HVNP October Flight Operations

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park announces flight operations for October 2021: 

• Oct. 4 and 5, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., for Hawaiian petrel monitoring on Mauna Loa between 6,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation. 
• Oct. 14, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., for crew support sling loads in ʻŌlaʻa Tract between 3,500- and 4,500-ft. elevation.
• Oct. 25, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., for vegetation monitoring project support in the ʻŌlaʻa Tract, between 3,500- and 4,500-ft. elevation.
• Oct. 27, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., for Hawaiian petrel monitoring on Mauna Loa between 6,000- and 9000-ft. elevation. 
• Oct. 29, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., for vegetation monitoring project support in the ʻŌlaʻa Tract, between 3,500- and 4,500-ft. elevation.

In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation. The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. 

Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities.