The video does not specify total flight time; it shows a tour that includes multiple volcanic sites, a refueling stop, and descent of approximately 4,000 feet, suggesting a substantial multi-hour experience, but exact duration is not stated.
At a glance
Length
1 hr 3 min
Channel
Michael Raines
Video from
Dec 2025
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
First-time Big Island visitors, geology enthusiasts, and couples seeking an all-in-one aerial perspective of Hawaiian volcanoes
What this video answers
How long does the full Big Island tour take?
Can I see an active volcanic eruption on this flight?
What should I wear for a helicopter tour?
How recent is the 1859 lava flow?
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Hawaii?
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What to Expect on This Full Big Island Helicopter Tour
Blue Hawaiian's full Big Island Spectacular tour takes you on a comprehensive aerial journey around Hawaii's largest island, following volcanic landscapes and coastal views in a single flight. The tour departs from Kona Airport and traces the dramatic 1859 lava flow from Mauna Loa down to the ocean, offering geological education throughout the flight. Weather permitting, you'll also fly over Hualālai volcano and spot the University of Hawaii research station, with chances to see neighboring Maui on clear days.
This experience suits first-time visitors to Hawaii who want to see multiple volcanoes and understand the island's volcanic history without spending days on ground-based tours. It's ideal for adventurous travelers comfortable with small-aircraft flying, couples celebrating special occasions, and anyone curious about how lava flows shape landscapes. The pilot provides real-time education about volcanic features, lava tubes, and geological timelines, making it as much a learning experience as a scenic flight.
Key Moments
Highlights and Key Sights on the Route
The 1859 lava flow from Mauna Loa — the newest and most recent lava field on the Big Island's west side, reaching depths of 20–30 feet in places
Kona Airport and the 1801 Hualālai lava flow that buried the original runway and infrastructure before the airport was rebuilt on top of the black lava
Visible lava tubes and fissure vents marked by lines of holes descending the volcanic slopes, explained in real time by the pilot
Views of Hualālai volcano, with its last eruption occurring around 1801, roughly 200 years before your flight
Vegetation progression on lava fields, showing how plants colonize volcanic rock over decades and centuries
Maui visible on the horizon during clear morning conditions, offering perspective on the Hawaiian island chain
Planning Details for Your Blue Hawaiian Flight
Weather conditions matter: The video shows active cloud cover and wind patterns; morning flights offer better visibility, though Kona airport can become obscured by midday clouds
Ear pressure: The pilot reminds passengers to pop their ears regularly during altitude changes, especially when descending 4,000 feet or more
Safety briefing: A mandatory safety video is shown before departure; passengers must understand how to use and unlock safety belts, kept low and snug throughout the flight
Headset communication: Two-way intercoms allow you to ask questions and hear the pilot's narration; microphones are provided at each seat
Air conditioning: Overhead vents allow you to adjust cabin temperature during flight
Flight routing: Actual route depends on weather; if volcanic areas like Kīlauea are obscured by clouds, pilots divert to alternative sights such as Hualālai
Refueling stops: The tour includes a refueling break mid-flight before returning to base
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Island Helicopter Tours
How long does the full Big Island tour take?
The video does not specify total flight time; it shows a tour that includes multiple volcanic sites, a refueling stop, and descent of approximately 4,000 feet, suggesting a substantial multi-hour experience, but exact duration is not stated.
Can I see an active volcanic eruption on this flight?
The pilot discusses volcanic status (active, dormant, or extinct) and notes that the timing of eruptions is unpredictable. On the day shown, Kīlauea was obscured by poor weather, so that volcano was not visited. Whether you see active lava depends on current volcanic activity, weather, and flight routing decisions.
What should I wear for a helicopter tour?
The video does not specify clothing recommendations, but typical helicopter tour preparation includes layers (cabin air conditioning is mentioned) and secure, comfortable clothing suitable for sitting in a small aircraft with a safety belt worn low and snug.
How recent is the 1859 lava flow?
The 1859 lava flow is approximately 150 years old as of the 2025 tour date, making it the newest lava field on the Big Island's west side. Early vegetation is visible in some areas, but much of the field remains barren black rock with minimal plant growth.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Hawaii?
