|
|
Leaving the heliport on the Big Island, one really does not know what
lies ahead.
Will it be spectacular?
Will you really see an active volcano?
|
Then your helicopter turns makes a turn and there it is! And it is definitely
spectacular.
It's Pu'u O'o, Kilauea volcano's active flank eruption site. The eruption
of Kilauea Volcano that began in 1983 continues at the cinder-and-spatter
cone of Pu'u O'o, seen in this and picture and in the photo that follows.
|
 |
 |
An even clearer view of Pu'u O'o! Very exciting to fly over an active
volcano! This is definitely my favorite photo. When my students see it
they think I was so brave to fly so close to a volcano.
|
Flying down the flank of Pu'u O'o, one sees many fissures and cave-ins
in the lava field. Steam and other volcanic gases emit from these openings
and sometimes red lava is visible as it flows beneath the field of hardened
basalt. (See next photo).
|
 |
 |
See the red square on the lava field?
That is red hot lava, visible where part of the hardened surface collapsed.
It's called a "skylight". Go ahead and view the larger photo.
You'll see it better. No wonder the park officials do not want people
hiking out there on the active lava fields!
|
As we left Pu'u O'o, I took this photo of the hot lava steaming as it
meets the ocean.
Well, that's the best of the helicopter photos on the Big Island. Oh,
there are more but juggling back and forth between a video, still and
slide camera wasn't easy, especially while the helicopter is quickly flying
past the sights you're trying to shoot!
|
|
|
Okay, so this is not a view of active volcanism.
But, I just had to include this gorgeous photo of Hilo Bay. We were leaving
the lava fields and heading back to the heliport by way of the coastline.
What a view!
|
|
|
Leaving the heliport on an exciting tour of Waimea Canyon and the NA
Pali coast, the cliffs that border one side of the canyon are visible
from the heliport, and grow ever closer as we begin our journey through
the air.
|
Closer still, it becomes apparent that the helicopter must reach the
top of the cliffs so that we can descend into the canyon for a good look.
|
|
|
We proceed over the top of the cliffs and the helicopter actually descends
into the canyon. Hovering at various spots for active picture taking and
sightseeing. The gullies so prominent in the Waimea Canyon and NA Pali
areas are the result of approximately 7 million years of active erosion
by running water and wind.
|
Inside the canyon itself, one sees bare walls of once black basaltic
rock, now stained different shades of yellow, orange and red, due to the
rusting of the iron in the volcanic rock. Because of the appearance of
"layers" and the many colors the cliff walls display, people
often say that Waimea resembles the Grand Canyon. However, Waimea is composed
of igneous rock that has weathered, whereas the Grand canyon is sedimentary
rock, the colors of which may vary due to different mineral compositions.
|
|
|
Yes, those are clouds! It truly is an awesome feeling to hover within
the canyon walls, higher than the clouds!
|
Nearing the second half of the tour, we climb over the canyon cliffs
bordering the ocean side of Waimea and get our first glimpse of the heavily
carved NA Pali coastline. Very rugged and reached by boat or a very difficult
hike, these 4,000 foot cliffs remain in a pristine state, altered only
by nature's forces of weathering and erosion.
|
|
|
The helicopter flies out over the Pacific to allow for a long range,
unobstructed view of this amazing coastline.
|
Moving in closer for an even better view of the coastline!
|
|
|
|
Where the headlands of the coast jut out into the ocean, calmer bays
result where sand accumulates and small beaches are formed. These are
favorite spots for small boats and rubber rafts, filled with tourists,
to pull in and spend the day.
|
Small caves are carved into the rock face by wave action and wind erosion.
If you enlarge the photo you will see them better Look to the right side
of the photo, where the cliff meets the sand.
|
|
|
All good things come to an end and so did this tour.
We say "good-bye" to the NA Pali coast and, once again, catch
a glimpse of the cliffs of Waimea as we head back to the heliport. Amazing
scenery! Gorgeous views!
If you are ever in Kauai, please try the helicopter tours. You won't be disappointed.
|
