Excursion Big island by helicopter tour at Hilo

Experience Hawai‘i’s stunning landscapes on a helicopter tour from Hilo, flying over Kilauea Volcano, rainforests, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches for unforgettable views.

Hilo Heliport, Scenic Flight Over Kilauea Volcano

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to the Hilo heliport, where a safety briefing sets the stage for an unforgettable aerial journey. Once airborne, the helicopter ascends over the vast expanse of Hawai‘i Island, offering panoramic views of the world-famous Kilauea Volcano. As one of the most geologically active environments on Earth, Kilauea has continuously reshaped the island’s landscape with its dramatic lava flows. From above, you’ll witness steaming vents, hardened lava fields, and the captivating contrasts between molten rock and lush rainforest fringes. Your pilot-guide will narrate the unfolding story of the Big Island’s creation, bringing to life the raw power and ever-changing beauty of nature.

Cascading Waterfalls, Verdant Rainforests

After circling the volcanic landscape, your flight continues northward across Hilo’s emerald coastline. Gaze down at pristine valleys cloaked in tropical rainforest and watch as waterfalls tumble from towering cliffs into crystalline pools below. This windward side of the island, nourished by frequent rainfall, is a vivid contrast to the stark volcanic terrain you’ve just seen. The helicopter’s large viewing windows ensure unobstructed views of these lush, untouched regions—places inaccessible by road and rarely seen by visitors. The serene beauty of cascading waterfalls and vibrant vegetation showcases Hawai‘i’s diversity, offering a peaceful interlude during this thrilling flightseeing tour.

Black-Sand Beaches, Return to the Ship

Before your helicopter gently descends back to Hilo, you’ll glide over the island’s dramatic coastline, where black-sand beaches meet the rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean. These striking shorelines, formed by past lava flows reaching the sea, tell a powerful tale of destruction and renewal. Upon landing, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a live in-flight video recording of your experience, a perfect memento of your journey above the Big Island. The adventure concludes with a comfortable return drive to the ship, leaving you with lasting impressions of Hawai‘i’s extraordinary natural wonders from land, sea, and sky.

Note

Please Note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for guests who experience claustrophobia, motion sickness, or a fear of heights. The helicopter can seat up to 6 guests per flight, with a strict maximum combined passenger weight of 1000 lbs per helicopter; all guests will be weighed at check-in in accordance with FAA regulations. Tablets or iPads are not allowed for photography as they may obstruct other passengers’ views. For best photos, guests are encouraged to wear dark-colored clothing to minimize window reflection. Active lava flows not guaranteed. Guests should avoid participating in SCUBA or SNUBA activities within 24 hours before or after their flight. Once onboard the ship, you will be required to submit names and weights in compliance with FAA regulations. These submissions must be made no later than 48 hours prior to the tour. The tour may be canceled due to weather conditions, however, such cancellations are rare.