Yes. The video shows Canadian first-time visitors on the tour, and the pilot provides educational commentary on volcanic geology, eruption history, and island formation. It's an efficient way to see major volcanic features and understand Big Island's landscape without multiple ground excursions.
This video is genuinely useful if you're deciding whether a full-island helicopter tour fits your Hawaii trip. The pilot's real-time commentary on lava flow ages, vegetation timelines, and volcanic mechanics turns it into an educational experience, not just a sightseeing ride. You get a clear sense of the terrain, weather challenges, and how the tour adapts when conditions shift.
What I appreciated most was the honest framing of what happens when weather doesn't cooperate—the pilot didn't cancel but adjusted the route, showing you actual problem-solving rather than a perfect-conditions highlight reel. The explanation of how lava tubes form and the visible age differences between lava fields makes the geology tangible. If aerial tours and volcanic landscapes appeal to you, helicopter tour review resources can help you compare operators, but this video gives you a real window into what Blue Hawaiian delivers.
Years on the front lines of helicopter tour coordination — not as a travel blogger, but as the person responsible for making every guest experience go right. Managed 2,000+ cruise guests weekly as Shore Excursions staff aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii
Personally coordinated with helicopter tour operators to confirm age, weight, and safety requirements.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours for the Full Big Island. Weather was bad over Kilauea and flew above Hualulai. Following the lava trail down Mauna Loa to the Ocean before going back to refuel.
Video transcript for “Blue Hawaiian Helicopter - Big Island Spectacular Oct 29 2025 Part 1” Accessibility
A full written transcript of this video, provided for accessibility. Select any timestamp to jump the video to that moment.
I'll be holding you soon. You may hear angels cheer because we're together. Weatherwise, it's such a lovely day. Just say it works down to a a gold.
It's perfect. You're flying honeymoon they say. Come fly with me. Let's fly. >> All right. So, back to the 1859 rap site and we will follow this lava flow all the way to the shore. Okay. So, folks, please please make sure you guys keep popping your ears.
All right, here we go. Now I can talk to you guys. How is the volume? Can you hear me? Okay, >> great. >> Excellent. And AC is on. You may felt some cold air coming down through those vents over your head. You know, you guys have those vents to play with. >> All right. So, once again, guys, aloha
and welcome and welcome back. >> Yeah. So my name is lava flow plan actually hi you can learn a lot from just one lava flow. So guys yeah Johnny if you forget my name don't worry happens all the time you know if you forget my name and Michael calls me all the time too but you can call me sushi.
>> Yeah if you forget my name missed some spot before like I need to ask more questions. Why did Lava did you guys get chance to watch safety videotape in the office today? >> Any questions you guys had? >> Please keep your safety belts low and snug all the time for yourself. And do
>> you know why? Learn how to unlock your safety belts. >> It was just slightly taller. >> He was just a little bit taller. >> Again, Lava always looking for the easiest place. Just love went around. But now you know lava builds up right. So now those island could be one of the lowest spot.
So when the next lav comes one of the aircraft getting ready for takeoff that's right side we next >> and the next question >> I don't know if we talked about this one the last two trips or not but how long
does it take before we can spot some plants from a lot of field. Oh, you will learn something today. You then what do you think? How long does it take? >> Kind of depends where it's at on the island. It gets a lot of water or not. >> Okay. What do you guys think?
>> Probably can take off. So I am ready a lot of >> without vegetation. Let's do this. >> This is 150 years new and there's no vegetation, right? Okay. So just remember what you guys
said again. This lava pool will teach you teach you a lot. So we just keep following this lava flow and you will learn something. >> All right. So we have dropped about 4,000 ft. Ears popping. Okay. All good. Okay. Great.
Highway twilight spreading out of wings. She got you jumping off the deck, shoveling in the overdrive.
Highway looks like some trees maybe growing along a field around this area. Yeah, by the way guys.
