Use This Quick Start Info For Understanding What Hawaii Helicopter Tours Have to Offer
Experiencing Hawaii Island from above is a truly unforgettable adventure, and taking a helicopter tour is a popular way to see the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. This ultimate guide to Big Island helicopter tours will help you plan your aerial journey over this remarkable island, renowned for its stunning beaches, lush tropical forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Soaring above the Big Island offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable adventure. These tours are considered a must-do for visitors, offering a variety of options from budget-friendly to luxurious experiences.
What Makes Big Island Helicopter Tours Unique?
The Big Island’s sheer size and incredibly diverse terrain make it the ultimate destination for aerial sightseeing. Unlike other islands, the Big Island offers the chance to see everything from snow-capped mountains and active volcanoes to lush rainforests and dramatic coastlines, sometimes all in a single view on a clear day. Helicopter tours provide unparalleled access to hidden gems and remote sights, many of which are difficult or even impossible to reach by car or foot. This unique perspective allows you to appreciate the island’s vastness, its geological youth, and its ongoing formation. The incredible range of landscapes and landmarks means a helicopter tour is an excellent way to take in the Big Island’s natural wonders, cultural history, and volcanic majesty all at once.
Top Big Island Sights You Can Only See from a Helicopter
From the air, the Big Island reveals its most spectacular secrets. Volcano tours allow you to 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. You can witness the raw power of nature from above, hovering near the dramatic Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and seeing steaming vents, ancient lava fields, and sometimes even molten lava flows, a perspective impossible from the ground.
Beyond the volcanoes, scenic helicopter rides take you over emerald valleys and cascading waterfalls. You can fly above the lush Waipiʻo Valley, known as the “Valley of the Kings,” with its jungle cliffs, waterfalls, and taro fields, and discover hidden gems like Waiʻilikahi Falls and Laupāhoehoe Nui. The Kohala region offers breathtaking coastal cliffs, ancient lava flows, and verdant valleys like Pololū and Honokane Nui, revealing remote waterfalls that tumble down inaccessible ridgelines.
Coastal sights are also stunning from the air. You can catch views of the black sand beaches along the Kaʻū Coast, the coffee-rich hills of Kona, and the ancient Hawaiian temples near Kealakekua Bay. These Hawaii Island aerial views provide a full scope of the island’s diverse beauty.
Choosing the Right Big Island Helicopter Tour
When selecting your Big Island helicopter tour, you’ll find various options focusing on different parts of the island and lasting for different durations. Tours can range from 45 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Common tour types include:
- Volcano Tours: Focusing on Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Note that lava viewing is conditions permitting.
- Kona Tours: Exploring the Kona Coast, Hualālai Volcano, coffee farms, and historic sites.
- Kohala Coast & Waterfalls Tours: Highlighting the Kohala valleys, coastline, and specific waterfalls.
- Luxury or Private Tours: Offering exclusive experiences, sometimes including landings.
Prices vary depending on the tour duration and type, typically ranging from around $490 to over $1000 per person. Many tours offer optional upgrades like Private Tour, Flight Video, In-Flight Photographer, and the popular Doors Off option. Doors-off tours offer unobstructed floor-to-ceiling views and are great for photography, though they are windier and colder.
Addressing the question of whether they are worth the cost, many visitors leave great reviews and find that Big Island helicopter tours are well worth the money. The unique perspective and access to otherwise inaccessible sights create an unparalleled experience and provide memories that last a lifetime.
Keep in mind that seeing every specific landmark listed on a tour description is not always guaranteed due to factors like poor visibility, strong winds, or other weather conditions, as pilots prioritize safety and the best possible experience under the circumstances.
Finding a Reputable Big Island Helicopter Company
Choosing a helicopter operator is an important step. Key operators offering tours on the Big Island include Rainbow Helicopters, Mauna Loa Helicopters, and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Paradise Helicopters is also mentioned as operating in Hawaii and is noted for unique aspects such as safety, landings, and their Mālama Aina ethos.
When choosing, consider factors such as safety records, aircraft type, reviews, and price. Reputable companies adhere to safety standards like the Helicopter Association International Accreditation Program of Safety (HAI-APS) for Air Tour Operations and the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO™). Checking reviews and testimonials from other travelers can also provide valuable insight into their experiences.
Rainbow Helicopters, for example, is a locally-owned operator known for outstanding service and has received a top safety/maintenance award. They offer tours departing from Kona on the Big Island and are known for offering free doors-off tours. Mauna Loa Helicopters specializes in private tours and has a great safety record. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is an internationally owned company with a long history operating in Hawaii and holds an FAA “Certificate of Excellence – Diamond Award”.
Essential Tips for Your Big Island Helicopter Tour
To make the most of your adventure, here are some practical tips:
- What to Wear: Wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. Dark-colored clothing is recommended to minimize window glare, especially for photography. Bring a light jacket, as it can get chilly at higher altitudes, particularly on doors-off flights where jackets or sweatshirts and long pants are required due to wind and cold. Hats are not allowed on board. If you have long hair, a hair tie is required to secure it.
- What to Bring: Make sure to bring your Photo ID. You can bring your cell phone (most companies provide lanyards) and cameras, but they must have straps.
- Timing Your Flight: The best time to fly is generally from 8 am – 11 am. Mid-morning flights often provide the best light for sightseeing and photography, as well as scenic visibility. Weather can affect flights at any time, but afternoon can sometimes see increased cloud cover. Sunset tours, if offered, provide a unique “golden hour” magic.
- Photography Tips: Photography is allowed and encouraged. Doors-off tours are particularly good for photography as they offer unobstructed views.
- Managing Motion Sickness: Helicopter flights are generally smooth, not like a theme park ride. However, if you are prone to motion sickness, it’s a good precaution to take medicine beforehand.
- Flying with Kids: Young children are typically allowed. Children 24 months and under can often sit on an adult’s lap at no charge, while FAA regulations require a full-fare seat for children 24 months and older.
- Tipping Your Pilot: While not required, tipping your pilot is common if you had a great journey. A suggestion is anywhere from $10-20 minimum for good service.
- Weather Considerations: Helicopter tours are dependent on weather conditions. If the weather is unsuitable for flying, the tour will be rescheduled or refunded, as safety is the top priority.
Finding Discounts on Big Island Helicopter Tours
While Big Island helicopter tours are a significant investment, there are often ways to find discounts. Some common strategies include:
- Advance Booking Savings: Many operators offer lower prices if you book weeks or months ahead. Booking early also helps secure your preferred time and date.
- Group Rates: If traveling with friends, family, or a special group, ask about group discounts. Most companies offer special pricing for groups of four or more.
- Last-Minute Deals & Promo Codes: If your schedule is flexible, you might find discounts for cancellations or unfilled seats, sometimes available as promo codes. You can also call operators 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 promotions. Smaller operators might have more pricing flexibility during these times.
It’s always best to check the official websites or speak directly with tour companies for the most up-to-date deals and potential unpublished discounts or bundle options.
Big Island helicopter tours offer an unparalleled way to see the island’s incredible natural beauty and diverse landscapes. By considering the sights you want to see, choosing a reputable operator, and keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure an unforgettable aerial adventure. To explore specific tour options and compare operators, visit HawaiiHelicopter.Tours.
