Taking a helicopter tour on Hawaii’s Big Island is simply your best bet for experiencing this remarkable volcanic landscape. Quick-hitting tours of 100-120 minutes from Kona pack serious punch, giving you a front-row seat to Kilauea’s volcanic activity, thundering waterfalls, and dense tropical valleys. The Doors-Off Adventure stands out as especially thrilling – trust me, nothing beats feeling that warm Pacific breeze while hovering above active lava flows. These tours aren’t cheap, but skilled pilots doubling as guides make every minute count with fascinating geological and cultural insights. Excellent safety records and consistently high ratings (93% recommendation rate) confirm these aerial tours deliver the goods. Let’s check out the top flight experiences worth your time and money.
Key Points
- The Big Island offers a variety of helicopter tour options, including the Kona Tour, Big Island Volcano Deluxe, Hilo Lava and Rainforests, and Kohala Waterfalls Tour.
- Tours provide stunning aerial views of Kilauea Volcano, cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, and cultural landmarks, with high satisfaction and recommendation rates from customers.
- Experienced pilots ensure passenger safety through strict weight and safety guidelines, regular helicopter maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols.
- Exclusive experiences are available, such as small group tours, landing tours, and video/photo packages, catering to diverse traveler needs and interests.
- Weather conditions may lead to tour cancellations, but the tour operators offer flexible policies and communication features to keep customers informed.
Kona: Experience Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tour
Soaring over the Big Island’s diverse landscapes, the Kona: Experience Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tour offers travelers an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the island’s natural wonders.
This highly-rated tour, recommended by 93% of travelers, takes guests on a 100-120 minute journey, showcasing the island’s most captivating features. Guests can expect to fly over the active Kilauea volcano, tropical waterfalls, and the dramatic Waipio Valley cliffs.
The tour also provides glimpses of macadamia nut orchards, marine life, and humpback whales during the right seasons. Equipped with two-way headsets and sliding windows for optimal photography, the tour is a must-do for anyone seeking a unique perspective of Hawaii’s Big Island.
Read our full review: Kona: Experience Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tour Review
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Big Island Volcano Deluxe Helicopter Tour
Departing from The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, the Big Island Volcano Deluxe Helicopter Tour whisks travelers over the island’s diverse landscapes, offering unparalleled vistas of Hawaii’s natural wonders.
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 265 reviews, the tour is recommended by 92% of travelers and can accommodate up to 6 passengers.
Highlights include professional narration, custom-built recording systems, and the opportunity to purchase HD video and souvenir photos.
While seating arrangements can affect visibility, the overall experience is described as unforgettable, with stunning views of volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastlines.
Passengers should note weight restrictions and arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure for a ground safety briefing.
Read our full review: Big Island Volcano Deluxe Helicopter Tour Review
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Hilo: Helicopter Lava and Rainforests Adventure
The Hilo: Helicopter Lava and Rainforests Adventure offers aerial exploration of the Big Island’s diverse landscapes. Rated 4.5 stars, the tour provides stunning views of volcanic features, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls.
Pilots offer live commentary to enhance the experience. With multiple departure times and optional seating upgrades, the tour caters to various preferences.
While the meeting point is conveniently located, safety regulations limit passengers to 20 per flight and require weight restrictions.
Though some customers reported scheduling issues, most praised the tour’s breathtaking scenery and knowledgeable pilots.
Weather-related cancellations are handled professionally, with rescheduling or refund options provided.
Read our full review: Hilo: Helicopter Lava and Rainforests Adventure Review
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Hilo: Doors-Off Helicopter Lava and Rainforests Adventure
The Doors-Off Helicopter Lava and Rainforests Adventure in Hilo offers travelers a thrilling aerial exploration of the Big Island’s diverse landscapes.
During this 4-star rated tour, passengers soar over iconic natural wonders like Kilauea volcano, Rainbow Falls, and lush rainforests. The FAA-certified pilot provides live commentary and 2-way communication, allowing guests to ask questions throughout the flight.
While the tight seating in the front may pose issues for some, the tour’s overall positive reviews highlight its ability to deliver awe-inspiring views of Hawaii’s volcanic activity and verdant scenery.
With multiple daily departures, this adventure is a must-do for visitors seeking a unique helicopter experience on the Big Island.
Read our full review: Hilo: Doors-Off Helicopter Lava and Rainforests Adventure Review
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Waimea: Doors-Off Helicopter Tour of Kohala Valleys & Waterfalls
What sets the Waimea: Doors-Off Helicopter Tour of Kohala Valleys & Waterfalls apart is its ability to whisk travelers on an unforgettable aerial adventure over the Big Island’s lush northern region.
This open-door helicopter flight offers breathtaking views of towering waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and the birthplace of King Kamehameha.
