Everything you need to know about Big Island Helicopter Tours in Hawaii — featuring the best Hawaii Helicopter Tours over active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and breathtaking coastlines. Whether you’re exploring Hawaii Island or Kona Helicopter Tours, compare top traveler-rated experiences with detailed insights on prices, flight routes, guest reviews, insider tips, discounts, and direct booking options with tour operators
Ultimate Guide to Hawaii Helicopter Tours.
Discover Hawaii's best Big Island helicopter tours.
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Updated: June 2025Bobby
02. The experience
Experience Hawaii's Big Island like never before from above.
Helicopter tours on the Big Island of Hawaii are a popular way to experience the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. Renowned for its stunning beaches, lush tropical forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes, the Big Island is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Soaring above the island on a helicopter tour offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable adventure.
Helicopter flights over the Big Island showcase not only its natural beauty but also iconic attractions like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the majestic Mauna Kea. Big Island helicopter tours are a must-do for visitors, offering a variety of options from budget-friendly to luxurious experiences. Combining breathtaking aerial views, fascinating landmarks, and the island’s stunning landscapes, these tours are an unforgettable highlight of any visit to the Big Island.
6+
Helicopter adventure operators
4028
Square miles to explore
03. Sightseeing
Big Island’s Top Attractions and Landmarks—Best Seen from the Sky
From ancient lava fields to lush rainforests and dramatic cliffs, the Big Island’s sheer size and diverse terrain make it the ultimate destination for aerial sightseeing. A helicopter tour unlocks access to the island’s most iconic and remote sights—many of which can’t be reached by car or foot.
Marvel at the active lava flows of Kīlauea, one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, and soar over the massive summit of Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth. Fly above the emerald valleys and cascading waterfalls of the Hāmākua Coast, including hidden gems like Waiʻilikahi Falls and Laupāhoehoe Nui.
Catch stunning views of the black sand beaches along the Kaʻū Coast, the coffee-rich hills of Kona, and the ancient Hawaiian temples near Kealakekua Bay. On clear days, you might even spot snow atop Mauna Kea and tropical waters all in the same view—an experience unique to this extraordinary island.
With its incredible range of landscapes and landmarks, a helicopter tour is the best way to take in the Big Island’s natural wonders, cultural history, and volcanic majesty—all in one unforgettable flight.
04. Tour comparison
Compare Big Island helicopter tours
05. Helicopter Companies
Hawaii Island helicopter tour operators
06. Helicopter types
Common Oahu sightseeing helicopters
07. Things to know
FAQ
What clothing should I wear?
Your choice of clothing depends on whether you book a doors on or doors off helicopter tour. For a doors on tour, the temperature aboard the helicopter is very comfortable during flights-t-shirts and shorts are just fine. However, if you choose a doors-off tour, your flight will be windy and cold so jackets and/or sweatshirts are required and long pants are recommended. Closed toed shoes are also required for doors-off tours. Please note that hats are not allowed on board your flight. Your hat might blow off your head and fly up into the rotors and that is very unsafe. You may leave any hats in the office during our flight. Lastly, for anyone with long hair a hair tie is required to put up your hair so you don’t get what we call “helicopter hair,” which is not fun afterwards!
What should I bring?
Make sure to bring your Photo ID!
Make sure to bring your cell phone (most companies provide lanyards for them)
Any cameras must have straps
Light jacket
What is the best time of day for a helicopter tour of The Big Island?
Welcome to paradise! Hawaii enjoys beautiful weather mornings, afternoons, and evenings. So the real question is, “When do you want to fly?” Of course, pilots do keep their eye constantly on the weather reports to make sure your helicopter flight is the best possible experience. The best time to fly is generally from 8am – 11am. Mid-morning flights provide nice light for sightseeing and photography as well as best scenic visibility for Hawaii helicopter tours.
Is photography allowed?
Not only is photography allowed, it’s encouraged! You’ll see Hawaii like you’ve never seen it before!
Will I see everything listed on the tour?
Flying in a helicopter is not as simple as watching a movie. Once in a while there’s poor visibility, strong winds, or other weather that may prevent flights from taking their normal route. Operators will do generally their best to cover the listed landmarks.
Doors On & Doors Off, what's the difference?
Doors-on tours are more comfortable and you can easily hear music and narration. You’ll enjoy window seating with unobstructed views from the top of your head to your waist. Doors-off helicopter tours are available by request and are a little more exciting. Please note that they are windy and colder so you will have to wear warmer clothes. Doors off-tours also provide a better photographic experience as you will enjoy unobstructed floor-to-ceiling views. While doors off tours are very popular and a blast, they are not for everyone. Please only choose doors off if you are up for an adventure experience! If not, we recommend sticking with the doors on. Lastly please note that when booking a doors off experience, your seat may or may not be directly adjacent to an open door. Learn more about Doors-Off helicopter tours.
Should i take medecine for motion sickness?
Flights are generally very smooth; this is not a theme park helicopter ride! So many people who presume they may have an issue feel just fine during the tour. However, if you are prone to motion sickness you might want to take a motion sickness pill just as a precaution.
Are young children allowed on helicopter flights?
Yes, children 24 months and under do well on helicopter flights. Some operators even have baby headsets for them to wear. Please be aware that FAA regulations require a full-fare seat for children 24 months and over. Children 24 months and under are often welcome to sit on the lap of a responsible adult at no charge.
Do you tip helicopter pilots in Hawaii?
Do You Tip the Helicopter Pilot? You can! I had a great pilot and opted to tip $20. I would suggest anywhere from $10-20 minimum if you had a great journey!
08. Discounts
How to Find Discounts on Big Island Helicopter Tours
Big Island helicopter tours are an unforgettable experience—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price. From early bird specials to group savings and seasonal promotions, there are plenty of ways to book your flight at a better rate.
We’ve created a detailed guide on how to find Big Island helicopter tour discounts and coupon codes—read it here.
In the meantime, here are some of the most common ways to save:
✅ Advance Booking Discounts
Booking your helicopter tour ahead of time can unlock significant savings. Many tour operators offer lower prices for reservations made weeks or even months in advance—plus, you’ll get first pick of flight times and routes.
✅ Group Rates
Traveling with friends, family, or a special group? Ask about group discounts. Most companies offer special pricing for groups of four or more, making it a smart choice for families, wedding parties, or tour groups.
✅ Last-Minute Deals & Promo Codes
If you’re flexible with your schedule, last-minute booking discounts may be available—especially when there are cancellations or unfilled seats. Keep an eye out for promo codes or call the operator directly to check for day-of deals.
✅ Holiday & Off-Peak Specials
Flying around major holidays or during less busy travel periods can sometimes unlock limited-time offers. Smaller tour operators may also have more flexibility with pricing and availability during these times.
Tip: Always check the official websites or speak directly with tour companies for the most up-to-date deals—they may offer unpublished discounts or bundle options not listed elsewhere.
Let me know if you’d like this version tailored for luxury tours or doors-off experiences specifically.