Fly over an active volcano and say hello to Madame Pele!

Have you ever flown over a volcano? If so we would love to hear all about your experiences (perhaps with a photo or two). You can contact us via our contact page.

Hawaii is an archipelago of volcanic islands located over a geological "hot spot" almost slap bang in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is also the name of the biggest island so to avoid confusion it is universally known as Big Island.

On Big Island you'll not only find the world's biggest volcano, Mauna Loa (at 13,677 feet, three times higher than Ben Nevis), you'll also be in the presence of the world's most active volcano, Kilauea.

Kilauea has been erupting continuously since 1983, and according to Hawaaian mythology, that's because Madame Pele, goddess of fire, lightning, dance and volcanoes, is in residence! Whether you will see smoke coming out of Kilauea's huge two mile diameter crater will all depend on Madame Pele's mood.

Helicopter tours fly right over Kilauea's crater and there is no more spectacular way to see the volcano - or indeed the island. So much of Hawaii's beauty can only be seen from the air so although expensive, it will be well worth it in terms of memories bought.

Being a passenger in a helicopter also allows you the luxury of flying down the volcano to the coast where hot lava hisses as it is met by the roar of ocean waves!

The lava actually travels underground for much of its journey down the volcano's side before emerging close to the coast. And the sheer volume of lava means that Big Island is actually growing bigger by the day!

The bird's-eye view provided by a volcano helipcopter tour really puts the enormity of Kilauea and the sheer power of nature into perspective. It will be a once in a lifetime experience that you will treasure forever.

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