Helicopter ride into volcano, Hilo, Hawaii Day 2

We took off out of Hilo Airport and flew over the Pu’u O’o vent. After raining for a few days, the weather cleared and by the time we took off the weather was absolutely spectacular.

Pu’u O’o began erupting in 1986 and by 1992 had destroyed 200 homes and added 300 acres to the island. Hot volcanic gasses continue to pour from the cooling cinder cone, typical of the newly formed volcanic peaks that have built up along the Chain of Craters Road. This is one of the few places where new earth is being created. How cool is that?