With a maximum capacity of 4 passengers, the tour provides an intimate experience accompanied by live commentary from the FAA-certified pilot.
Travelers depart from the Waimea-Kohala Airport and can expect a flight duration between 25-35 minutes, subject to weather conditions.
Despite weight and age restrictions, this tour is a must-do for adventure-seekers seeking an unparalleled perspective of Hawaii’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Waimea: Doors-Off Helicopter Tour of Kohala Valleys & Waterfalls Review
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Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour
Soaring over the Big Island’s diverse landscapes, the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour takes travelers on a captivating aerial adventure.
With a 4.8-star rating and a 95% recommendation rate, this tour provides a unique perspective of Hawaii’s natural wonders. Equipped with Bose noise-cancelling headsets and two-way communication with the pilot, guests can enjoy an informative and engaging flight above volcanoes, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls.
The tour’s state-certified pilots ensure a safe and memorable experience. While weight restrictions may impact some participants, the tour’s wheelchair accessibility and flexible cancellation policy cater to a wide range of travelers.
With stunning scenery and highly rated crew, the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour is a must-do for visitors seeking an aerial exploration of the island’s breathtaking landscapes.
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Exclusive Landing With Spectacular Big Island Helicopter Tour
Offering an exclusive landing experience, the Spectacular Big Island Helicopter Tour showcases the island’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Rated an impressive 4.9 stars from 25 reviews, this tour provides scenic views of lush greenery, volcanic activity, and tropical valleys.
The highlight is the pilot’s landing at a unique spot, allowing passengers to enjoy the views of a freshwater pool and waterfall set in a rainforest backdrop – perfect for capturing memorable photos.
With top-notch amenities like Bose noise-cancelling headsets and an expert pilot, this tour delivers an unforgettable experience.
While some have noted concerns over pricing and communication, the overall consensus is that this is a remarkable and worthwhile “tour of a lifetime”.
Read our full review: Exclusive Landing With Spectacular Big Island Helicopter Tour Review
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Kohala Waterfalls & Valleys Helicopter Tour
The Kohala Waterfalls & Valleys Helicopter Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the enchanting landscapes of Hawaii’s Big Island.
This 45-minute aerial adventure boasts breathtaking views of sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforest-clad headlands. Guests will soar over the Kohala Mountains and ancient Hawaiian settlements, enjoying magnificent ocean vistas along the way.
With a maximum of six passengers, the small-group experience ensures personalized attention from the state-certified pilot guides. Equipped with Bose noise-cancelling headsets, travelers can communicate directly with the pilots while seeing this unforgettable journey.
The tour’s 100% recommendation rating and Badge of Excellence attest to its exceptional quality, making it a must-do for visitors seeking an unforgettable Big Island helicopter experience.
Read our full review: Kohala Waterfalls & Valleys Helicopter Tour Review
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Kohala Waterfalls With Exclusive Landing Helicopter Tour
An unparalleled aerial adventure awaits guests on the Kohala Waterfalls With Exclusive Landing Helicopter Tour.
With a 100% recommendation rate from travelers, this tour offers breathtaking views of deep valleys and towering waterfalls reminiscent of Jurassic Park. Certified pilots guide guests in Bose noise-cancelling headsets, with the option to purchase in-flight video and photo packages.
While the tour is considered expensive, reviewers emphasize it’s a must-do activity, praising the professional and knowledgeable pilots.
With a weight limit of 240 lbs per passenger and wheelchair accessibility, the tour caters to diverse travelers.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now, pay later options make booking convenient.
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Kona: Kohala Coast & Waterfalls Helicopter Tour
Soaring above the Kohala Coast, the Kona: Kohala Coast & Waterfalls Helicopter Tour promises an awe-inspiring aerial exploration of Hawaii’s Big Island.
This 60-minute excursion delights guests with stunning views of the Kohala Valley, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. With a maximum group size of 6, passengers can capture breathtaking photographs while the FAA-certified pilots provide expert commentary.
Adhering to strict weight and safety guidelines, the tour ensures a thrilling yet comfortable experience. Overwhelmingly recommended by previous travelers, this tour offers a unique perspective of the island’s natural beauty.
While weather conditions may occasionally cause cancellations, the tour’s consistently high ratings suggest an unforgettable journey awaits.
Read our full review: Kona: Kohala Coast & Waterfalls Helicopter Tour Review
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The Sum Up
The Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of helicopter tours that allow visitors to experience the island’s stunning natural beauty. From volcano and rainforest adventures to waterfalls and valleys, these tours provide a unique aerial perspective and the opportunity to access remote and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you choose a doors-off or a more traditional flight, these helicopter excursions are sure to be a highlight of any trip to the Big Island.