Discover the Best Helicopter Tours on the Big Island
Hey there, fellow travelers! If you are heading to the Big Island, don’t miss out on exploring the Big Island helicopter tours.
The Big Island is known for its beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and young and most active five volcanoes of the world. Just imagine seeing all of this from a bird’s eye view without any human hindrance. While you soar up the sky, you’ll see some of the most breathtaking beauty that you cannot get while exploring the island on land.
When heading to the Big Island, there are six of the most spectacular helicopter tours that you should definitely try. Here, we have given an overview of the Big Island helicopter tours to make your vacation more exciting.
6 Best Big Island Helicopter Tours
Big Island Spectacular
- Entry Using: Printed or Mobile Voucher
- Duration: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
- Free Cancellation – 72 Hrs Notice
Kohala Coast Adventure
- Entry Using: Printed or Mobile Voucher
- Duration: 50 Minutes
- Free Cancellation – 72 Hrs Notice
Volcano Deluxe Helicopter Tour
- Entry Using: Printed or Mobile Voucher
- Duration: 1 Hour & 45 Minutes
- Free Cancellation – 72 Hrs Notice
Discover Hilo Tour
- Entry Using: Printed or Mobile Voucher
- Duration: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
- Free Cancellation – 72 Hrs Notice
Hilo Waterfall Experience
- Entry Using: Printed or Mobile Voucher
- Duration: 55 Minutes
- Free Cancellation – 72 Hrs Notice
Kohala Hamakua Coast Helicopter Tour
- Entry Using: Printed or Mobile Voucher
- Duration: 40-45 Minutes
- Free Cancellation – 72 Hrs Notice
Big Island Spectacular
Tour Schedule
Entry: Printed or Mobile Voucher
Tour Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes (2 hours if taking a halt)
Enjoy exploring the Big Island from the sky by getting this #1 voted tour as “World’s Best Helicopter Thrill” by The Travel Channel. On this tour, you’ll get to experience a breathtaking volcanic sight and get up close to the Kilauea volcano. This volcano has been known to be regularly erupting since 1983.
The flight departs from Waikola. Since the flight is a Part 135 On-Demand Air Carrier, tour times can be adjusted according to availability or on-demand. If you want a halt and special landing at Lapahoehoe Nui, the duration may go up to 2 hours. After the landing, you’ll see the majestic waterfall, approximately 1200 ft. Please be ready always for changes in times as departure time can be changed according to seasonality.
From the top, you’ll also see the beautiful black sand beaches, the lush rainforests of the Hamakua Coast, the valleys of the Kohala Mountains, Madame Pele’s volcanic badlands, multiple sea cliffs, and lava flows.
According to FAA regulations, weight plays an important role on this tour, so make sure to share the correct weight information. If your weight is more than 240 pounds, you’ll have to purchase an adjacent empty seat, which is 50% of the regular tour price.
Kohala Coast Adventure
Tour Schedule
Entry: Printed or Mobile Voucher
Tour Duration: 50 minutes
See the most amazing views on the Big Island!
Check out the jaw-dropping Kohala coast on the island’s North Shore, where the giant sea cliffs of Waipi’o Valley open up into the deep, winding valleys of the Kohala Mountains.
On this 50-minute helicopter ride, you’ll see stunning waterfalls plunging thousands of feet into the rainforest below, with remnants of ancient Hawaiian villages still visible. This is one scenic adventure you won’t forget anytime soon!
We’ll take off from Waikoloa, where you’ll get to soak in breathtaking views of waterfalls, coastlines, and sea cliffs all over the Big Island. And don’t worry about comfort—our flight is on the state-of-the-art Eco Star Helicopter, packed with the latest tech for a smooth ride.
Volcano Deluxe Helicopter Tour
Tour Schedule
Entry: Printed or Mobile Voucher
Tour Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
On this tour, you’ll be flying above the Big Island’s active volcano! This strong volcanic landscape is just one of the island’s amazing sights, including 11 out of 13 of Earth’s climate zones of Earth. The aircraft will take you through hidden tropical valleys filled with roaring waterfalls and lush rainforests.
