Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour

Discover Hilo’s breathtaking natural beauty from a unique aerial perspective with the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour. This tour offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines. Flown by expert state-certified pilots, passengers can enjoy the spacious ECO-Star or A-Star helicopters, with maximum groups of six travelers. While the highlights are undoubtedly stunning, the tour also provides insights into the region’s geological and ecological wonders. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking a fresh perspective, this helicopter adventure promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• Experience breathtaking aerial views of Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, including waterfalls, craters, and coastlines, with possible glimpses of active volcanoes.
• Choose between two helicopter models, the ECO-Star or A-Star, with varying seating styles and viewing areas to suit your preferences.
• Enjoy knowledgeable commentary from state-certified pilots through noise-canceling headphones as you soar above the island’s natural wonders.
• The tour accommodates a wide range of travelers, including those with accessibility needs, and includes round-trip transportation to the heliport.
• Prices start from $482.90 per person, with morning and afternoon flight options available, and cancellations permitted up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Overview

A Hilo Helicopter Tour offers visitors the chance to experience Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes from a bird’s-eye view.

Flights are available in the morning and afternoon, with a maximum of 6 travelers per tour for a personalized experience. State-certified pilots provide insightful commentary through noise-canceling headphones.

The tour showcases stunning views of waterfalls, craters, and coastlines, with possible glimpses of volcanic activity.

Passengers can choose between the spacious ECO-Star or the more compact A-Star helicopter, both equipped with ample viewing glass.

Onboard video and photo packages are available for purchase, along with round-trip transportation to the heliport.

Helicopter Options

Passengers on the Hilo Helicopter Tour can choose between two helicopter models – the ECO-Star and the A-Star.

The ECO-Star features a spacious interior with over 60 square feet of viewing glass and theater-style seating for a more immersive experience.

In contrast, the A-Star has a bench-style layout with 50 square feet of viewing glass.

The key differences are:

1. Interior space: ECO-Star’s 60+ sq ft vs A-Star’s 50 sq ft.
2. Seating: ECO-Star’s theater-style vs A-Star’s bench-style.
3. Viewing area: ECO-Star’s 60+ sq ft glass vs A-Star’s 50 sq ft.
4. Passenger capacity: Both have a maximum of 6 travelers.

Scenic Highlights

The helicopter tour provides breathtaking views of Hawaii’s natural wonders. Soaring over the island, passengers enjoy panoramic vistas of cascading waterfalls, towering volcanic craters, and the stunning coastline.

Depending on conditions, the tour may offer a glimpse of Kilauea or Mauna Loa’s volcanic activity, an awe-inspiring sight. The spacious ECO-Star helicopter features ample viewing glass, allowing passengers to take in the full scope of the landscape below.

Even on clear days, the bird’s-eye perspective reveals details impossible to see from the ground, creating an unforgettable experience over Hawaii’s dramatic volcanic terrain.

Accessibility Considerations

Although the Hilo Helicopter Tour is primarily an aerial experience, the operator has made accommodations to ensure accessibility for a wide range of travelers.

The tour offers the following accessibility features:

1. Wheelchair accessibility with a lift available for boarding the helicopter.
2. No age restrictions, with children under 24 months flying free as lap children.
3. A weight limit of 240 lbs per passenger, with an adjacent empty seat required for heavier guests at an additional cost.
4. A 45-minute check-in prior to departure to allow time for safety briefings and seating arrangements.

Booking Details

Booking the Hilo Helicopter Tour is a straightforward process, with pricing starting from $482.90 per person.

Customers can choose between morning or afternoon flight options, with the tour duration varying accordingly. The experience is limited to 6 travelers, ensuring a personalized journey.

Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours before the tour, and the company offers rescheduling or full refunds in case of poor weather conditions.

Transportation to and from the heliport, as well as parking fees, are included in the tour price. Guests can purchase in-flight video and photo packages during the booking process.

Cancellation and Weather Policy

Customers can freely cancel their Hilo Helicopter Tour reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If the tour is canceled due to inclement weather, customers will be provided with the following options:

1. Rescheduling the tour for another available date.
2. Receiving a full refund for the reservation.
3. Applying the paid amount towards a future tour at no additional cost.
4. Opting for a credit voucher to be used for a later date.

The tour operator prioritizes safety and won’t operate flights in poor weather conditions, ensuring a memorable and safe experience for all participants.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

The Hilo Helicopter Tour has consistently received high praise from customers, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 91 reviews.

Passengers commonly applaud the knowledgeable and friendly pilots, who provide insightful commentary via noise-canceling headphones. The breathtaking views of waterfalls, craters, and the coastline have also won over many travelers.

However, some guests felt the experience was slightly overpriced relative to the visibility of volcanic activity, and suggested offering longer flight options.

Getting to the Heliport

Travelers can arrive at the Hilo Helicopter Tour heliport with ease. The heliport is conveniently located just a short drive from downtown Hilo.

Visitors have several options for getting to the site:

1. Self-drive and take advantage of the $10 USD parking fee at the heliport.
2. Utilize the complimentary transportation service provided by the tour operator, which picks up from select Hilo hotels.
3. Arrange a private transfer or rideshare to the heliport for a seamless arrival.
4. Join a shared shuttle service that transports participants from various pickup locations around Hilo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Request a Specific Seat on the Helicopter?

While specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed, the tour operator accommodates passengers’ preferences when possible. Guests should arrive early to check-in and discuss any seating needs with the staff prior to boarding the helicopter.

How Experienced Are the Pilots in Navigating Volcanic Terrain?

The pilots are highly experienced in navigating volcanic terrain. They’re state-certified tour guides who provide commentary via noise-canceling headphones, ensuring a safe and informative aerial exploration of Hawaii’s active volcanoes.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children to Participate?

The tour has no minimum age requirement, though children under 24 months fly free as lap children. Older children are welcome, but parents should ensure they can safely participate in the helicopter tour experience.

Can We Bring Our Own Camera Equipment on the Tour?

Passengers are welcome to bring their own camera equipment on the helicopter tour. However, USB in-flight video and photo packages are also available for purchase to capture the breathtaking views from the aircraft.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration for an additional fee. Customers can choose from morning or afternoon flights, and they may be able to book a longer flight by paying an extra charge.

Recap

The Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and coastlines. With expert pilots, spacious helicopters, and the option to capture the stunning vistas on video and photo, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour is a must-do experience that will leave you in awe of Hawaii’s natural wonders.