One of the world's most active volcanoes, on Hawaii's Big Island. Active lava flows and the summit caldera are often visible on flights approaching Hilo.
Routes that pass it25
Tip: Visibility depends on cloud cover, time of day, and how close the flight path comes. Sit on the listed side for the best chance of a view. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Kilauea from a plane?
Yes — 25 flight routes pass within 60 km of Kilauea. The closest routes include Honolulu to Beijing, Seattle to Hilo, Alice Springs to Phoenix. Sit on the Both side, with the landmark passing about 1 km away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Kilauea?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Kilauea: on a Honolulu to Beijing flight, sit on the Both side; on a Seattle to Hilo flight, sit on the Both side; on a Alice Springs to Phoenix flight, sit on the Both side.