>> We have another flight after this one. Heading to the I don't think it's going to happen today at all, but we may even lose Kala in about an hour or so.
on the edge. >> This one is 1859, >> so about 150 years new. about 100. So yeah, >> take it right. And >> actually 1859 lava flow is the newest
lava flow you will find on the west side of the big island. >> So it looks like some trees, but they're small. >> Yeah. But still you know I mean you can see some plants growing here. By the way you see this fence line look folks. Now we are departing from white base army
base. I saw some big smiles to the right belong to the military army base and they use live fire for the training. The Blackhawks, Cobra, Apaches coming from the Abau in the Oahu and our co-pilot said we don't want to get shot. So we are staying outside of this base. >> Yeah, Michael, she's smart one.
Yeah, I was going to take you guys straight to the fuala lie, but Michael and Stephanie, last time when you flew with me, my son wasn't still pilot yet. Here we go again. We are still flying. He got his license and now he's at K9 to fly in Kona airport. >> Yeah. And now he's coming this way. So, I want to say
good morning to my son if you don't mind, you know. And we're going to head up to the >> So yeah, here we go. 1.5 miles 600 ft below us. Should be something around here. >> Should be white helicopter. >> Yeah. So next time you may not request to anymore, you know. You may request my
son for flying. Yeah. >> Guys, here we go. this little crack in the ground. That would be a lot of >> the contrast blue or lava tube couldn't and green, you know, >> probably was running so fast.
So yeah, here we go guys. See over there. Do you see like the number with trees on the lava field is increasing? >> That's what I did 30 years ago. Why I used to teach how to fly those? Why is that? >> What? There was no uh trees up there. Why only here? water going down the slope and then
>> probably he need to water about 2,000 hours so about 2 years probably today clouds are pretty high >> usually so Marian with the clouds form first microphone right >> in water yeah >> so guys between like 3,000 ft to like 600 if it's your first time this is the altitude w Hey, are you folks from
>> Canada? >> Canada 50 years new lava flow with no water. >> Is this your first time in Hawaii for you guys? First time here. >> So what will take time the most is probably you know how the seeds get around like it >> could be carried by the car by bird poop you know.
a couple weeks ago and your first time in Hawaii. But guys, let's say if you was when was your last time you >> on a lava field and you are with us for this ill right away. Lava is not that hard. How long ago was lava become dirt? It's been several years. >> Okay, like six, seven years ago, for
example. You saw lots of clouds on the other side of the island like the Karia side, east side of the island where we get over 100 ines of rain. >> With that much rain usually 2 3 month we can see some new plants couple of month and 100 years. So is everybody still doing okay enjoying the trip? Good.
So yeah, we are almost you guys already found out how to use those microphones. So please make sure to use don't be shy. I love so using that one. >> But of course you know time to time I'll be busy if volcano is active dormant or extinguish. >> Great question. There's a time
for you guys to let go to listen that case I put my hands up like that time I request much all the time. Okay. So if you asked to be a scientist or volcanologist about definition probably you will get like five different answers. >> So how did you know that was your son flying that direction? Yeah. Well, one
of the easiest guys here found was you can see those 200 years. Those are the air for example that's two summit of light. Plus means above us by 27 from mana and minus means below us you know and when we are flying like this outside of the airport we supposed to be
making uh right 22 but altitude where we going last two years ago he was coming from corner side and active that's by him. >> And if you look 3:00 buildings >> with our station with our station for
University of Hawaii. So Marian, it's your first time here in Hawaii. And you guys came all the way from Canada. What would you like to see the most? >> Yeah. And I need to say it was
>> without station see what >> you know. >> Volcano. >> Volcano. >> Yeah. >> Eruption. >> Eruption. And we they lost the road and a part and everything. Five volcanoes. >> You flew with us last time on Big Island. You guys see >> four for sure. You guys saw this, right? Yeah. >> Starting with
>> Yeah. Guys, I will call the place where 22 lava flow took the uh one everyone forgets about. >> Yeah. It's hard to falai falai volcano. Yep. >> I mean, four seasons at Fualai. That's a full name, you know. Four seasons is located at the base of the Valai. That's why.
And do you guys know when was the last eruption from this volcano? >> Guess like the 19 >> journey. >> No, they did pay for that coming down. So guys, last one was 1801 about 200 years ago and you guys are really familiar with that.
