Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure Tour + Helicopter

Explore the Big Island by land and air with this amazing Oahu to Hilo Volcano Tour!

The Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure Tour + Helicopter does all the planning for you. This tour includes your round-trip, inter-island flights, an exciting helicopter tour, followed by a sightseeing tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo area attractions, including a waterfall. All transportation on the Big Island and a picnic lunch are included on this tour. 

Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure Tour + Helicopter Itinerary

Flight to Hilo: The Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure Tour begins with an early morning flight from Honolulu to Hilo, usually on the first flight of the day. 

Your flights will be direct and will take just under an hour each way. Both flights are included in the Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure Tour, and will be booked for you.

When you arrive at the Hilo airport, you will walk to the heliport for your morning helicopter ride. This is a short 5-minute walk, and directions will be included in your confirmation.

Helicopter Tour: The helicopter tour is a fully narrated 45-minute flight from Hilo to the park, featuring spectacular views of both Kilauea and Mauna Loa. 

Land Tour: You will be picked up by your driver/guide at the heliport shortly after your helicopter ride for a full day of sightseeing. This is a narrated, small-group tour in a modern, air-conditioned, and comfortable vehicle (van or mini-bus). 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: You will travel to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you will get to explore the park for the afternoon. The park is home to both Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. While we cannot guarantee that lava will be visible during your visit, your time in the park will be full of interesting stops. 

• Halema’uma’u Crater, which is located within the main caldera at Kilauea's summit.
• Steam vents, stop to view them up close.
• Nahuku Lava Tube: The walk through the lava tube is short and easy, and the inside is well-lit.
• Chain of Craters Road, drive along portions of this scenic road and stop at a few overlooks. (May be subject to closures.)
• Picnic lunch somewhere in the park.

Prepare for your day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!

Waterfall & Historic Hilo Town: After leaving Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you'll take a scenic drive past some local landmarks on the way to a local waterfall.  This stop will either be to the thunderous 442-foot-tall Akaka Falls or the picturesque Rainbow Falls. It will be up to the Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure tour guide's discretion which one of these two iconic waterfalls you visit on the day of your tour.

Airport Drop-off: As your Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure land tour draws to a close, your driver will bring you back to the Hilo airport. You’ll arrive with plenty of time to pass through airport security, shop for Big Island souvenirs, and grab a snack or early dinner in the airport cafe before your early evening flight back to Oahu.

Arrival in Honolulu: The Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure Tour guests typically return to Honolulu between 7 and 8 pm, though this is always subject to change. Transportation from the Honolulu airport to your Oahu hotel is not included. We recommend using taxis or rideshares, as these are usually the fastest and most convenient options.

Helicopter Tour: Route, Tips, & Safety

On the helicopter portion of the Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure, you will be flown over Halema’uma’u Crater at Kilauea’s summit and the nearby Iki Crater.

Weather permitting, you’ll also be flown over the base of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano.  Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure guests will also enjoy a bird’s eye view of Hilo and the rugged terrain, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and black sand beaches that the Puna district is known for.

Helicopter Sightseeing Tips

• Wear dark colored clothing for better views and photo/video quality; light colors reflect onto the helicopter's windows.
• Eat light and stay hydrated to avoid feeling queasy on the helicopter flight. Grab a light breakfast in Honolulu or bring it along to eat on the flight to Hilo.
• Closed-toed shoes aren't required by the helicopter operator, but they are highly recommended for your safety and comfort.
• Bags aren't allowed on the flight, only handheld items like phones, cameras, and whatever small items you can fit in your pockets. There are small lockers available at the heliport if you bring one along.

The Helicopters & Equipment

On the helicopter portion of the Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure, you’ll be flying in an Airbus EcoStar or A-Star helicopter, which are both state-of-the-art helicopters specifically designed for scenic tours.

Not only are these helicopters known for being safe and comfortable, but they also provide the smoothest ride and great views for everyone on board. The use of aviation-grade noise-canceling headphones and two-way microphones is also included to ensure that communication with your pilot is crystal clear.

Helicopter Safety

Passengers will need to provide their weight when booking their Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure tour. They will also be discreetly weighed when checking in for the helicopter tour to ensure proper weight and balance of the aircraft.

All passengers will be required to attend a pre-flight safety briefing. Doors are left on the helicopter and kept closed throughout the flight for safety.

Book your Oahu to Hilo Volcano Adventure Tour + Helicopter today!