Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park announces February flight operations

The following dates and times are scheduled for February flight operations in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island:

• Until 9 a.m. today (Feb. 4): For ungulate survey at Kahuku between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation.
• Between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 6: For passenger shuttles and external sling loads of fencing materials and camp gear for fence replacement on Mauna Loa between 6,300 and 9,200 feet in elevation.
• Between 10 and 11:30 a.m. Feb. 23 and 26: For native plant monitoring in Kīlauea East Rift Zone between 1,500 and 2,500 feet in elevation.
• Between 7 and 11:30 a.m. Feb. 26: To monitor ʻuaʻu, or Hawaiian petrels, on Mauna Loa between 4,000 and 9,500 feet in elevation.

Management of the 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 to maintain backcountry facilities.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory also could conduct additional 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.