Can you see the Kona airport? The black lava you can see out there by the coastline. That's it. Go look at the road. Guys, Kona airport was built on the most recent lava from worldwide right over there. That road and power line and everything got knocked down got covered. Starting from the left side and over to
the right today, you know, like there's no way I'll use you. >> No, it's right now really calm winds, you know, road we are expecting some they will do it but you know they have to move lots lot few spots where it could get a little bit bumpy. When we approach to those possible bumpy spots
we will try to give you guys heads up. And again she's active and we don't know when the next eruption will be in the past by the Kavia volcano. >> Oh yeah, you can see it happened and we and we paved and couple of months later the new lava flow took you know we did that one a couple of times and burn this
time one more on the east side of it. Yeah, this is 22 floor. If you came here like 2 years ago, this was red hot lava. >> Lasted for two weeks and lava stopped about 2 miles before
the sen the sun direction starting from the right side of the aircraft. Okay, then I will bring to the left side. >> All right, so guys, look at the solid clouds.
Look at the clouds ahead of us. And look at the array right here. You know >> the way we want to go of this one there how high are we cruising so >> you know I'm not lying for the winner you know trust me I want to take you guys doesn't happen today >> but at least you guys get to see you
know and good stuff >> so this is the shortest one is the shortest one this is number three Yes. So number one, mana number two, swala is number three and kohala just walk >> everyone goes like 20 30 miles >> to the right side.
So, what do you think guys? What do you think? First time seeing the world alive, you know. Isn't it pretty here? Cold volcano. How thick the lava >> folks? Most of the land up here is private. We don't uh >> there is no access here but >> if you don't fly you never get to see this place. Oh guys that's Maui ahead of
us. Can you see it? >> I hope you meant 10 m to the left side. 30 ft again. That's 1801 Vietnam flow with Kona airport easily 20 30 ft and that is nothing I have witnessed in the past 2018 you know when it come
over 100 ft like 35 m. So yeah, Fred guys, you see so many holes on the grounds, right? All of the volcano has been fence. That's where the lava was coming out in the past. And obviously here in Hawaii, one volcano eruption, hund lava comes out from the
volcano mountain keep getting taller and bigger. Everything was clouds on the background. Beautiful morning. Here we go. All line road. Everything's going.
You still see that yellow one doing some training too. >> Yellow one is training. >> Yellow one is training. Yeah. And I'll do course there.
>> So, what do you think, guys? Yeah, from up here you know you can really easily see how lava flow came down. I mean lava is
hot but liquid liquid always travel down the slope you know always area can you see the line of holes going down a slope here to the about 1:00 2:00 old lava tubes
So yeah, of course you know when volcano erupt lava comes out and lava will traveling on the surface at the beginning like river but eventually the surface of that Hot lava cools down get crusted then lava start traveling under the ground that's how the lava tube season get formed wherever the lava flow
was down there will be some tubes crusted lava starting under the ground that's how the lava tube system get the lava flow over there will be some tube system that's from the old lava tube system too tube >> sheriel can you see like lines over there you know that's from the Hold on a
tube system too. All right, so quick review. What was the name of the volcano you just enjoyed? All right, so quick review. >> What was the name of the volcano you
just enjoyed? When was the last eruption? Voila. >> Yeah, good job. Voila. When was the last eruption? So guys, last eruption 200 years ago >> 1801, >> do you think? >> So guys, do you think she's last eruption 200 dormant sleeping?
Or do you think she's ex Do you think she's still active? >> Or do you think she's dormant? Sleep naps or do you think she's extinct? >> Dormant? >> She's just taking a nap. >> Taking naps or dormant? Dormant. >> Well, guys, two times ready years.
>> Such a long time >> for us. Because we can only live 100 years, you know, >> such a long time, right? >> How about those for us? How long? >> Because we can only live >> 100 years if you're lucky, you know. >> Millions of millions and millions of years. How about those volcan
>> exactly millions of millions of millions not even like yesterday for them years a she is >> not even yesterday for us blink of our eye. >> So guys many I was same way too but many people get confused with both and she's eruption. So guys there are so many way too many
people get confused with an eruption and is eruption you know when something coming out there so many active volcanoes in the world you know makes sense but erupt is different you know when something coming out that's eruption so >> when was the airport >> makes sense right probably
50 years ago I will say, >> you know, our clouds are so pretty. I like to kind of fly by the clouds. >> 50 years ago, probably. You know, our clouds are so pretty. I like to kind of fly by the clouds.
