Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park announces flight operations for July

Management of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National 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 as well as maintain backcountry facilities.

Several flight operations are planned for July:

• Between 6 and 11 a.m. July 8: Ungulate survey at between 2,000 and 6,000 feet in elevation at the park’s Kahuku Unit and for survey and control of banana poka between 3,800 and 6,000 feet in elevation on Mauna Loa.
• Between noon and 2 p.m. July 9: Aviation training at 3,900 feet in elevation at Mauna Loa Quarry.
• Between 8 and 11 a.m. July 9: Invasive guinea grass control work from sea level to 2,400 feet in elevation in the coastal backcountry.
• Between 10 and 11:30 a.m. July 14: External sling loads that include equipment, tools and camping gear between 50 feet and 3,000 feet in elevation to Halape shelter for removoval of hazardous waste and installation of a public water tank.
• Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. July 23: Aviation training at 3,900 feet in elevation at Mauna Loa Quarry.
• Between 6:30 and 11 a.m. July 29-31: ʻUʻau (Hawaiian petrel) monitoring between 4,000 and 9,500 feet in elevation on Mauna Loa.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory could also conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park regrets any noise impact to Hawai‘i Island residents and park visitors.

Flight operation dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.