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This Virtual Tour of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Will Make You Feel Like You're on an Epic Island Hike

You deserve a virtual trip to Hawaii.

While you may not be able to hop on a plane to Hawaii right now you can still pay the islands a visit right from your couch.

The National Parks Service did us all a favor a few years ago by recording several truly stunning virtual experiences in spaces across the nation . The tours, each guided by an expert ranger, bring people inside and through some of America’s most treasured and unique places. And that includes this intimate tour of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park .

“Explore the land shaped by the world’s most active volcano,” the narrator begins, before introducing park ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita, who grew up just down the street from the park.

“Compared to the rest of the planet, Hawaii is very young,” Kaawaloa-Okita says. “It’s constantly changing and still growing.”

Upon starting the virtual tour, guests are transported to the park’s entrance, where Kaawaloa-Okita explains its “vibrant ecosystem” that comes with many native plants, birds, insects, “many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.”

Then, virtual visitors can enter right into the volcano’s incredible lava tubes.

Kaawaloa-Okita explains inside, that “lava tubes are like the veins of a volcano, transporting lava from the heart of an eruption.”

She adds, “what does lava do when it runs out of land? It starts becoming it.”

Visitors can then use their mouse to explore the gorgeous cave structure, simply clicking around to see it all as if they were right there with Kaawaloa-Okita.

From the caves, visitors head out to the coastal cliffs, where Kaawaloa-Okita explains, “over 500 new acres of land has been added to the island in the last 30 years alone.” She adds, “With new land comes new life,” explaining birds have already begun to nest in the cliffs, laying their eggs and raising their young right there.

Finally, the tour heads to a spectacular area to view the park’s active volcano. But, we don’t want to give it all away, so you’ll have to just go take the tour for yourself and feel what it’s like to stand next to Mother Nature’s newest creations.

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Volcano Awareness Month 2021 Program – A virtual walk through Kīlauea Volcano’s summit history

Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist emeritus Don Swanson on a virtual walk, during which you learn about the past 500 years of Kīlauea Volcano’s history as revealed by rocks, craters, and cracks. This virtual walk will be released in three parts, covering different sections of the Keanakākoʻi Crater trail.

Along the walk, Don points out and explains some of the features that formed during the 2018 summit collapse events, as well as the best publicly accessible display of explosive deposits erupted from Kīlauea around 230–370 years ago, one of which probably relates to an important oral tradition. Don also shows two contrasting vents for the July 1974 eruption, highlights the thick deposit of pumice and scoria erupted in 1959, and ponders the origin of Keanakākoʻi Crater.

You can visit the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website to learn about walking the 2-mile round-trip Keanakākoʻi Crater trail, which begins at the Devastation Trail parking lot on Crater Rim Drive in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

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Other Island of Hawaiʻi virtual Volcano Awareness Month 2021 programs available: 

Plumbing the depths of kīlauea volcano - postponed.

One of the key goals of volcanology is to monitor the movement of molten rock (magma) beneath the Earth’s surface.  Most volcanoes have their main storage area for magma a mile or two beneath the volcano in the Earth’s crust.  Kīlauea Volcano is very different and stores magma within the volcano itself, about a mile beneath its summit.  This is only possible because Kīlauea is so enormous it can store a large volume of magma.  In addition, the amount of magma moving through the system is so high that it doesn’t stay within the volcano long enough to crystallize.  To the average person, and quite frankly often to volcanologists as well, the pattern of volcanic vent locations at Kīlauea's summit or along its rift zones looks a lot like the game “Whack-a-mole,” where the eruptions seem to randomly appear.  However, there are patterns and our concept of what Kīlauea’s magma plumbing system looks like has changed significantly over time. After large eruptions like the 2018 eruption in Puna, Kīlauea’s plumbing appears to undergo significant re-organization.  While the recent reappearance of lava at Kīlauea’s summit happened quickly, summit activity was not unexpected.  ​Join geologist  Ken Hon  as he discusses what scientists are looking for now to better understand what Kilauea may do in the future.

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Virtual Field Trip to Hawaii

Aloha! Let's go on a virtual field trip to Hawaii! A virtual field trip to Hawaii is a journey full of stunning islands, adventure, and volcanoes! So whether you are looking for a fun Friday activity or standards-based, this incredible virtual field trip to Hawaii was designed to captivate and educate students. 

