Mauna Loa - December 1,2 , 2022

This was an impromptu overnight trip to Kona, on the Big Island to view the Mauna Loa volcano eruption. We had planned to go along the Old Saddle Road that opened up to permit the public to view Madame Pele. Traffic was very heavy, it was bumper to bumper most of the way. The intermittent cloud cover made it difficult to  view the eruption. After several hours we decided to drive up the Mauna Kea Access Road which made for better viewing since we were above the clouds, brrrr temperature was in the 40's. Following day Zack and Jill went on a helicopter tour. I instructed Jill how to operate my camera and she took photographs from the helicopter.

1. Leaving Honolulu for Kona.

2. Following photos are of Mauna Loa taken from Mauna Kea Access Road.

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14. Volcanic plume from Mauna Loa taken from the Kealoha's home in Waimea. 

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17. Volcanic action taken from Saddle Road.

18. An offering to Madame Pele.

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22. These two getting ready for a helicopter adventure. No room for the Kupuna so I'm staying back.

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25. The observatories on the top of Mauna Kea.

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27. Notice the lava field cutting off the road.

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30. Lava flowing downhill.

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48. Another view of the road cut off by the lava flow.

49. Can you see the lava flow?

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54. View of the top of Mauna Kea.

55. Coming in for a landing.

56. That's all folks, please come BAAAACK !!!

I'll definitely be back for another photo shoot. Next time I'll be better prepared. Jill although this was the first time operating my camera, you did a good job on the photos while on the helicopter tour.