February HVNP Flight Operations Schedule

Friday, May 19, 6:00 am – Pu‘u ‘O‘o & Kalapana overflight: A long river of lava flows down the upper portion of Pulama Pali, beginning as pahoehoe, and ending as ‘a‘a. Several other fingers had already reached the base of the pali when this was shot. PC: Paradise Helicopters

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park announces the following upcoming flight plans February:

• Friday, Feb. 16, between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. for invasive fountain grass surveys and control from Kīlauea southwest boundary toKeauhou, below 2,500-ft. elevation
• Tuesdays, Feb. 20 and 27, between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., from the summit area of Kīlauea to the coastal Ka‘aha campsite to haul rubbish and to survey of lava flow fields
• Thursday, Feb. 22, from 7 a.m. to noon, to shuttle crew to the coastal flats at Kamo‘oali‘i between 200- and 600-ft. elevation for control of invasive fountain grass
• Monday, Feb. 26, between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., to haul material off Mauna Loa Road at the 7,000-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.