Helicopter Tours on the Big Island

Helicopter tours on the Big Island represent the pinnacle of exploration on a vacation to Hawaii. You’ll soar over the volcanic landscapes, admiring the jungle-clad valleys and plummeting waterfalls from a new perspective.

Much of the island’s interior is inaccessible, which makes an aerial tour so rewarding. You’ll learn about the active geology of Hawaii and fly by famous volcanoes like Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Make sure you keep your camera handy!

Up next, you can check out our helpful guide on helicopter tours, one of the most exciting outdoor activities on the Big Island.

What types of Big Island helicopter tours are available?

Big Island sightseeing helicopter tours

On these flights, you’ll get to see what Hawaii is all about. At the heart of the tour are the volcanoes, while all around the lush rainforest lies green and mysterious, carpeting the island in nature. Most helicopter trips in Hawaii are on a shared basis, but private experiences are available if you want to pay for all the seats.

On arrival at the heliport, you’ll be given a short flight briefing, so you know what to expect on your tour. You’ll also meet your fellow passengers who will be accompanying you on this epic mission. For safety reasons, all guests will be weighed before boarding the aircraft.

The adventure begins as soon as you take off, with instant views of the surrounding mountains and jungles. Your pilot will fly along the coast as well as over the interior, offering live commentary along the way.

Big Island helicopter flight highlights include the Hamakua Coast, the Kohala Mountains and of course the iconic volcanoes. You’ll see steam vents and molten lava streams around Kilauea, which has been continually erupting for decades. Flying by Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea just adds to the excitement.

The black sand beaches and coastal rainforests offer a bit of contrast, while impenetrable valleys will make you think you’re in Jurassic Park. Watch out for those dinosaurs!

All too soon the tour is over, and you’ll be dropped back at the heliport, ready for your onward explorations.

Doors-off helicopter flights on the Big Island

Get up close and personal with dramatic cliffs and steamy rainforests on a doors-off helicopter tour over an active volcano in Hawaii. These flights take the experience to a whole new level and will have your adrenaline pumping in no time.

After a short briefing at the helicopter base, it’s time to clamber on board and take your seat. Upgrades are sometimes available if you want to guarantee a window seat for the best views. Once you’re firmly strapped in, the pilot will take off, whisking you away on a magical aerial adventure. It will be windy with the doors off, so remember to dress warmly and tie your hair back.

You’ll soar over volcanic craters, lava flows and jungle, all while chatting to the pilot through your headset. There will be live commentary throughout all Big Island helicopter tours to help you understand what you’re seeing down below.

Some of the highlights during these excursions can include the towering waterfalls of Kohala’s valleys, the Wailuku River and the majestic Kilauea Volcano.

After whooping your way through the skies above this green and mystical land, you’ll return to the heliport full of wonder. If you’ve booked a morning trip, then you’ll have time for another activity like snorkeling or a boat tour in the afternoon.

What are the prices of helicopter tours on the Big Island?

Scenic helicopter tours on the Big Island cost US$500 per person for a 1-hour ride and US$770 for 2 hours. There will be about six passengers on the excursion, so it remains quite a personal experience. Wherever you sit, you’ll be able to enjoy the views out over the island.

Doors off Big Island helicopter flights are priced at US$500 per passenger for an hour and US$400 for 30 minutes in the air. As with the scenic flights, you will be sharing the trip with a small number of other travelers.

Some tours allow you to upgrade to a window seat on arrival, although this is subject to availability as passengers are seated according to weight.

What is included?

You don’t need much for helicopter flights on the Big Island, just yourself, your camera and a sense of adventure. Here’s what will be included in your tour:

• Certified helicopter pilot who is often also a qualified tour guide.
• Noise-canceling headsets and two-way microphones so you can communicate with the pilot.
• Live commentary throughout the flight.

Operators do not offer hotel pickups so you will need to travel to the start point under your own steam. All heliports are easily accessible by road.

Some providers offer in-flight video and photo packages for an additional fee after your ride.

Where do helicopter tours on the Big Island start?

Hotel transfers are not included on the Big Island helicopter tours, so your trip will begin at the designated helicopter base. You can drive there or get a taxi from your hotel.

Popular starting points include the heliports at Waikoloa, Kona Airport, Hilo and the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. All are located near the main tourist areas around the island’s coastal settlements.

What is the typical duration of helicopter tours on the Big Island?

Helicopter tours in Hawaii tend to last between 1 and 2 hours. This includes a briefing on the ground before departure.

You’ll usually have up to an hour in the air, which is ample time to take in the lush, volcanic landscape unfolding below. Some flights last a bit longer, which is reflected in the cost.

When is the best time to go on a helicopter tour on the Big Island?

Helicopter trips on the Big Island operate during mornings and afternoons, but the ultimate time for a flight is early in the day. This is when you’ll experience the best light conditions and the most settled weather. It’s usually less cloudy in the mornings, which is important for viewing that jaw-dropping scenery.

Try and book a tour for your first day on the island, to help you get your bearings. This will also give you some leeway should the tour have to be rescheduled in the event of poor weather.

Are helicopter tours on the Big Island safe?

Yes, helicopter tours on the Big Island are a safe activity to enjoy during your vacation. The qualified pilots will ensure a smooth flight, and if the weather conditions are not favorable, the trip will be postponed.

Those who suffer from vertigo and travelers with heart conditions are advised not to take a helicopter tour. Consult your medical advisor if you are unsure.

There is usually a weight limit of 108 kilograms per guest to balance the aircraft. An adjacent empty seat can be purchased if required – this can be arranged after booking.

Can children join Big Island helicopter tours?

Absolutely! This is a great family adventure, and everyone is welcome.

Children under 23 months are required to sit on the lap of an adult and can travel free of charge. Travelers aged 2 years and above must purchase a seat.

Is it possible to choose seats on the helicopter?

Seats are allocated by the operator according to passenger weight. This is to ensure that the helicopter is perfectly balanced for a smooth and safe ride.

If you have a particular seating preference, ask the staff and they will do their best to accommodate you.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Hawaii helicopter flights can only operate in good weather. If your trip is canceled, you’ll be offered an alternative date or given a full refund. For that reason, try and book your experience toward the start of your visit just in case the date needs to be changed.

Which other outdoor activities are popular on the Big Island?

• Snorkeling
• Boat tours
• Manta ray snorkeling
• Mauna Kea stargazing
• Whale watching
• Zip lining
• Hiking trails
• Dolphin watching
• Scuba diving

Travel tips

• Hawaii helicopter tours are a popular outing on the Big Island, so book your seats as soon as you know your schedule to avoid missing out.
• Check-in is 1 hour before the flight. Remember to take your passport or ID for registration.
• If you’ve been scuba diving in Hawaii, you’ll need to wait 24 hours before going on a helicopter tour.
• Bags and selfie sticks are not allowed in the helicopter so leave these at the office.