There's no wind at all, you know. Beautiful. There's no wind at all, you know. Beautiful. >> Yoshi, do you fly year round? >> Yes, we do.
>> Yoshi, do you fly year round? >> Yes, we do. >> Yeah. Company open 365 days now. Yeah. Company open 365 days now. Yeah. I decided to semi-retire 2 years ago. So I only come and fly when Michael say, "Hey
Toshi, I need you." >> Yeah. I decided to semi-retire 2 years ago. So I beach my but I had to work for Michael today. >> And he did. >> I could be a beach at you know be drinking my but I had to work for Michael today. >> You can see the polished polyo
inner states of Hawaii. That's the number one now >> straight ahead of us almost same height but she's just a little bit. So she's number two in the states of Hawaii left side. That's the number one. So what is the name of us? Almost same height but she's just a little bit lower you guys.
So she's number two. >> So what is the name? >> Manak for those >> and mana lower you guys. So guys I always ask guests to try to mana and by the way maana means mountain in Hawaii. That's a tall one. I always ask guest man by the way means mountain that's the
tallest >> I said she is just a little bit if you can get ma down lower this one will be to memorize >> I said she is just a little bit >> lower toana guys look at this number lower yeah we are almost coming up to 9,000 ft. Guys, look at this number. I
know Col has quite a few big mountain coming up to you guys. How tall are those? >> I know Colt. How tall are they? >> Do you guys know how tall are those? >> They already 9,000 ft. How tall are they? >> They're almost 1,400. >> Almost 14. I know you guys use meters.
4,200 m. >> So, we climbing through 3,000 ft. I mean 3,00 14 use 4200 m. >> They're almost climbing through 3,000 ft. I mean 3,000 m. >> Still a thousand meters to go. >> Like our Colorado mountains. >> They're almost Your mountain looks much much taller, right?
>> Because of that. And like our Colorado steepness. >> Yeah, but your mountain looks much much taller, right? >> Just again steep radio calls. Just once again make radio call.
This lava flow to the left side 1859 and that one reached all the way to the coastline. This lava flow to the north side of the airport 1859 and that one reach started from all the way to the coastline >> about 10,000 ft north side of the airport >> 1859 and lava started from all the way
to the shoreline 23 miles. Guys, this is the second longest lava flow on the planet. 1859. The longest one is in the ice to the shoreline. Travel like 23 miles. 1859. >> This is the second longest lava flow on the planet. >> The longest one is in Iceland. That's the uh 1859 eruption sites.
Yeah. Also, you can tell, you know, the lava didn't come out from a one spot, you know, from featured. >> That was like a weak cracks here in Manalo and lava just also. You can tell, you know, the lava didn't come out from a one spot, you know, from Fiji here in Manalo and lava just leaked from
here. Got to make Sheriel happy too, right? >> And did you guys notice the building on the top of Mania? >> Got to make Sheriel happy too, right? >> And did you guys know what building we have at the top? >> Sorry. >> These are stars observatory.
>> You got it. Do you know what kind of building we have at the top? So one of the observatories is owned by the between UH Canada and France. >> So one of the observatories is owned by the between UHO and Canada and France. Yeah.
So is everybody still doing okay? Enjoying the trip. We're good. So yeah, we are almost 10,000 ft. So guys, today we will go up and down, up and down. Please make sure you guys keep popping your ears time to time. >> How do scientists decide
how to use those microphones? Please make sure to use that. Great question. Don't be shy. I love questions. So volcanoes are kind of new to us. Time to time that safe to study some important. We don't know much about okay. So if you asked to scientist you guys to let go probably you will
like that I put my hands up like this. That's the only time I request to stop using exist was 200 years for the active you know I said okay that's good enough for me you know. So, >> so how did you know that was your >> know was last year from mana guys look at the map here you can see those
targets those are the aircraft for example ago two at the summit of 22 by 2700 ft of course last two years mean still us you know and when we are flying like this outside of the airport We supposed to be making uh and it looks 3:00 like where we are building but
altitude we are station right after I made a radio call he was coming from corner side and yeah that's by him.
