Best Helicopter Tours in Big Island
Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coastline β See HawaiΚ»i Island From the Sky
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Written by a Local Expert
Leilani AkoOn This Page
Big Island helicopter tours make it easy to see more of HawaiΚ»i Island in less time. Flights depart from Hilo, Kona, and Waikoloa, with options that highlight volcanoes, waterfalls, valleys, rainforests, sea cliffs, and coastal scenery. Whether you want a shorter sightseeing flight or a longer air tour with broader island coverage, there are Big Island helicopter tours that fit different travel plans and departure areas.
Top-Rated Helicopter Tours Β· Big Island
Ready to See the Big Island From Above?
Handpicked by Leilani Ako
Top Big Island Helicopter Tours
Volcanoes National Park Safari
55 min Β· Volcano Focus Β· Narrated
Big Island Spectacular Tour
105 min Β· Full Island Β· Longest Route
Big Island Private Helicopter
2 hours Β· Private Β· Exclusive Access
Prices vary by season and availability Β· All tours narrated by local pilots
πΏ Big Island Helicopter Tours From Hilo
Hilo is a great starting point for guests who want to focus on the volcano side of the island. These flights highlight lava-shaped landscapes, lush forests, waterfalls, and the dramatic beauty of East HawaiΚ»i.
Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour
This 50-minute flight is a good choice for guests who want a shorter helicopter experience from Hilo. It offers a broad look at some of the island's best-known natural features, including volcanic terrain and scenic East Side views.
Volcanoes National Park Safari
This 55-minute flight is built around HawaiΚ»i Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding landscape. It is a strong option for guests who want to focus on volcanic scenery, lava fields, waterfalls, and forested areas in one tour.
Majestic Hilo Waterfall Tour
This flight is centered on the lush side of the island. It features waterfalls, valleys, rainforest, sea cliffs, and the dramatic beauty of the Hamakua and Kohala regions. Guests who want a greener and more waterfall-focused route often prefer this experience.
Departing from Hilo
Book Your Hilo Helicopter Flight
Volcano views, waterfalls, and East Side scenery from above
π Kona Helicopter Tours
Kona helicopter tours in Big Island are a convenient choice for guests staying on the west side of the island. These flights focus on scenic coastline, waterfalls, mountain views, and longer private experiences.
Magical Waterfall Tour
This 65-minute helicopter tour departs from Kona and showcases waterfalls, valleys, and the Kohala Mountains. It also includes views of the coast and some of the island's most scenic shoreline areas. This is a good fit for guests who want a scenic flight from Kona without leaving the west side first.
Big Island Private Helicopter Experience
This two-hour private flight is designed for guests who want a longer and more exclusive helicopter tour. It covers a wide range of island scenery, including volcanic landscapes, valleys, waterfalls, and major mountain views. It is a strong choice for couples, families, or small groups who want a more private experience in the air.
Doors Off Helicopter Adventure
Offered by Magnum Helicopters β A top-rated air activities experience in Honolulu. Starting from Open Seating from $396.23 per person. Free cancellation available. Book your spot today.
*Prices subject to change. Check availability for current rates.
ποΈ Waikoloa Helicopter Tours
Waikoloa helicopter tours are well-suited for guests staying along the Kohala Coast resort area. These flights offer easy access to valleys, waterfalls, sea cliffs, coastline, and longer routes that cover more of the island.
Kohala Coast Helicopter Tour
This helicopter tour departs from Waikoloa and is available as a 50-minute flight, with a longer 70-minute option also available. It features lush valleys, waterfalls, rainforest, cliffs, and mountain scenery along the Kohala and Hamakua sides of the island. It is a good option for guests who want a scenic coastal and valley flight from Waikoloa.
Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour
One of the longest helicopter tours on the Big Island is this one. There is a lengthier two-hour alternative in addition to the regular flight, which lasts roughly 105 minutes. It encompasses a greater variety of landscapes, including the KΔ«lauea Volcano, black sand beaches, rainforests, coastline vistas, and some of the most striking natural settings on the island. This is a popular option for visitors seeking a more comprehensive perspective of the island.
π Overnight Volcano Adventure
For guests who want more than a single flight, there is also an overnight volcano experience that includes a helicopter tour. This option combines two days around Volcanoes National Park with a 45-minute helicopter flight. It is a good fit for travelers who want both air and ground sightseeing in one package.
π
Volcanoes National Park
Two full days of ground exploration
π
45-Min Helicopter Flight
Aerial volcano perspective included
π¨
Overnight Stay
Complete air + ground package
Doors Off Helicopter Adventure
Offered by Magnum Helicopters β A top-rated air activities experience in Honolulu. Starting from Open Seating from $396.23 per person. Free cancellation available. Book your spot today.
*Prices subject to change. Check availability for current rates.
