Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour

The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour offers adventurous travelers a chance to soar over Hawaii’s captivating landscapes. From the comfort of a state-of-the-art helicopter, guests can witness the dynamic interplay of volcanic activity, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls that define the island’s natural wonders. With expert pilot narration and noise-cancelling headsets, the tour provides an unparalleled perspective not found on the ground. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this aerial adventure promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the island’s boundless beauty and geological marvels.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Helicopter Flights And Tours In Big Island of Hawaii.

Key Points

• Comprehensive aerial exploration of Hawaii’s Big Island, including dramatic landscapes like bubbling lava flows and lush rainforests.
• Panoramic views and expert pilot narration provided through the use of noise-cancelling headsets and wide viewing windows.
• Access to the island’s most breathtaking sights, including active volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and the contrast between volcanic and tropical landscapes.
• Inclusion of all fees and taxes, with optional USB in-flight video and photo packages for capturing unforgettable memories.
• Consistently high customer ratings, FAA Diamond Award for maintenance, and a commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Overview of the Tour

This helicopter tour offers a captivating aerial exploration of Hawaii’s Big Island, showcasing its dramatic landscapes, from the bubbling lava of volcanoes to the lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls of the Kohala Mountains.

Unlike ground-based tours, this helicopter ride allows you to witness the island’s diverse natural wonders in a single journey, providing a comprehensive perspective that would be impossible to achieve any other way.

From the emerald-green valleys to the rugged coastlines, the tour’s panoramic views are simply breathtaking. With the pilot’s expert narration and the use of state-of-the-art noise-cancelling headsets, passengers can fully enjoy this unforgettable aerial adventure over the Big Island’s incredible landscapes.

Helicopter Features and Equipment

The tour’s premier helicopters boast wide viewing windows, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the island’s breathtaking vistas. Passengers are also equipped with Bose Aviation-grade, electronic noise-cancelling headsets, which enhance the audio experience and enable two-way communication with the pilot. The onboard Pilot Guides are State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guides, ensuring a wealth of local knowledge and expertise throughout the tour.

Feature	Description
Viewing Windows	Wide, panoramic windows for optimal sightseeing
Noise-Cancelling Headsets	Bose Aviation-grade, electronic headsets for clear audio
Communication	Two-way communication with the pilot
Pilot Guides	State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guides

Sights and Attractions Visited

On this helicopter tour, passengers soar over Hawaii’s diverse natural wonders, including the bubbling lava flows of active volcanoes, the lush rainforests of the Kohala Mountains, and the cascading waterfalls that dot the island’s interior.

From the air, visitors can marvel at the stunning contrast between the volcanic landscape and the verdant, tropical foliage that blankets much of the Big Island.

Whether it’s the steam rising from Kilauea’s crater or the winding rivers carving through deep ravines, this helicopter tour provides unparalleled access to Hawaii’s most breathtaking sights.

With the pilot’s expert narration, passengers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the island’s unique geological features and ecosystems.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The Big Island helicopter tour includes all fees and taxes, with optional USB in-flight video and photo packages available for purchase after the flight.

Passengers will enjoy premier helicopters with wide viewing windows and use of Bose aviation-grade, electronic noise-canceling headsets that allow for two-way communication with the pilot. The tour is piloted by guides who are also State of Hawaii certified tour guides.

Transportation to and from the helipad isn’t included, but guests are asked to check-in one hour prior to the tour time. There’s a 240-lb weight limit per passenger, and an additional seat is required for guests over 240 lbs at half-price. Children 23 months and younger fly for free.

Booking and Passenger Details

Before embarking on the helicopter tour, passengers must check in at least one hour prior to the scheduled departure time. Guests are subject to a 240-lb weight limit per passenger, with an additional seat required for those exceeding this limit at half-price. Children 23 months and younger can fly complimentarily.

The booking process is straightforward:

1. Reserve your spot online or by phone, providing the necessary passenger details.
2. Arrive at the check-in area at least one hour before the tour start time.
3. Check in with the staff, who’ll weigh and confirm the passenger details.
4. Once cleared, board the premier helicopter and enjoy the stunning aerial views of the Big Island.

Weight and Age Restrictions

Passengers must not exceed a total weight of 240 lbs per person for the helicopter tour. An additional seat is required for guests over this limit, charged at half-price.

Age	Weight Limit
23 months and younger	Complimentary
2 years and older	240 lbs

Children 23 months and younger can join the tour for free. For all other passengers, the weight restriction is 240 lbs. If a guest exceeds this limit, an additional seat must be purchased at half the regular price. These guidelines ensure a comfortable and safe experience for everyone on board the helicopter.

Ratings and Recognition

This helicopter tour has consistently earned high praise, boasting 44 glowing reviews and a prestigious Badge of Excellence. On top of that, the company has maintained the FAA Diamond Award for its maintenance technicians since 1998, underscoring its commitment to safety and operational excellence.

The tour’s outstanding performance and reputation are further evidenced by:

1. Consistently earning top ratings from customers, with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
2. Recognition for excellence by industry authorities, such as the Badge of Excellence award.
3. Dedicated focus on safety, as demonstrated by the FAA Diamond Award for maintenance.
4. A track record of providing unforgettable aerial experiences to thousands of satisfied guests.

Transportation Options

While the helicopter tour includes all necessary fees and taxes, transportation to the departure location isn’t provided, leaving visitors to arrange their own means of getting there. Fortunately, the Big Island offers a variety of options to reach the helipad:

Transportation Option	Pros	Cons
Rental Car	Flexibility, convenience	Cost, parking
Taxi/Rideshare	Hassle-free	Price per ride
Public Bus	Budget-friendly	Less direct routes
Hotel Shuttle	Complimentary	Limited availability
Private Transfer	Tailored service	Higher cost

Regardless of the method chosen, advance planning is recommended to ensure a seamless start to the helicopter adventure over the Big Island’s stunning landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the helicopter tour. The tour company provides a safe and enjoyable experience by controlling the on-board environment. Passengers should check with the operator for any specific policies.

What Emergency Procedures Are in Place on the Helicopter?

The helicopter has rigorous safety protocols in place, including well-maintained aircraft, pilot training, and emergency equipment. Passengers receive pre-flight safety briefings and can communicate with the pilot during the flight using noise-cancelling headsets.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the helicopter tour. The tour includes USB in-flight video and photo packages that can be purchased after the flight, allowing passengers to capture the stunning aerial views of the Big Island.

Can I Request a Specific Pilot or Helicopter?

Passengers generally cannot request a specific pilot or helicopter for the tour. The tour operator assigns pilots and helicopters based on availability and operational needs. However, customers can request certain helicopter features like wide viewing windows.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy varies, but most tours allow full refunds for cancelations made at least 24-48 hours in advance. Last-minute cancelations may incur fees or require rebooking. Customers should review the policy prior to booking.

Recap

The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled aerial adventure, showcasing Hawaii’s diverse landscapes in comprehensive detail.

Featuring state-of-the-art helicopters, expert pilot narration, and a focus on safety, this tour provides an unforgettable experience not achievable through ground-based exploration.

From active volcanoes to lush rainforests, passengers can witness the island’s breathtaking natural wonders in a wholly unique and immersive way.