Virtual field trips have revolutionized the way educators can bring the world into their classrooms. Among the countless virtual destinations, Hawaii stands out as a captivating and educational journey for elementary school students. Through the immersive experience of a virtual field trip to Hawaii , teachers can unlock a multitude of benefits for their students. From cultural appreciation and geographical understanding to sparking curiosity and fostering engagement, this article explores the numerous advantages that such virtual expeditions offer to elementary school teachers.

Virtual Hawaii Field Trip

A virtual field trip Hawaii allows elementary school students to gain a deep appreciation for the diverse cultural heritage of the islands. Everything you need to travel to Hawaii is included in this resource. Interactive links are included and slides are bright in color. Students will love this virtual field trip to Hawaii. This Hawaii virtual field trip includes Youtube.com links so be sure you and students have access to Youtube.com. I use AdBlock to block unwanted ads while streaming Youtube.com in my classroom.

Here's what's included:

• PowerPoint and Digital Presentation
• Virtual Field Trip Links
• Virtual Field Trip Reflection

Presentation Includes:

• Google Earth View (link included)
• Hawaii's State Flower
• Hawaii's State Bird (link included)
• Hawaii's State Fish (link included)
• Hawaii's State Anthem (link included)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (link included)
• History of the Tiki Torch
• Pineapples (link included)

and more! Click here !

Let's learn more about Hawaii's history! From the rich traditions of the native Hawaiian people to the contributions of various immigrant communities, such as Japanese, Filipino, and Chinese, students can explore the unique tapestry of Hawaiian society. Through virtual tours of historical landmarks, museums, and traditional arts and crafts, students can develop an understanding and respect for different cultures. By promoting cultural appreciation, virtual field trips to Hawaii foster global awareness, preparing students to become more open-minded and empathetic citizens of the world.

Hawaii Virtual Field Trip

Hawaii's stunning landscapes and unique geographical features make it an ideal destination for teaching geography and environmental awareness. Through virtual field trips, elementary school teachers can introduce students to the concept of volcanic activity, showcasing the mesmerizing power of Kilauea and Mauna Loa. They can also explore the diverse ecosystems found in the islands, from lush rainforests to vibrant coral reefs. By studying the delicate balance between land and sea, students gain a deeper understanding of environmental conservation and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems. Virtual field trips to Hawaii offer an immersive platform for teaching geography and nurturing a sense of responsibility toward the planet.

The waters surrounding Hawaii are home to a diverse range of marine life, including vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. A virtual field trip can introduce students to the wonders of the ocean and raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation. Through virtual visits to marine protected areas, such as Hanauma Bay or Molokini Crater, students can learn about the fragile ecosystem, the impact of human activities, and measures taken to preserve these underwater habitats.

Virtual field trips Hawaii have a remarkable ability to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm for learning among elementary school students. By virtually exploring the islands' rich history, unique flora and fauna, and engaging cultural experiences, students become actively involved in their education. The interactive nature of virtual field trips allows students to ask questions, conduct research, and connect with experts, all of which fosters a sense of discovery. Whether it's virtually hiking through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or participating in a traditional Hawaiian dance workshop, students are encouraged to explore their interests, paving the way for deeper engagement and a lifelong love of learning.

Virtual Field Trip Hawaii

Virtual field trips offer elementary school teachers the flexibility to integrate engaging experiences into their curriculum without the limitations of time, distance, or budget constraints. By leveraging technology, teachers can provide their students with a high-quality educational experience without leaving the classroom. Virtual field trips to Hawaii eliminate the need for expensive travel arrangements, reducing costs and making them accessible to schools with limited resources. Additionally, these virtual expeditions can be tailored to suit different grade levels and learning objectives, ensuring that every student can benefit from the experience. The flexibility and cost-effectiveness of virtual field trips to Hawaii empower elementary school teachers to enhance their curriculum and provide unique educational opportunities for their students.

Virtual field trips Hawaii offer elementary school teachers a wealth of benefits, ranging from cultural appreciation and geographical understanding to sparking curiosity and promoting flexible education. Through these virtual experiences, students develop a global mindset, deepen their knowledge of the world, and nurture a sense of wonder. By integrating virtual field trips into their curriculum, teachers can create engaging and immersive learning environments that expand horizons beyond the boundaries of the classroom. As technology continues to advance, the educational potential of virtual field trips will only grow, opening new doors of exploration and learning experiences for students.

As you can see, a virtual field trip to Hawaii is great to incorporate and offers great experiences for students. So, what are you waiting for? Let's go!

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virtual education

Enrich your curriculum with an interactive virtual field trip to hawaii by paradise helicopters..

