Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour

Key Points

• Price: $790.90 per person for a 2-hour flight with 1 hour 45 minutes of air time
• Highlights: View volcanoes, lava flows, waterfalls, rainforests, and coastal valleys all from a helicopter with wide viewing windows
• Booking: Typically reserved 47 days in advance; most travelers can participate, with a weight limit of 240 lbs per passenger
• Includes: Bose noise-cancelling headsets, two-way communication with the pilot, all fees and taxes
• Stops: Multiple stops at key sites, including Kohala valleys, Kilauea, Akaka Falls, and ranching areas
• Reviews: Rated 5.0/5 with 96% recommending; praised for spectacular views and knowledgeable pilots

The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers an immersive way to see Hawaii’s most iconic sights in just under three hours, including nearly two hours of flight time. For a price of $790.90, you’ll experience Hawaii’s landscapes from the sky, with access to wide viewing windows and two-way microphones to communicate directly with your pilot. This tour is highly recommended, with a nearly perfect 5-star rating based on 92 reviews and a 96% recommendation rate.

While the tour offers an outstanding overview of the island’s volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, and coastlines, it’s important to note that most bookings are made around 47 days in advance, and weight restrictions apply for safety reasons. It’s best suited for those who want a quick, comprehensive glimpse of the Big Island’s natural beauty from an unforgettable aerial perspective.

From the Kohala Valleys to the Waterfalls

The tour begins with a view of the Kohala area known for ranching and breathtaking valleys. From the helicopter, you see the lush green landscapes and rolling pastures that define this historic region. This stop offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s cowboy country, where expansive ranches and scenic valleys stretch as far as the eye can see.

Next, the flight takes you over the west coast town where King Kamehameha spent his final years. This area is rich in history and natural beauty, providing a unique perspective on the island’s cultural heritage along with stunning coastal views. The pilot’s commentary highlights the significance of these locations, making the experience both scenic and educational.

Witnessing the Volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa

One of the tour’s main highlights is visiting one of the five volcanoes that form the Big Island. You will see Mauna Loa, one of the largest volcanoes on Earth, with recent lava flows from December 2022 still visible. The helicopter provides a close-up view of Kilauea, an active shield volcano along the southeastern shore that has been erupting since 1983 and attracts over 2 million visitors a year.

You’ll also view Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, encompassing more than 335,000 acres and climbing from sea level to over 13,000 feet. This park features six of Earth’s climate zones, making the landscape visually diverse. Notably, the longest eruption along the eastern rift zone of Kilauea lasted from 1983 to 2018, offering an impressive display of the island’s volcanic activity.

Exploring Rainforests and Waterfalls

The tour includes stops over fertile rainforests along the Hamakua Coast, where Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet into the valley below. This waterfall is arguably the island’s most famous and provides a spectacular sight from the air, especially amidst the region’s nearly 84 inches of annual rainfall that sustains lush greenery and dramatic waterfalls.

Flying over the northeastern town of Hawaii Island, travelers get breathtaking views of rainforest valleys and waterfalls. The scenery is vibrant and teeming with natural life, making for incredible photo opportunities. The experience of seeing waterfalls cascading down green cliffs is a highlight that stays with many visitors, especially given the drenching rainfall that keeps this region green and thriving.

Coastal Cliffs and Lava Flows

The helicopter ride also takes you along Hawaii’s rugged coastline, where sea cliffs and cascading waterfalls create a dramatic landscape. You witness the power of volcanic activity and erosion shaping the shoreline, with views of lava flows from recent eruptions, including those from Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

The tour stops at active volcanic sites along the eastern rift zone, providing an up-close look at one of the world’s most active lava-producing regions. The continuous eruption since 1983 is a striking reminder of Hawaii’s dynamic geological activity.

Ranching and the Kohala Coast

The flight over the Kohala region reveals rolling pastures and ranches, highlighting Hawaii’s ranching history. This area is often called “cowboy country” and features scenic valleys and open land, contrasting sharply with the volcanic terrain. These views help paint a full picture of the island’s diverse landscapes.

The Pilot and Flight Experience

The supreme feature of this tour is the premier helicopter with wide viewing windows that maximize scenery visibility. Every guest receives a noise-cancelling headset and microphones for seamless communication with the Hawaii State Certified Tour Guide pilot.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly pilots like Kai, Greg, and Dale, who point out key landmarks and volcanic activity, even spotting whales or other wildlife during the flight. The smooth ride and professional staff add to the overall enjoyment, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the experience.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The tour departs from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters at 68-690 Waikoloa Rd, Waikoloa Village, with check-in 1 hour prior to allow for weight checks, safety briefings, and seating. The group size is limited to 6 travelers, promoting a comfortable and personalized experience.

Most travelers find this tour fits easily into their schedule due to its short duration, making it ideal for those with tight itineraries. Booking in advance is recommended, as most reservations are made approximately 47 days ahead.

Guests weighing over 240 lbs (108 kg) must purchase an additional seat — available at half price — to ensure safe balancing of the aircraft.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This helicopter tour is distinguished by its comprehensive itinerary, covering volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, and coastlines in just under two hours of flying. The wide windows and in-flight communication elevate the experience, making it both visually stunning and educational.

The reviews highlight the incredible scenery, knowledgeable pilots, and value for money. Visitors frequently mention seeing erupting volcanoes, waterfalls, and whale sightings — often described as emotional and unforgettable moments.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

The tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor weather are possible. In such cases, a full refund or rescheduling is offered. Also, late arrivals may not be accepted, and strict weight limits apply for safety.

The cost reflects the premium nature of the experience, and additional purchases like photo/video packages are available but not included in the base price.

Concluding Thoughts on the Big Island Helicopter Tour

The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour offers a powerful overview of Hawaii’s diverse and dramatic landscapes. With its spectacular views of active volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, and rugged coastlines, it provides a visual feast accessible in a relatively short time.

This tour appeals most to those who appreciate flight-based sightseeing, want to see volcanoes up close, and value clear, professional guidance from experienced pilots. Most highly rated and praised for stunning scenery and smooth operation, it promises an unforgettable perspective on Hawaii’s natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the helicopter tour of the Big Island?
The total flight time is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, with the entire experience lasting about 2 hours including check-in and safety briefings.

What is included in the price?
Guests receive noise-cancelling headsets, microphone communication with the pilot, and all fees and taxes are covered. Photo and video packages are available for purchase separately.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters at 68-690 Waikoloa Rd, Waikoloa Village.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 47 days ahead, so early reservation is recommended to secure preferred times.

Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, each guest must weigh 240 lbs or less. If over, an additional seat at half price must be purchased for safety reasons.

What sites will I see during the tour?
The tour covers volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Loa, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, fertile rainforests, waterfalls, and the coastline with lava flows.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, poor weather can lead to cancellations with a full refund or rescheduling offered.

Can I see whales during the tour?
There are reports of whale sightings, including humpback whales, which pilots may point out when spotted.

What makes this helicopter tour stand out?
Its comprehensive itinerary, wide windows, professional guides, and the ability to see Hawaii’s highlights from above in less than three hours make this a popular choice.

Is this suitable for children?
Children 23 months and younger are free as lap children. The tour is generally suitable for most ages teens and up, especially given the group size and safety measures.