All Reviews for Kilauea Volcano, Big Island

Wish we had more time to see actual lava, not just lava fields. One hour is not enough time to hike to the flows and back. Other than that, however -- great time!!! LOVED Cousin Aaron!! :-)

I was picked up from the hotel in Waikoloa, and although I was told that a confirmation couldn't be made, I was able to ride in a helicopter piloted by the only Japanese pilot (Mr. Mochizuki) whom I had requested via email in advance. Mr. Mochizuki provided explanations in both languages to the American couple accompanying us and to us, which made it very enjoyable.

It was my first experience in a helicopter, and there was no vibration, with glass all the way to the floor. I was able to see the lava flowing into the ocean at Kilauea Volcano, and it was amusing to see the cows grazing on the vast Parker Ranch appearing as tiny dots. I was surprised to hear about the elementary school that was affected by a tsunami, located on top of an 800-meter cliff in Waipi'o Valley, and we got very close to a waterfall that has a drop of 1,000 meters, allowing us to fully enjoy the majestic nature.

Waikoloa is a dry area with brown lava land, but as we got closer to Hilo, we experienced sudden rain and saw much greenery, making for a wonderful experience of the vastness and climate differences of the Big Island in a short time! (Driving around takes a whole day, right?) Additionally, on the way back, although we had to wait for a few minutes, we could purchase the video from that day that was on board the helicopter.

ワイコロアのホテルからピックアップしてもらい、確約は出来ないと言われていましたが事前に直接メールでお願いしていた唯一の日本人パイロット（望月さん）の操縦するヘリコプターに乗せていただき、望月氏が同乗のアメリカ人カップルと我々に2カ国語で交互に説明して下さったのでとても楽しかったです。
ヘリコプターは初体験でしたが、震動もなく足下までガラス張りなので、キラウエア火山では海に流れ落ちる溶岩を見ることが出来、広大なパーカー牧場では放牧されている牛たちがまるで点のように小さいのがおかしく、ワイピオバレーでは800ｍの絶壁の上にあった小学校が津波の被害にあった話に驚き、落差1000ｍもあるという滝のすぐ近くまで寄ってくださるなど雄大な自然を堪能できました。
ワイコロアは乾燥地帯で溶岩の茶色い土地ばかりですが、ヒロに近くなると突然の雨で緑も多くハワイ島の広さと気候の違いなど素晴らしい体験を短時間で出来ました！（車で周遊するのは1日掛かりですよね）
また、帰りには数十分待ちますが、ヘリコプターに搭載されていた当日のビデオを購入することも出来ます。