>> Yeah. And I need to say it was without station was >> Marian. It's your first time here in Hawaii. You guys came all the way from and we lost a road and a power line and everything. >> You flew with us last time. >> We wanted to see. >> You didn't You couldn't see this one. >> But uh you want to see
>> You saw this one last time right here. >> Volcano. >> Volcano. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Guys, I will take you guys to the place where 22 lava. We have took the uh five volcano to enjoy it. I mean on big island, but you guys get to see four for sure. you know, maybe five, you know, starting with
co-pilot. What is the name of this volcano? >> I think it's the one everyone forgets about. >> Yeah, it's hard to Falai F. Falai volcano. >> I mean, four seasons journey at Fualai. That's the main four season is located at the base of the Valai. That's why. And do you guys know when was the last
eruption from this volcano? >> Guess like the 1920s. >> No, a little bit before that. So guys, last one was 181 road >> about 200 years ago. And you guys are really familiar with that
Can you see the corner airport lava? You can see there by the coastline. That's it. Got it covered, guys. Kai airport was built from >> right over there. Serial. You see that one line, you know, road. Are they going to open that back up eventually? >> Eventually they will do it, but you
know, they have to move this, you know, like this. No wind like two knots right now really calm wind. So and again she's active and we don't know when we speaking some nice smooth flight this morning should be in the past but volcano could get a little bit bumpy. Same thing happened and possible
bumpy spots clean and couple of months later new lava flow took you know we did that one a couple of times and learned this time I guess you know oh yeah you can see the cruise ship today too that's corner downtown this is 22 floor if you came here like 2 years ago this was red one more on the
east side of lasted for two weeks and Lavas talked about two miles before the saddle road. Yeah, we didn't. He thought we were going to lose saddle but like go out and I can't be saved tid me down my knees.
>> Why? Because of the sun direction. Let me start from the right side of the cloud. Then I will bring to the left side >> and look at the array right here. >> Where we want to go here and it's all covered. So you know I'm not lying for the weather. You know, trust me, I want to take you
guys to Kilawe without permit, but it doesn't have the train. But at least you guys get to see, you know, and other good stuff. You know, the co-pilot, how high are we cruising right now? >> 8,000 260 ft. So between the clouds and not shy of the 8,000 ft. >> Yeah. Just walk. Yeah.
>> And that one goes like 20 30 miles. >> This is the shortest one. Yeah. >> No, is the shortest one to the right. This is number three. So man number one. Manor number two, Falai number three and Kohala. I am a part of this singing.
So what do you think guys? How thick the lava flow is very hard here? How thick the lava? >> That was about to be my next question because at that time we don't uh see very well. But >> what do you think last time?
>> I hope you meant most of the land up here is 30 ft on land. Yep. There's no axis here. If you don't fly, you never uh that's Maui. Nothing. I have in the past 2018 by uh by one lava for built over 100 ft like 35
m. Guys, of course that's how all of our volcano has been created and got bigger each eruption. So yeah, lava you see so many holes on the grounds right and bigger. Those are the was built by lava
in Hawaii. That's where the lava was coming out in the past. So obviously can Hawaii one volcano could have so pretty with sleeping clouds on the background. Beautiful morning.
You still see that yellow one there? >> Yellow is training. >> One more time. >> Yellow one is training. >> Yeah. >> And I'll do where I want to go.
where I want. >> So, what do you think guys? You know, you can really easily see how lava flow came down. I mean, lava is hot, but liquid. Liquid always travel down the slope.
Always aiming to the coastline, the ocean. and Marian. Can you see the line of holes going down a slope here to the about 1:00 2:00? Old lava tubes.
So yeah, of course you know when volcano erupt lava comes out and lava will traveling on the surface at the beginning like river but eventually the surfing you may hear angels cuz we're together why it's such a lonely day
Say the word down to a bay. Perfect. >> All right. So, back to the 1859 eruption site and we will follow this lava flow all the way to the sh. >> Okay. So, folks, please please make sure you guys keep popping your ears.
