2 h

About this activity

It’s no secret that Hawaii is a particularly stunning piece of the Pacific Ocean, so see it from the best angle possible on a helicopter tour of the Big Island. This exciting two-hour tour from Kona will introduce you the Big Island’s beautiful and powerful features, including the active volcano of Kilauea, where if you're lucky, you'll see actual lava flow from the crater.

Take off from Kona in a comfortable, low-vibration, six-seat Bell 407 helicopter, and soar south along the coast and then east to Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. See the most recent volcanic activity and look for flowing lava before heading to the north end of the island.

Climb between the volcanic peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, enjoying the fantastic views from the helicopter’s oversized sliding windows, perfect for taking photos. Revel in the beauty of ocean cliffs and tropical rainforests, where you'll dive between mist-shrouded peaks. Admire the cool mountain waterfalls and the deep green valleys of the Hamakua Coast before returning to Kona, where you can spot the million-dollar resorts that dot the coast.

Your knowledgeable pilot will offer expert narration, which you’ll hear over your two-way headset. Ask questions and talk with pilot as you fly!

Please note: due to weather, the flight can range from 100 - 120 minutes.

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Included

100-120 minute helicopter tour
Two-way headset communication with your pilot
Live commentary on board
Hotel Pick-up from select Kona Hotels ONLY

Not included

Food
Gratuities

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Due to weather, flights may be 100 to 120 minutes in length
Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own caregiver
Capacity Surcharge: All guests weighing between 265 and 315 lbs will be assessed a Capacity Surcharge of $100. The guest will be guaranteed a window seat.
Guests weighing above 315 lbs. at check-in will be charged for an extra seat for weight and balance purposes. The rate of the extra seat will be determined by the specific tour that they are booked on. This cost is calculated by adding an additional seat to the one that has already been purchased.
All pilots and aircraft are FAA-certified
Helicopter holds 6 passengers; larger groups may be separated
For a guaranteed window seat, make sure to upgrade to the window seating option
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Features

Original

95%

Tourism

90%

Adrenaline

85%

Cultural

20%

Reviews

4.6

83

S

Susanna L

5 | 2019-09-02

My first helicopter ride and I LOVED it. The helicopter gives you a great view of some inaccessible areas of The Big Island as well as a stunning view of the Waipio Valley. Pacific Helicopters were great, the ground staff look after you and the pilot was very experienced and you felt very safe on the flight.

B

Brian G

5 | 2019-07-03

You should always listen to your pilot, when he says the clouds will clear they do! You don't need flowing lava to make this trip exciting. Hovering over gas and steam vents lets you know there is still plenty of activity just below the surface. The trip up a narrow valley to see a waterfall was exhilarating.

C

Cheryl L

5 | 2018-07-25

Excellent pilot!

C

Christine H

5 | 2018-06-18

We can't say enough how much we loved our flight!! Everyone at Paradise Copters was professional and informative!! Our pilot Ryan was so knowledgeable about the Big Island, telling us about its history as we fly betw Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, heading towards SE area of the island. He flew us close enough while at a safe distance for some incredible views of the ongoing Kilauea volcano eruption. Even though the cloud ceiling was low, Ryan was also able to get us some incredible views of the NE and north coastline of Big Island, pointing out numerous waterfalls and crop fields. We highly recommend Paradise for any helicopter tours you may want to do.

g

gerrycombes

1 | 2018-02-28

paid extra ...... for window seats but the loading is based on peoples weight so not only didnt get a window seat but was sitting and facing backwards ....... after arriving we were told that they would not be doing the 2 hour trip do to weather and a 30-40 min trip was being offered or rebooked ..... paying extra was a ripe off ...

J

James C

5 | 2017-11-18

This really was a great tour. Koji, the pilot, did a fantastic job with his commentary and wonderful manoeuvres to maximise scenery and photo opportunities. I had done one other helicopter tour over another island in Hawai'i. This one was superb and probably hard to beat. Strongly recommend this!

J

Judith A C

5 | 2017-10-02

This was amazing. Absolutely loved the flight over the island to see the changes from one side of the island to the other. Fascinating to see the lava trails, some smouldering trees and then the lush green on the other side of the island. Felt very safe with our pilot

R

ROBERT B

4 | 2017-09-15

got a little boareing going from one photo shots to the next but ride was smooth and calm

M

Megan C

5 | 2017-07-18

I was incredibly nervous for this trip, as I hate heights and my stomach tends to get a bit nervous during flights! This trip was AMAZING! You essentially get to see everything you possibly would want to see, from a view that not many people can say they have seen. Our pilot was amazing, and reviewed details of our trip before taking off. Once we were loaded into the helicopter, we were off for an adventure of a lifetime! My fiancé and I would recommend this tour to everyone, although it is pricey, you will not be disappointed!

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