Was on the Big Island in middle of January, after the Iraq invasion and before the Desert Shield response of Operation Desert Storm. Air travel had seriously decreased and my airline travel club (TWA club?) offered a 5 or 7 night trip to Oahu with hotel for chump change ($500 for 5 nights or $700 for a 7 night stay). BUT 2 people had to travel together. Early January
My Hawaii trip partner was found on a ski life at Camelback Ski Area in the Poconos ... lift talk. His opinion was just like mine ... WHAT A DEAL! And within the weeks, off we flew to Ohau. Took an inter-island flight to see the lava flowing into the ocean (his idea or research?). Rented a car, drove over to the other side of the Big Island, parked in the "not yet covered by the lava" park lot with bathrooms (not opened) and walked out to the fissure where the lava was following out to the ocean. 15-20 minute walk ... if that. Took pictures of the lava flowing into the ocean and the steam rising. Maybe 8-10 other people were around/walking to/from ... no signs, no roped off areas, no park employees, no "boats in the water" touring.
Today, it is helicopter rides for a "FLY OVER" only ... too FAR to walk (in miles), too hot to walk that long distance due to the lava, and too dangerous on the extended & built up shelf above the lava flows, etc. Or a boat tour unless far out in the sea.
Definitely one of my most unique trips .. the trip which can not EVER be duplicated ... the one I wish digital cameras with BIG memory cards existed then. A one day flight over to the Big Island ... with some NYC guy I met on a Camelback Ski lift in the Poconos who wanted to go to Hawaii.