are best for this all day adventure. Helicopter trips have been known to be cancelled at the last minute so, book early in the day so time will not be wasted on waiting time waiting on a canceled flight.

From Kona, follow Hawaii Belt Road for about 100 miles into Hilo and straight into the airport parking area. Helicopter boarding areas are located on the extreme left of the airport terminal so park accordingly. Located just outside the main entrance to the Hilo Airport, a stop at Ken’s Pancake House is more than just an excuse for fluffy Big Island style pancakes, it’s a great inexpensive spot to grab an inexpensive meal and get a glimpse into the islands locals.

Next stop is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At the entrance to the airport turn left onto Hawaii Belt Road and follow it for about 25 miles and follow the signs to the park entrance. Once inside the park, head to the visitors center for updates on the volcanic activity, maps and other park information. Be sure not to miss the short hiking trails around the visitor’s center, Thurston Lava Tube and the Chain of Craters road where you can drive all the way to point where the new young flows have blocked the road. A visit to Volcano House is nice for lunch although the restaurant is more of a tourist stop than a fine eatery. There is also a gallery and a gift shop.

The drive to Issac Hale Beach Park will take at least 90 minutes. Be sure to leave the park by 3pm to be sure not to miss the boat. Reservations for Lava Oceans Adventures should be made well in advance. The boats can carry only 24 per people and it is very popular especially at times when the volcano is extremely active. Return to Kona via Hawaii Belt Road. Expect to arrive back at Kona Airport in about 4.5 hours.

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