The History leading to Lava Ocean Adventures & Lava Boat Tours -
The Kilauea Volcano Eruption Archieves 1983-2009

Back in the 80's "Lavaman" Bud brought the Turpins to live here on the Big Island to a place called Eden Rock. Well Eden Rock is located just below the Kilauea volcano on Hwy 11. While fishing the Kalapana coastline one day Bud stopped in to take a closer look at the active lava ocean entry. From then on it was a regular stop on the weekend fishing trips. The Molton Lava shooting 1000's of feet into the nights sky, red rivers flowing into the sea, or amazing surface lava flows all are a part of history in the making. A couple years after moving here Bud and his cousin Sky bought a Zodiac which was great for diving and fishing under the right conditions. After many rought days in the Zodiac Bud partnered up with a friend Henry to upgrade to a 17 ft Ali Kai boat the Ku'uipo. In all her glory she had 1 28 hp 2 stroke Johnson and a 30 hp Johnson glad they got us by for so many years. During this time many commercial fishermen fished out of Po'hoiki Bay, HI common were large Ahi which paid a fair price. During these years Bud and I fished to the flow, from time to time the lava would be touching the sea. After many years of viewing this special we knew that people would love to experience lava as we had for so many years. In 1997 a family friend bought a 22ft Waipoli Cat boat named the "Meow." After a couple years he no longer was using the boat Bud decided to purchase the "Meow." Wow what a difference the cat style boat made out here on the exposed eastside waters. Decided to move to Maui to begin working aboard a the Maka Kai a 50+ ft vessel, it was one of the first Molokini Tours. After completing the100 Ton Licensing requirements we began thinking about the Lava/Fishing Charter again. During this time lava flowed red to the sea sometimes up to a couple years straight. After 10 years of faithful service we repowered, outfitted and renamed the "Meow" to the boat commonly known today as the "LavaKat." Shortly after in December 2006 Dan & I coined the "Rivers of Fire Tour" this early bird tour quickly became the hottest tour on panet earth. Not even the long drive over from Kona leaving at 2:30am stopped our lava hunters. Still today the "LavaKat" is a proven worthy charter vessel and peope still wake early to view this once in a lifetime experience. In June 2007 the opportunity to begin offering a vessel which combines safety, speed, stability & comfort came true. The Aluminum 34ft "LAVAKAI" is rated for 24 passengers by the United States Coast Guard. The seats are covered & face forward like a roller coaster. A once in a lifetime ride you'll not soon forget. The rest for now is history in the making, we look forward to taking your and your family on a fun filled ocean tour. Isn't time for you to get out and discover the Natural Wonders to the eastside.

A Hui Hou,
Captain Shane Turpin