πΊοΈ How To Choose The Right Big Island Helicopter Tour
What you want to see and where you are staying can frequently determine which Big Island helicopter trips are the best. For views of the East Side, waterfalls, and volcanoes, Hilo departures are a great option. For those staying on the west side who desire private flight options, waterfalls, and valleys, Kona departures are ideal. Waikoloa departures are perfect for longer touring itineraries and stays along the Kohala Coast.
The duration of the flight is also important. For visitors seeking a brief, picturesque experience, shorter helicopter rides on the Big Island are a suitable option. For visitors who wish to view a greater variety of the island's mountain, shoreline, rainforest, and volcano scenery, longer tours are preferable.
| Your Stay | Best Departure | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hilo or East Side | πΏ Hilo | Volcanoes NP, waterfalls, East Side lushness |
| Kona or West Side | π Kona | Coastline, Kohala Mountains, private options |
| Kohala Coast Resorts | ποΈ Waikoloa | Valleys, longer routes, wider island views |
| Anywhere on Island | π Overnight Package | Air + ground, 2-day volcano immersion |
Find the right tour for your stay
Compare All Big Island Helicopter Tours
See all available departure points, durations, and routes β then book the one that fits your trip.
π What To Expect From Big Island Helicopter Tours
Big Island helicopter tours offer a very different view of the island than land-based sightseeing. From the air, it is easier to see how the island's landscapes change from coast to coast. In a single flight, guests may see waterfalls, valleys, lava-shaped terrain, rainforest, cliffs, and beaches that would take far longer to reach by car.
Most flights are designed for sightseeing and are narrated along the way. Some experiences focus on volcanoes, while others highlight waterfalls, sea cliffs, or wider circle island style views. This makes it easier to choose a flight that matches the part of the island you most want to experience.
KΔ«lauea Volcano
Active lava fields and volcanic craters
Waterfalls
Hamakua and Kohala cascades
Rainforest
Dense East Side jungle canopy
Mountains
Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits
Black Sand Beaches
Lava-formed coastal shoreline
Sea Cliffs
Dramatic Kohala coastal cliffs
πΊ Leilani's Insider Tip
I've traveled throughout the archipelago, and the Big Island from the air is truly unlike anything else. If you want volcano views, book a Hilo departure. If you want the widest island coverage in one flight, the Spectacular Tour from Waikoloa is hard to beat.
Doors Off Helicopter Adventure
Offered by Magnum Helicopters β A top-rated air activities experience in Honolulu. Starting from Open Seating from $396.23 per person. Free cancellation available. Book your spot today.
*Prices subject to change. Check availability for current rates.
Find the Right Fit
Compare Big Island Helicopter Tours
| Tour | Departure | Duration | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| π Volcano Focus Volcanoes NP Safari | Hilo | 55 min | Volcano enthusiasts, East Side stays | Book β |
| π§ Waterfall Focus Majestic Hilo Waterfall | Hilo | Varies | Waterfall & rainforest lovers | Book β |
| π Private Private Helicopter Exp. | Kona | 2 hrs | Couples, groups, special occasions | Book β |
| πΊοΈ Most Coverage Big Island Spectacular | Waikoloa | 105 min+ | Those who want to see it all | Book β |
β Free cancellation available Β· Prices vary by season and availability
Trade the Road for the Sky
See the Big Island in one sweeping ride. Find the flight that fits your stay and book a view you will talk about long after landing.
Instant confirmation Β· Secure booking Β· Best price guarantee
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Big Island helicopter tours include?
Big Island helicopter tours can include volcano views, waterfalls, valleys, rainforest, cliffs, coastline, beaches, and mountain scenery. The exact route depends on the departure point and the tour you choose.
Are there helicopter tours from Hilo?
Yes. Hilo helicopter tours in Big Island include scenic flights that focus on volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforest, and the East Side of the island. These are a strong choice for guests who want direct access to volcanic and lush island landscapes.
Departures from Hilo, Kona & Waikoloa
Book a Big Island Helicopter Tour
Choose your departure, pick your duration, fly today
Are there helicopter tours from Kona?
Yes. Kona helicopter tours in the Big Island include scenic waterfall flights and private helicopter experiences. They are a convenient option for guests staying on the west side of the island.
Are there helicopter tours from Waikoloa?
Yes. Waikoloa helicopter tours include scenic Kohala Coast flights and longer helicopter sightseeing experiences. These departures are especially convenient for guests staying in the Kohala resort area.
Which Big Island helicopter tours are best for volcano views?
Hilo departures are among the best choices for guests who want volcano-focused sightseeing. Longer helicopter tours from Waikoloa can also include volcanic scenery along with a wider range of island views.
Is there a private helicopter tour on the Big Island?
Yes. A private helicopter experience is available for guests who want a longer and more exclusive flight. It is a good option for special occasions or travelers who want a more personal experience.
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