If you are looking for a truly unique experience for your students and faculty, join Paradise Helicopters on one of our amazing and enriching virtual education experiences.

Live & Interactive

Break  free  from  the  routine  lesson  plan. .

Thank you so much for your time and the amazing tour of Hawaiʻi that you gave our ETS Scholars yesterday. Can you also thank the rest of your staff and the pilots from us… Selma De Anda, Education Specialist Office of TRIO Programs, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Thank you so much! That was amazing, and so wonderful of your team to put on such an educational event. Julie Morikawa, President of ClimbHI

Virtual  Education  Experiences 

Virtual Hawaii Island Adventure

Ala Kahakai, “trail by the sea”, is a geographically, historically, and culturally significant series of trails used by ancient Hawaiians to navigate the rugged terrain. Join us to traverse the entire coastline of Hawaiʻi Island by air. See dramatic waterfalls, breathtaking valleys, active volcanoes and craters, spectacular coastlines, and amazing green, black, and white sand beaches. We leave 15 minutes for questions, so that students can get answers from the two hosts, one of whom is a pilot.

Lava & Volcanoes Of Hawai’i

Witness the destruction and creation of land. This educational experience includes footage shot by award-winning videographers of the historic 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption as well as present-day footage of the volcano, live narration provided by our two hosts, including one pilot who’s flown over the active eruptions.

Our Educational Team

Aerial videography, mick & ann kalber, tropical visions video, inc. ****.

Mick & Ann Kalber have documented the eruptions of Kīlauea, the world’s most active volcano, for over 30 years. They have covered live sports and created highlights or background videos for events in the U.S. and around the world for ESPN, such as Hawai’i’s Ironman World Championship Triathlon and the NFL Pro Bowl. They also provide news media coverage for journalism giant, Reuters, including critical events such as Chinese President Jiang Zimen’s arrival to Honolulu.

Bruce Omori, Extreme Exposure

Bruce Omori is an international award-winning photographer and photojournalist who has been honored with the Windland Smith Rice Award twice so far in his career. His images have been featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. and the Natural History Museum in London. Bruce’s images have been published in just about every major newspaper and magazine across the globe. Bruce operates his photography business, Extreme Exposure, which has a fine art gallery located in downtown Hilo that is a must-see.

Volcanologist Consultant

Jack lockwood.

Jack Lockwood is a celebrated volcanologist and author of over 140 scientific articles and abstracts. Jack is a Registered Geologist (CPG-9806) with over twenty-five years of full-time work in geology and volcanology. His work has provided him with a wealth of personal experience and knowledge of most volcanic areas of the world. He has particular expertise in the assessment of geologic hazards and risks. Jack is relied upon by the U.S. government to provide accurate hazard information for long-range planning and reduction of geologic risk. For example, he has helped design lava flow diversion structures for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Narration & Media Contributor

Andrew richard hara.

Andrew Richard Hara is a professional photographer born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. During the recent massive eruption of Kīlauea on the Big Island, Andrew was onsite day in and day out documenting the destruction and beauty of this historical event. He received his formal training from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Among Andrew's many clients are National Geographic Society, NASA, Department of Defense, Vanity Fair, BBC, Time Magazine, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, W. M. Keck Observatory, and the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests.

Portrait by: Rebecca Pang

Produced and Presented By

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Discover More

Vacation like ali'i.

The Kona region of the Island of Hawai'i was where Hawaiian royalty, or ali'i, vacationed. In the 1800s, Hulihe'e Palace in downtown Kona hosted many reigning monarchs. You can still visit it today in person, or view it from the air on one of our Kona tours.

Did You Know?

Hawaiʻi is the only U.S. state that grows cacao beans to produce chocolate.

The lush emerald-green rainforests of Hilo are nurtured by an average annual rainfall that is more than three times that of Seattle.

Aloha is more than a catchphrase; it is a way of conducting oneself that is encoded in the people-- and even the law-- of hawai'i..

In 1986, Hawai‘i lawmakers passed the “Aloha Spirit” law (Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, section 5-7.5) that outlines the expectations that people will be kind, work together, agreeable, humble, and patient.

Strawberry guava is actually an invasive species, thought to be introduced as a residential landscaping plant.

It bears small red strawberry guava fruits about 1.25" in diameter that are delicious and much sweeter than their larger, yellow regular guava cousins. Two of our tours land in a guava forest in Kohala which has many of these trees, Kona: Kohala Coast Waterfalls & Remote Hike and Waimea: Doors-Off Kohala Waterfalls & Hike.