All right, here we go. Now I can talk to you guys. How is the volume? Can you hear me? Okay, >> great. >> Excellent. And AC is on. You may felt some cold air coming down through those vents over your head. You know, you guys have those vents to play with. Yeah, we all keep falling this lava floor once again
and welcome back from just one lava floor. So, my name is guys to t sound like s h i to >> Yeah, Johnny, if you forget my name, don't worry. I mean, that happens all the time, you know. If you forget my name, Michael calls me all the time, too. But you can call me sushi. Why did you forget my name? Just call me those
spots. And before we take off, I need to ask you guys a couple of questions. Did you guys get to watch safety videotape in office that spot? So, please keep your safety belts low and snug. And do you remember the easiest place around? But now you know lava builds up
right. So now those island could be one of the lowest spot. So when the next level comes he will take that iron. You know that's how you know make it even kind of out. One of the aircraft Greg is getting ready for take off. He's going to pass to the right side. And once he pass we
next and the next question, >> I don't know if we talked about this one the last two trips or not, but how long does it take before we can spot some plants on a lot of field? >> Oh, you will learn something today. Then what do you think? How long does it take? I know we
>> kind of depends where it's at on the island. It gets a lot of water. >> Okay. What do you guys think? >> Probably about 2 to 5 years. >> 2 to 5 years. >> Probably more because there's a lot of >> So folks, our boss said we can tell this is 150 years new.
Let's do this. What? Can you bring the microphone a little bit closer? >> Maybe 50 years. >> 50 years. >> Okay. So, just remember what you guys said again. This lava flow will teach you teach you a lot. So, we just keep following this lava flow and you will learn something.
All right. So, we have dropped about 4,000 ft. Ears popping. Okay. All good. Okay. Great. I will
head in the twilight spreading out of wings tonight. Yeah, Stephanie looks like some trees maybe growing along a field around this area. Yeah, by the way guys
>> and we have another flight after this one heading to the I don't think is going to happen at all but we may even lose Kalai in about an hour or so.
This one is 1859. So about 150 years new. 13 about 130. Yeah. >> And actually 1859 lava flow is the newest lava flow you will find on the
west side of the big island. >> So it looks like some trees but they're small. >> Yeah. But still, you know, I mean, you can see some plants growing here. By the way, you see this fence line? Look at the map here. >> That's the border line for the army base.
>> All right. >> Breathing to the right is to the white base. How you guys doing? >> Fire. Big smiles. >> Oh, good. >> Blackhawks cobras coming from the Oahu. And our co-pilot said we don't want to get shot. So we are staying outside with this base. Now Michael, she's smart one.
Yeah, I was going to take you guys straight to the fa. We are still last time when you 59. My son wasn't still pilot yet. >> Yeah. He got his license and now he start teaching how to fly in Kona airport. Yeah. And now he's coming this way. So I want to say good morning to my son if you don't
mind, you know. And we're going to head up to the So yeah, here we go. 1.5 m 600 ft below us. Should be something around here. >> Should be white helicopter. >> Yeah. So, next time you may not request to anymore, you know, you may request myself for
lava tube form. But guys, guys, isn't it beautiful? Probably was running so fast. Look at the contrast. Blue, black, and green, you know. Here we go. You see the helicopter over there? >> Do you see like the number with trees on
the lava field is increasing more and more here? You know over there see quite a bit trees here. But what then? Why? That's what I did like 30 years ago. There was no uh trees up there. Why? Hawaii. I used to teach how to fly those slope and irrigate more >> water. >> So how long before sun actually starts
flying for blue wire >> probably today clouds are pretty high >> usually build up. So about 2 years probably. Yeah. >> So guys between like 3,000 like 6,000 ft below microphone right. This is the altitude where we get clouds. You like it? >> So guys, >> love it. >> Love it. Is this your first time
helicopter? 50 years new. So when 59 cold >> yer will take long time is probably. >> Is this your first time on lava? First time here. >> Could be carried by the >> What do you think? Could be by bird poop.