You’ll be seated inside an open helicopter, the WhisperSTAR. It can accommodate up to 6 passengers. The helicopter’s weight and balance change with each flight, so we need accurate weights from all passengers. Passengers over 290 lbs will need to book an extra seat for a comfortable seat in the aircraft.
As you’re seated comfortably, you’ll soar over the stunning Kohala Mountains, past Waimea’s pasture lands, and into the lush Hamakua rainforest. Experience the dramatic ocean cliffs and hidden valleys of Waimanu, Pololu, and Waipio, home to some of Hawaii’s most breathtaking views.
Discover Hilo Tour
Tour Schedule
Entry: Printed or Mobile Voucher
Tour Duration: 50 minutes
Experience the Big Island’s dynamic and ever-changing landscape on this Discover Hilo tour. You’ll witness newly formed volcanic terrain, unique black-sand beaches created by lava, and the lush rainforest of Hilo, bursting with exotic flora and fauna and majestic waterfalls.
On this helicopter tour, you’ll see stunning views of volcano lava flows and waterfalls. For an extra touch, you can add an in-flight video on USB, capturing your entire adventure with 4 HD cameras, which you’ll receive immediately after your flight.
Hilo Waterfall Experience
Tour Schedule
Entry: Printed or Mobile Voucher
Tour Duration: 55 minutes
Discover the breathtaking waterfall of the Kohala coast on the Big Island’s North Shore. As you soar above, you’ll see the towering sea cliffs of Waipi’o Valley give way to the deep, winding valleys of the Kohala Mountains, creating a stunning visual tapestry.
On this 55-minute tour, you’ll get a chance to see the sheer cliffs of Waipi’o Valley, glide over the lush, meandering valleys of the Kohala Mountains, and witness waterfalls plunging thousands of feet into the rainforest.
As you fly, look for remnants of historic Hawaiian settlements, which offer a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural past. Our expert pilots, who are State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guides, will narrate your journey, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the landscapes and history you’ll encounter.
Kohala Hamakua Coast Helicopter Tour
Tour Schedule
Entry: Printed or Mobile Voucher
Tour Duration: 40-45 minutes
You’ll absolutely get a great view as you pass through the Kohala Mountains and the South Kohala Resort coastline. This part of the Big Island is not only rich in history but also offers some of the most stunning vistas in Hawaii.
The flight will take off from Hapuna Heliport, soaring past Waimea and the vast pasture lands of Kahua and Ponoholo Ranches, all the way to the lush Hamakua rainforest. Along the way, you’ll see the dramatic ocean cliffs and hidden valleys of Waimanu, Pololu, and Waipio, packed with roaring waterfalls.
You’ll be flying the WHISPER Star Helicopter, which means more comfort and a better view of the beautiful scenes from the top. It’s truly one of the best helicopter tours I’ve been on!
