Ready to experience an adventure of a lifetime? Last minute decision to grab a seat on Safari Helicopters Volcano Safari Tour was an experience of a lifetime. Kilauea Volcano eruption barely a week old, we didn’t know for sure if they were going to fly since restrictions change nearly every hour. Safari Helicopters offered one of the best tours at a great price we just couldn’t pass it up. It was truly an adventure we will never forget.
History of Safari Helicopters
In business for over 30 years, Safari Helicopters “is the culmination of a lifetime of flying, adventure, business and family experience. The company goal is to “explore the natural wonders of Hawaii and relish the positive reactions from our customers”. This is definitely evident when you meet the team. It is all about a great adventure that is safe, fun and one that you give you memories that will last a lifetime.
Helicopter Tours
Located in Hilo, Safari Helicopters offers a couple of amazing options when choosing what you want to experience. We chose the Volcano Safari since we wanted to get as close to viewing the fissures and lava flow as possible. Mike was an amazing pilot and we got to see fissure 16 which had just opened that morning before we arrived to take flight. The other tour you can experience is Deluxe Volcano Waterfall Safari.
Fissure 16 Lava Flow – Kilauea Volcanic Activity
Up at between 4,000 and 4,500 feet, we could get a great view of the area, coastline and prior volcano activity. Dodging the clouds, Mike was able to get us a great view of the new fissure as we watched lava spewing & actively flowing. As you fly around the area, you can’t help but notice lush green areas that contrast the dark lava rock in other areas. The plumes in and around Kilauea give you a sense of the magnitude of this event. Between the earthquakes and continuous fissures, the area is dangerous and unpredictable.
Safari Helicopters Tour of Surrounding Area
The area landscape changes quickly depending on which direction you fly. You will experience green lush macadamia nut farms, communities, ocean shoreline and volcanic topography on this amazing helicopter tour. We were not able to get very close to the volcano but we were able to see Fissure 16 lava flow and steam plume gracing the skyline. Adhering to the flight restrictions, dodging in and out of clouds, Mike was able to give us a diverse view of the landscape below.
Adventure Grammy Recap
The BEST option for a great adventure at a reasonable price. Their experience shows not only in their scheduling professionalism but also in the quality of their staff and pilots. It is safety first and a great experience. In a two-party reservation, one is guaranteed a window. You will be weighed at check in because they need to do weight and balance when determining who gets put in what seat. Each helicopter holds six people plus the pilot and truly, there is no bad seat! We took plenty of video, pictures and had great views. Safari Helicopters gets a AAA+++ rating from me and definitely will do it again when we go back! They also have an office on Kauai! Two options for a great adventure if you are on either Hawaii or Kauai!
It is time to go get your adventure on!