>> Amazing. >> That could have take a couple weeks, a month maybe. And let's say about you guys you had a seas and your first time in a lava field and you wanted when was the last when was your last take off right away? >> Oh, okay. Lava is not that hard. So, have you flown with us in lava or this
time? Yes, we have you. Okay. So guys, for example, how long you go up on the other side of the island by side east side of the island where we get over rain with that much rain usually 2 3 month we can see some new plants couple month and 100 years old or 100 years new lava
with 100 in grain. We cannot tell where the lava flow was already. Will be like forest. And guys, look at here. You know, I didn't say this was lava flow. You know, see, it doesn't look like lava anymore, right? Right underneath. This is still the same lava. We just keep falling. But
there's a highway 190. Look beyond highway. Back to black. That's the bottom of the clouds. Usually the other side of the highway, it's usually blue sky. No rain means, no plants.
that village over there. >> Which one? So, this is the uh Le Pulani Estate. Pretty high-end community. And there's a golf uh golf course over there, too.
So yeah, you see all surround only like not much trees anymore, you know.
Yeah, I want to take here is all the way to the shoreline toward your coastline. There's nothing growing yet. Pretty interesting, isn't it? You know, I thought it's going to take a couple hundred years by looking at, you know, like 200 years old lava. There's not much trees, you know, but
yeah, I forgot about plants needs water. >> Down here is better. >> Yeah. >> But what surprises me, the lava never like gathers together. What? >> The lava never comes together like you got all these different lava flows, you know. >> Again, lava always looking for the lowest part, easiest part, you know,
just keep uh so now this is lava flow and that's lava flow and that's kind of now lower spot between you know the next lava flow will filling that spot. >> I was saying like you know down the hill and then it's not connecting. Oh, at the end usually it will so it will Yeah, this one is already
connected at the end little bit, you know, but it will be making that triangle usually good question. Yeah. And guys, so again, this is 23 mi long, you know, second longest lava flow in the world. And this lava flow created something unique
at the shoreline. Do you know what this lava added or created up there? You know, Michael. Oh, you guys will find out. Of course, adding new land for a little bit, you know, but
it the waterfalls waterfall is what was it? Cliffs for the waterfalls. >> Black sand beach. >> You got it. Yep. Black sand beach. So you can tell the white sand was forming here till 1859 you know I mean you can see this white sand a little bit and that's it
only 150 years new blacks on the beach you can see this sand below us in the base like mix between black and white you know I'll bring to the right side so yeah from our base guys if you want to go to the black sun beach this is one of the closest one you can park your car on side of the uh
Queen K Highway and you can walk that road and you jump to the fence line and come to the beach. Yeah, water is so clear. Look at that. Beautiful.
Yeah. Again, look at the contrast. >> Light blue, dark blue, green trees, white wave, black lava, >> turquoise. >> Turquoise. Yeah. Uh-huh. So, black sand, >> black and a white sand mixed and a white sand.
>> From the mountain to the ocean, the wind
I Right. >> So guys, we still have about 40% of gas, 63 gallons >> and it said we can go about 1 hour and 17 minutes. The second half of the flight is close
to 1 hour and we don't know what kind of weather we're going to face in the wing right side. So, our co-pilot, I going to try to push it a bit, but our co-pilot, she say we're going to go get gas, right? We're going to go get gas and we're going to proceed for the second half of the flight. So, guys, please make sure
you guys just remain on the seat.
Here's a little song I wrote. might want to sing it note for note. Don't worry, be happy. In every life we have some trouble when you worry, you make it double. Don't
worry, be happy. Don't worry, be happy. Don't worry. Be happy. Don't worry. Be happy.
Don't worry. Be happy. Don't worry. Be happy. Ain't got no place to lay your head. Somebody came and took your bed. Don't worry. Be happy say your rent is late. He may have to
worry. >> Better than last time. >> We landed almost upside down last time, you know. I think we I'm getting a little bit better. All right. So guys, please remain in the seat for right now. I will shut down the engine once play stops. I will get out and open the door for you guys.
>> So yeah, you guys can use bathroom. She's going to get give us some gas and
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