Flying the Big Island

[Bayflier]

I am off to the Big Island in Hawaii in a few weeks and wondering if anyone has some special tips of good and safe spots to fly. (I’m not inclined to mess with Kilauea right now but open to suggestions there if people have any that are safe and legal.)

 

[ruggb]

You can fly to over 14000 ft there. The summit of Mauna Kea is ~13800 + 400 gets you over 14000 ft.
I think the ceiling is about 19000 so it should do it. But I guess you would have to check in with the observatory.

 

[rexster314]

National and state parks are off limits

 

[ruggb]

not sure the summit with the observatories is a "park"

 

[phill45]

You can fly to over 14000 ft there. The summit of Mauna Kea is ~13800 + 400 gets you over 14000 ft.
I think the ceiling is about 19000 so it should do it. But I guess you would have to check in with the observatory.

If it really alowed to fly there, that's wound be a great place.

 

[ruggb]

the VIS is @ 2800m You can get info here and a live web cam
Welcome to MKVIS - Maunakea Visitor Information Station
You can email them for specifics
I am sure there are other sites with info.
They break out their small (12" and under) telescopes there every night.
Really nice if the wind isn't blowing - obviously, I know about the wind.

 

[JSKCKNIT]

I am off to the Big Island in Hawaii in a few weeks and wondering if anyone has some special tips of good and safe spots to fly. (I’m not inclined to mess with Kilauea right now but open to suggestions there if people have any that are safe and legal.)

Darn, I'll be there later this week, I would have met up with you.

I'm originally from Oahu, but traveled to the Big Island often. Couple of suggestions, First and foremost, be mindful of the cultural sensitivities, i.e. sacred sites. There are several on the Big Island, but most are marked. Secondly, don't leave anything, especially your drone bag in your vehicle unattended, even in the trunk. I've seen people break into vehicles at tourist spots and be gone in less than 20 seconds.

DM me, I can put you in touch with my cousin as well if you're on the Hilo side of the island.

HI State Park Drone Laws

 

[JSKCKNIT]

One more thing, use a launch pad or something. The sand, especially the black sand, is partly magnetic and is difficult to remove from motors.