Difficulty Rating
Easy
Minimum Age
None
Minimum Age
None
4.8
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Overview
A volcano helicopter tour of the Big Island is the adventure of a lifetime! Fly over rugged terrain, waterfalls, and active volcanoes and enjoy the island’s natural beauty from the sky.
Highlights
50-minute flight narrated by pilot who is a Hawaii state-certified tour guide
Enjoy viewing the world's most active volcanoes from the air
See the Hamakua coastline from the air, plus hidden waterfalls, inaccessible valleys, and rainforests
View dormant cinder cones and the remnants of past lava flows
Start Time
Several Times Each Day
Tour Duration
50 Minutes
What's Included
50-minute guided helicopter tour
Commentary in English
Use of Bose noise canceling headphones
Use of two-way microphone (to communicate with your pilot)
Upgrade to a front seat available for an extra fee
Upgrades
Front Seat Upgrade (240 lbs max) Sit up front with the Pilot (2 seats max): $150 per person
Passengers weighing 241 lbs or more: ($219.50 additional fee)
Description
Hilo's #1 Volcano Helicopter Tour of the Big Island!
Perspective is everything. And the only way to fully appreciate the immensity and power of the Big Island’s volcanoes is from the air.
The Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour is a fifty-minute, fully narrated helicopter tour that will fly you over the area's unique volcanic landscape.
Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and the landscape of the Big Island changes with every new eruption. This tour will take you over some recent formations as well as ancient lava scars and dormant cinder cones.
Highlights of this Volcano Helicopter Tour of the Big Island
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Halema’uma’u Crater, which is located within the main caldera at Kilauea’s summit, is where the most recent eruptive episodes have occurred. While seeing lava or active eruptions cannot be guaranteed, there has been an increase in activity since December 2024!
Mauna Loa is the world’s largest active volcano. It reaches from five miles below the ocean floor to 13,000 feet above sea level at its summit, and it encompasses nearly half of the island of Hawaii.
You’ll also enjoy a bird's-eye view of Hilo and the Puna district on this volcano helicopter tour of the Big Island. Puna is largely undeveloped due to the volcanic activity in the area and is known for its rugged terrain, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.
This abundance of natural beauty makes for a stunning backdrop, resulting in a scenic flight that is spectacular from start to finish.
Helicopter Safety
During this volcano helicopter tour of the Big Island, you’ll be flying in an Airbus EcoStar or A-Star helicopter. These are state-of-the-art helicopters specifically designed for the tourism industry. When passenger comfort and safety are the priorities, the result is a smooth ride, cozy seats, and doors and windows that are designed so that everyone aboard gets a good view - and doors are left on for added safety.
Staying in Kona? Check out the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour!
Videos
Know Before You Book
Tours run daily from 7:50 am until 3:45 pm.
Check in for your flight 45 minutes before departure.
Payment is required when making your reservation. A confirmation email will be sent to you and will include a voucher, itinerary, and detailed instructions.
Passengers weighing over 240 lbs. are subject to additional fees.
Lava flows may not be visible on the day of your flight due to environmental conditions.
Getting There
Located at Hilo Airport Terminal
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
2450 Kekuanaoa St. Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
2450 Kekuanaoa St. Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Tour FAQs
What’s Included?
- 50-minute guided helicopter tour
- Commentary in English
- Use of Bose noise canceling headphones
- Use of two-way microphone (to communicate with your pilot)
- Upgrade to a front seat available for an extra fee
Where does the tour go?
The helicopter tour begins and ends at Hilo International Airport and travels in a wide circle around the Puna region, which is known for its volcanic activity, rainforests, and rugged terrain. The typical flight path includes a flyover of Volcanoes National Park (including Kilauea’s active crater and Mauna Loa’s recent lava flows), as well as traveling along the easternmost coast of Hawaii. Please keep in mind that your pilot may need to adjust the intended flight plan if conditions necessitate.
Can I choose my seat?
You can guarantee one of the two available front seats by selecting that option at checkout and paying the additional fee. Otherwise, general seating is assigned based on the weight and balance of the group.
What if it rains?
Tours may be rescheduled or canceled due to inclement weather. If the tour cannot be rescheduled you will be given a full refund.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
Full refunds are given for any cancellations received with at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled tour will be subject to a 100% charge. ‘No Shows’ are non-refundable.
Helicopter tours are subject to cancellations due to weather. You will be notified as soon as possible of any changes or cancellations; however, a pilot can make a weather call up to 15 minutes prior to the flight. Cancellations made by the tour operator that cannot be rescheduled will be fully refunded.
Will we get to see active lava?
Lava sightings are not guaranteed. Eruptions are unpredictable and volcanic conditions are always changing. Weather conditions such as fog or rain may also obscure lava sightings even when present. Please check the USGS’s Volcano Updates site for the most current information.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and for the elements. Passing showers are common and it can get chilly onboard once the helicopter reaches altitude. Dark clothing can reduce glare and make for better quality photos.
What should I bring?
A valid government-issued photo ID and your camera or smartphone.
Are young children allowed on the flight?
Yes. Children under 2 can be seated on their parents lap for no charge. Children under 2 cannot be seated in the front row and all children aged 2-14 yrs. sitting in the front row must be seated with an adult.
Lava flowing is an act of nature; therefore, we do not guarantee sighting of lava on this volcano helicopter tour of the Big Island. Surface lava flows may be present but may not be visible due to environmental conditions or time constraints.
Full Refunds are given up 24 hours prior to tour time.
Any cancellations or changes made within 24 hours of tour will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
No Shows are non-refundable.
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