Package Details
Have a look at the inclusion and tour package details to book the right package according to your plan:
Tour Name | Aircraft | Tour Details | Price |
| Big Island Spectacular | Eco-Star Helicopter | Front Seat Passenger | $939 |
General Passenger | $689 | ||
Block Seat (for passengers weighing more than 240 pounds) Inclusion:
*Children aged 24 months are considered as lap a child and won’t be charged. However, for those who are more than 24 months old, a full-fare seat needs to be purchased. | $1,038 | ||
Kohala Coast Adventure | Eco-Star Helicopter | Front Seat Passenger (Front row weight limit is 470 lbs. No lap children or those needing assistance can sit in the front.) | $539 |
General Passenger | $389 | ||
Block Seat (for passengers weighing more than 240 pounds) Inclusion:
*Children aged 24 months are considered lap children and won’t be charged. However, a full-fare seat needs to be purchased for those who are older than 24 months. | $588 | ||
| Volcano Deluxe Helicopter Tour | Whisper Star Helicopter | First Class Seat (a seat next to the pilot with extra leg and arm room) | $714 |
Open Seat (any seat can be assigned based on weight and balance) Inclusion:
*If you weigh 290 lbs or more on the Whisper STAR, you’ll need a comfort seat, which is priced at full retail. *Children aged 23 months are considered lap children and won’t be charged. However, for those who are older than two years, a full-fare seat needs to be purchased. | $639 | ||
| Discover Hilo Tour | Part 135 On-Demand Air Carrier | First Class Passengers (the weight on the first row should not exceed 470 lbs. Kids and those needing assistance cannot be seated on the front row) | $549 |
General Passengers | $399 | ||
Mandatory Comfort Seats (for passengers weighing more than 240 pounds) Inclusion:
| $598 | ||
| Hilo Waterfall Experience | Part 135 On-Demand Air Carrier | Tour price Inclusion:
| $419 |
| Kohala Hamakua Coast Helicopter Tour | Whisper Star Helicopter | First Class Seat (a seat next to the pilot with extra leg and arm room) | |
Open Seat (any seat can be assigned based on weight and balance) Inclusion:
*If you weigh 290 lbs or more on the Whisper STAR, you’ll need a comfort seat, which is priced at full retail. *Children aged 23 months are considered lap children and won’t be charged. However, for those who are older than two years, a full-fare seat needs to be purchased. | $324 |
Even though you’ll need to pay for these tours upfront, we suggest bringing some extra cash. For some tours like “Deluxe Kona Snorkel Trips & Dolphin Watch,” you might want to buy drinks or snacks on board. Most amenities are included in the package, so you can focus on having a great time in the water without any worries.
Cancellation Policy
For each tour presented here, there’s a 72-hour cancellation window that needs to be followed. 72 hours before the commencement of the tour, you need to cancel for a full refund.
A full refund is also given if the operator cancels the tour due to bad weather or any unseen situations.
We, however, do not entertain no-shows or same-day booking cancellations and do not give any refund if it is done.
Every helicopter tour mentioned is weather-dependent, so sometimes, they might get canceled. We constantly monitor the weather to ensure safety and will do our best to inform you of any changes as soon as possible.
Please note that the pilot may decide to cancel due to weather as close as 15 minutes before your flight. If your tour is canceled because of bad weather, you can either reschedule (if there’s an open spot) or receive a full refund.
Conclusion
Exploring the Big Island from the sky is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These tours offer views that simply can’t be matched from the ground. So why not elevate your vacation by booking one of these unforgettable adventures? Don’t hesitate to contact us to book a tour of your choice. Happy flying!
FAQs
Always make sure to check in 1 hour before the tour departure time. This way, we can complete a mandatory safety briefing and get everyone ready before the flight.
Yes, there are a few restriction you need to take care of.
You can bring your smartphones on the flight, but they must be set to airplane mode. Selfie sticks and extendable wands are not permitted aboard the aircraft.
For safety reasons, passengers should not bring hats, scarves, or bandanas, and larger devices like iPads or tablet computers are also not allowed.
Additionally, no purses, bags, or camera bags are permitted on the aircraft.
Snorkeling or swimming before your helicopter tour is OK, and there is no risk if you choose to do SCUBA or SNUBA after your helicopter experience.
It’s important to note that you should avoid SCUBA diving within 24 hours or SNUBA diving within 12 hours before your tour.
Please wear solid, dark-colored clothing for your Big Island helicopter tours as it reduces reflections in the windows, provides a clearer view of the stunning sights, and allows you to take better photos and videos without distractions from light-colored logos or patterns. If there is a landing site included in the tour, make sure to wear closed-toe shoes, as the land could be wet at times.
Yes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs us to weigh each passenger before takeoff to help us plan the flight better.
We don’t have a set schedule; our tours are based entirely on your request for the area, day, and time you prefer. We can fly any tour at any time you want (except at night), as long as the weather allows. To make sure you get the time slot you want, it’s a good idea to book your flight in advance.
Although our pilots work hard to make your flight as comfortable as possible, it’s a good idea to take motion sickness medication if you’re prone to it.