We checked in with Tropical Helicopters for our 'doors-off' flight in a Hughes 500 helicopter. Our request for the two rear seats had been granted, we had two other people up front with the pilot. Neither of us had been in a helicopter without the doors on before, so it was pretty exciting. We took off and headed to the coast where the lava was pouring into the sea. It was sending up a column of steam that was visible for miles. Then we flew over the vast lava flows which have occurred over the last 20 or so years. There was a fresh lava flow making it's way down the side of the mountain, glowing a dull red. It was setting trees on fire as it went, and there were fire fighters working to control the fire. Then we flew around the Pu'u 'O'o vent, where the current eruption is flowing from. It was really spectacular to see the scale of it, and it is a sight which is only visible from the air. Finally we headed back to the airport, which was good, since it had gotten quite cold as we climbed up to the peak of the mountain!