Maui to Big Island : Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Ground Tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Maui to Hawaii’s Big Island with the Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Ground Tour. This comprehensive experience offers a unique blend of aerial and ground exploration, immersing you in the geological wonders of Kilauea volcano and the natural beauty of Hilo. Soar over the lava flows and craters in a thrilling 45-minute helicopter ride, then explore the island’s cultural treasures as you discover the serene Liliuokalani Gardens and the powerful Rainbow Falls. Get ready to be captivated by the raw power and breathtaking landscapes that make the Big Island a true natural wonder.

Key Points

• This tour offers a comprehensive experience focusing on Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, including a morning island-hopper flight and 45-minute helicopter tour.
• The ground tour visits Hilo’s highlights such as Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Tsunami Museum.
• Roundtrip airfare from Maui to the Big Island, the 45-minute helicopter tour, and the 4-hour ground tour are all included in the pricing.
• The tour is limited to 12 travelers for a personalized experience, with an extra comfort seat option available for travelers over 240 pounds.
• Confirmation is subject to availability, and the helicopter portion may be canceled due to weather or safety concerns, with a $350 refund per person offered.

Tour Overview and Highlights

What makes the Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour a must-do experience? This tour from Maui to the Big Island focuses on Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano.

It includes a morning island-hopper flight to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a 45-minute helicopter tour over Kilauea’s lava, craters, and steam. The ground tour also visits Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and other Hilo highlights.

Limited to 12 travelers, this personalized experience offers an up-close look at the dramatic volcanic landscape. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour delivers an unparalleled glimpse into the power and beauty of Hawaii’s volcanic forces.

Inclusions and Pricing

The Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour package includes round-trip airfare from Maui to the Big Island, a 45-minute helicopter tour over Kilauea’s captivating volcanic features, and a 4-hour ground tour of Hilo’s highlights. Bottled water and gratuities are provided, and the price starts from $1,399.99, though an additional $225 is required for an extra comfort seat for travelers over 240 pounds. The package is non-refundable, and confirmation is subject to availability within 48 hours.

Inclusions	Duration	Price
Airfare	N/A	Included
Helicopter Tour	45 minutes	Included
Ground Tour	4 hours	Included
Bottled Water	N/A	Included
Gratuities	N/A	Included
Extra Comfort Seat	N/A	$225

Meeting and Pickup Information

Travelers meet at Kahului Airport, located at 1 Keolani Pl, Kahului, HI 96732, USA.

They’re required to check in for their flight 90 minutes prior to departure to obtain their return boarding pass.

At the Hilo airport, participants check in for the helicopter portion of the tour.

The tour guide will meet the group at baggage claim D.

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.

Additional Information and Requirements

Upon receiving confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability, travelers should be aware of the tour’s requirements.

Covered shoes are recommended, as temperatures in the park can drop to 40°F. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers are allowed, provided travelers bring their own infant seats. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

The experience may not be suitable for everyone:

• The helicopter portion may be canceled due to weather or safety concerns.
• Travelers over 240 pounds will need to purchase an extra comfort seat at an additional cost.
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
• Infants must be held during the tour.

Cancellation and Safety Policies

Helicopter portions may be canceled due to weather or safety concerns, in which case a $350 refund per person will be provided.

Most travelers can participate in the tour, as safety measures are in place. The tour is approved by the US Department of Transportation and the State of Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission.

Travelers are advised to dress appropriately, as temperatures in the park can drop to 40°F.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed with the use of personal infant seats. Infants must sit on laps during the flight.

Exploring Kilauea Volcano

Exploring the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, offers a captivating aerial perspective. The 45-minute helicopter tour takes guests on a breathtaking journey over the volcano’s lava flows, steaming craters, and dramatic landscapes. From the sky, the sheer power and scale of this geologic wonder come into vivid focus.

• Witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava as it seeps and oozes across the earth’s surface.

• Marvel at the towering plumes of steam erupting from Kilauea’s caldera, a testament to the volcano’s relentless activity.

• Gain a unique bird’s-eye view of the intricate network of fissures and crevices that define the volcano’s rugged terrain.

• Appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of this primal, ever-changing landscape that has captivated visitors for centuries.

Breathtaking Helicopter Tour

The 45-minute helicopter tour offers guests a breathtaking aerial perspective of Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano.

Soaring over the volcanic landscape, visitors witness Kilauea’s lava flows, steaming craters, and dramatic cliffs. The tour provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the raw power and beauty of this natural wonder.

Guests are treated to an up-close look at the dynamic volcanic processes that shape the Big Island. With the helicopter’s agility, the tour can access areas inaccessible by ground, giving travelers an exclusive glimpse into Kilauea’s inner workings.

This aerial adventure complements the comprehensive ground tour, offering a complete and unforgettable experience exploring the majesty of Hawaii’s volcanoes.

Discovering Hilo’s Wonders

Beyond the aerial wonder of the volcanic landscapes, the ground tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Hilo’s natural and cultural treasures.

Guests will discover the serene Liliuokalani Gardens, a stunning Japanese-style oasis adorned with pagodas and koi ponds.

Next, they’ll witness the natural power of Rainbow Falls, where an 80-foot cascade tumbles through a lush, green grotto.

The tour also visits:

• The dramatic Boiling Pots, where the Wailuku River churns and boils
• The historic Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, showcasing Hawai’i’s marine ecosystems
• The vibrant farmer’s market, brimming with fresh local produce and delicacies
• The iconic Tsunami Museum, honoring the island’s resilience in the face of nature’s forces

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is limited to 12 travelers for a personalized experience. This small group size allows for a more intimate and customized experience during the excursion.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Helicopter Portion?

The tour has an additional charge of $225 for persons over 240 pounds to accommodate the extra comfort seat required for the 45-minute helicopter portion of the tour.

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

No, outside food and drinks are not permitted on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, and passengers are advised to dress appropriately for the park’s temperature changes. All food and additional purchases are the responsibility of the traveler.

Are There Any Health/Physical Requirements for Participants?

There are some physical requirements for participants. Travelers over 240 pounds require an extra comfort seat at an additional cost. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though strollers with infant seats are allowed.

Is It Possible to Extend the Length of the Helicopter Tour?

The length of the helicopter tour cannot be extended. The tour package includes a 45-minute helicopter tour that is not customizable. Any requests to extend the duration would incur additional costs beyond the advertised price.

Recap

Set out on a captivating journey to the Big Island, where the power of Kilauea’s volcanic landscapes and Hilo’s natural treasures unfold. From the exhilarating aerial views of the helicopter tour to the immersive exploration on the ground, this adventure offers an unparalleled perspective on the island’s geologic and cultural wonders.