Oahu to Big Island : Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Hilo 1 Day Tour

The Oahu to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Hilo 1 Day Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island. Travelers can embark on a breathtaking 45-minute helicopter flight over Hilo’s volcanoes, followed by a comprehensive 4-hour ground tour that showcases the island’s natural wonders. From the mesmerizing Rainbow Falls to the captivating Thurston Lava Tube, this immersive experience promises to leave visitors in awe of Hawaii’s geological marvels. With expert guides and all entrance fees included, this tour provides an unbeatable chance to explore the heart of the Big Island’s volcanic legacy.

This experience made our list of the 23 Best Helicopter Flights And Tours In Oahu.

Key Points

• This one-day tour from Oahu to the Big Island includes a helicopter flight over Hilo’s volcanoes, such as Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
• The ground tour visits various attractions in Hilo, including the Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, and Richardson Blacksand Beach.
• Highlights of the tour include Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Kilauea Iki Crater, and Thurston Lava Tube, with all entrance fees included.
• Transportation is provided from Waimea or Waikoloa, with pickup options at Honolulu and Daniel K. Inouye International Airports.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, and an extra fee is required for travelers over 240 pounds for the helicopter ride.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This full-day tour provides visitors a comprehensive exploration of the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes and natural wonders. Highlights include a helicopter flight over Hilo’s volcanoes, visits to the Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, Richardson Blacksand Beach, Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Kilauea Iki Crater, Thurston Lava Tube, and Volcanoes National Park.

Travelers will learn about the island’s fascinating volcanology and important exports. All entrance fees are included, making this an all-encompassing experience.

From the stunning aerial views to the diverse range of activities, this tour offers an in-depth look at the Big Island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Transportation and Meeting Details

The tour provides round-trip transportation from Waimea or Waikoloa, with pickup options available at Honolulu International Airport and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Travelers will meet at the Hawaiian Airlines interisland check-in counter, and the tour departs promptly at 6:00 AM. This ensures a convenient and seamless start to the day’s adventure.

Guests can relax and let the experienced driver handle the transportation, allowing them to focus on the upcoming sights and experiences.

The meeting point at the airport check-in counter makes it easy for participants to find the group and begin their journey to the Big Island’s volcanoes and natural wonders.

Inclusions

A comprehensive package of inclusions accompanies this Big Island tour, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for participants.

Bottled water, fuel surcharge, and a 45-minute helicopter ride over Hilo’s volcanoes are all part of the tour’s offerings, providing an aerial perspective of the island’s dramatic landscapes.

Plus, the 4-hour Hilo ground tour encompasses visits to notable attractions like the Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, and several beaches and parks.

To ensure a fulfilling experience, the tour also includes all entrance fees, as well as gratuities for the knowledgeable guides.

However, a minimum of 2 people per booking is required, and travelers over 240 pounds will need to purchase an extra comfort seat for an additional fee.

Health and Safety Guidelines

While the tour includes comprehensive inclusions, it’s important to consider the health and safety guidelines for participants.

Travelers should keep in mind that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and rain gear is recommended due to the outdoor nature of the activities. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. However, most travelers can participate.

Travelers over 240 pounds will need to pay an additional $225 for an extra comfort seat on the helicopter ride.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Alongside the tour’s comprehensive inclusions, customer reviews and feedback provide valuable insights into participant experiences.

With an overall rating of 4.0 stars from 10 reviews, the tour has garnered a mix of positive and critical comments from travelers.

Passengers praised the knowledgeable guides and the extensive sightseeing opportunities. However, some complained about the tour organization, pickup timing, and occasional cancellations.

Several notable experiences were mentioned, such as witnessing the glow of lava and engaging with local experts.

While the majority of travelers were able to participate, suggestions were made for improving the itinerary organization and providing clearer communication around meal stops.

Volcano and Macadamia Nut Exploration

The tour’s volcano and macadamia nut exploration component provides visitors with an in-depth look at the Big Island’s iconic geological features and renowned agricultural products. The highlight is the 45-minute helicopter ride that soars over the Hilo region’s dramatic volcanoes, offering a bird’s-eye view of their rugged terrain and mesmerizing lava flows. On the ground, the tour visits the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, where guests can observe the production process and sample the island’s famous nuts. The itinerary also includes stops at Kilauea Iki Crater and the Thurston Lava Tube, allowing participants to enjoy the island’s volcanic wonders.

Location	Activity	Highlights
Hilo Volcanoes	45-minute helicopter ride	Bird’s-eye view of rugged terrain and lava flows
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory	Factory tour and sampling	Observe production process and taste island’s renowned nuts
Kilauea Iki Crater, Thurston Lava Tube	On-foot exploration	Immerse in the island’s volcanic wonders

Scenic Hilo Attractions

Beyond the volcanic exploration, the tour showcases Hilo’s lush natural attractions, providing visitors with a well-rounded experience of the island’s diverse landscapes.

The itinerary includes stops at iconic sites like the Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, which boasts an impressive collection of vibrant tropical flowers, and the Liliuokalani Gardens, a serene Japanese-style garden along the Hilo Bay.

Travelers can also witness the thundering Rainbow Falls, take in the black sand of Richardson Beach, and explore the remarkable Thurston Lava Tube.

These scenic wonders offer a glimpse into the island’s natural beauty, complementing the tour’s volcanic highlights and providing a holistic understanding of Hilo’s captivating features.

Flight Over Hilo’s Volcanoes

Soaring above the island’s volcanic landscape, the tour’s 45-minute helicopter ride offers travelers an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of Hilo’s awe-inspiring volcanoes. From this elevated vantage point, participants can witness firsthand the raw power and grandeur of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, as they peer into their vast craters and observe the dramatic terrain sculpted by their eruptions.

The helicopter tour provides a thrilling opportunity to:

1. Gaze upon Kilauea’s smoldering caldera and witness the glowing lava flows that have captivated visitors for centuries.

2. Admire the towering slopes of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, and appreciate the scale of these magnificent geological features.

3. Gain a deeper understanding of the island’s dynamic volcanic history and the powerful forces that continue to shape its landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Helicopter Ride?

According to the knowledge provided, there is no option to extend the helicopter ride. The tour package includes a fixed 45-minute helicopter flight over Hilo’s volcanoes, and no additional helicopter time is offered.

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

Passengers can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, but visitors are welcome to pack additional items to enjoy during the sightseeing activities and free time throughout the day.

Are There Any Additional Fees for the Photo Opportunities?

There are no additional fees for taking photos during the tour. The tour price includes all entrance fees and covers the costs of the various sightseeing activities. Travelers are welcome to take photos throughout the day at no extra charge.

Can I Reschedule or Cancel the Tour if Needed?

The tour operator generally allows participants to reschedule or cancel the tour, but there may be fees or policies to consider. Travelers should review the tour’s cancellation and rescheduling policies prior to booking to understand the options available.

Is There a Discount for Booking as a Larger Group?

There’s no explicit group discount mentioned, but the tour requires a minimum of 2 people per booking. Larger groups may benefit from shared transportation and tour costs, resulting in a lower per-person price. It’s best to inquire about group rates when booking.

Recap

This full-day tour from Oahu to the Big Island offers travelers an exceptional opportunity to experience the island’s volcanic landscapes.

The helicopter flight over Hilo’s volcanoes provides a thrilling aerial perspective, while the ground tour showcases the region’s natural wonders, including Rainbow Falls and the Thurston Lava Tube.

With knowledgeable guides and all entrance fees included, this tour delivers an immersive and well-rounded exploration of the Big Island’s geological marvels.