Best Helicopter Tours in Big Island: 2026 Volcano, Waterfall, and Coastline Guide
Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coastline — See Hawaiʻi Island From the Sky
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Written by a Local Expert
Leilani AkoOn This Page
Hawaiʻi Island is too large and varied to understand from one road trip. A helicopter can cross black lava fields, rainforest, sea cliffs, waterfalls, and remote valleys in a single flight. The Best Helicopter Tours in Big Island depart from Hilo, Kona, and Waikoloa, with 2026 prices varying by season and availability. The site currently displays a starting price of $639, although most individual tour prices are not shown. These Big Island helicopter tours suit different budgets and vacation plans. Compare departure points, flight times, scenery, and practical booking details before choosing your view from the sky.
Compare the Best Helicopter Tours in the Big Island
Big Island helicopter tours range from focused 50-minute flights to private two-hour experiences and full-day air-and-land combinations.
| Tour | Departure | Duration | 2026 price from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volcanoes National Park Safari | Hilo | About 55 minutes | Price not listed; varies by season and availability | Volcano terrain from Hilo |
| Discover Hilo Tour | Hilo | 50 minutes | Price not listed; varies by season and availability | Volcanic landscapes, black-sand coastline, and East Hawaiʻi scenery |
| Hilo Waterfall Experience | Hilo | 55 minutes | Price not listed; varies by season and availability | Hāmākua waterfalls, rainforest, valleys, and sea cliffs |
| Private Waterfall Experience | Kona | 60–75 minutes | Price not listed; varies by season and availability | A private, waterfall-focused flight from the west side |
| Private Big Island Experience | Kona | 100–120 minutes | $639* | Private, wide-ranging island coverage |
| Kohala Coast Adventure | Waikoloa | 50 minutes | Price not listed; varies by season and availability | Kohala valleys, waterfalls, and north-coast cliffs |
| Big Island Spectacular | Waikoloa | 105 minutes | Price not listed; varies by season and availability | The widest shared-flight coverage |
| Waterfalls and Volcano by Air and Land | Waikoloa | About 8 hours total | Price not listed; varies by season and availability | A helicopter flight paired with a guided volcano ground tour |
Starting rates are generally listed per passenger. Promotions, taxes, travel dates, seat upgrades, availability, and any required comfort seat can change the checkout total. Confirm the final price and cancellation terms before paying.
Departure Guide: Hilo, Kona, or Waikoloa?
Just as important as the route is the choice of heliport. The fastest route to the east side of the volcano is via Hilo. Kona is ideal for private tours and stays on the west side. Waikoloa is ideally situated for longer itineraries, deep valleys, and Kohala resorts.
Top-Rated Helicopter Tours · Big Island
Ready to See the Big Island From Above?
Handpicked by Leilani Ako
Top Big Island Helicopter Tours
Volcanoes National Park Safari
55 min · Volcano Focus · Narrated
Big Island Spectacular
105 min · Full Island · Longest Route
Big Island Private Helicopter
2 hours · Private · Exclusive Access
Prices vary by season and availability · All tours narrated by local pilots
🌿 Hilo Helicopter Tours for Volcano Views
Hilo is the strongest starting point when a Big Island volcano helicopter tour is the priority. The Volcanoes National Park Safari takes about 55 minutes in the air. Discover Hilo is a 50-minute option that combines volcanic terrain with black-sand coastline and East Hawaiʻi views.
Hilo helicopter tours are not limited to lava fields. The 55-minute Hilo Waterfall Experience turns north toward the Hāmākua Coast, where rainforest, remote valleys, tall sea cliffs, and waterfalls create a greener route.
Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour
This 50-minute flight is a good choice for guests who want a shorter helicopter experience from Hilo. It offers a broad look at some of the island's best-known natural features, including volcanic terrain and scenic East Side views.
Volcanoes National Park Safari
This 55-minute flight is built around Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding landscape. It is a strong option for guests who want to focus on volcanic scenery, lava fields, waterfalls, and forested areas in one tour.
Hilo Waterfall Experience
This flight is centered on the lush side of the island. It features waterfalls, valleys, rainforest, sea cliffs, and the dramatic beauty of the Hamakua and Kohala regions. Guests who want a greener and more waterfall-focused route often prefer this experience.
Departing from Hilo
Book Your Hilo Helicopter Flight
Volcano views, waterfalls, and East Side scenery from above
🌊 Kona Helicopter Tours for Private Flights
Kona helicopter tours are convenient for many west-side stays and provide the clearest private-flight choices. The Private Waterfall Experience lasts about 60–75 minutes, with its price varying by season and availability. The Private Big Island Experience lasts approximately 100–120 minutes and is shown with a starting price of $639.
A private cabin works well for couples, families, and small groups that want a more personal flight. Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours lists every tour as private, so the cabin is not shared with unrelated guests.
Private Waterfall Experience
This 65-minute helicopter tour departs from Kona and showcases waterfalls, valleys, and the Kohala Mountains. It also includes views of the coast and some of the island's most scenic shoreline areas. This is a good fit for guests who want a scenic flight from Kona without leaving the west side first.
Private Big Island Experience
This two-hour private flight is designed for guests who want a longer and more exclusive helicopter tour. It covers a wide range of island scenery, including volcanic landscapes, valleys, waterfalls, and major mountain views. It is a strong choice for couples, families, or small groups who want a more private experience in the air.
34AP - Private Hawaii Volcano & Helicopter
Offered by Aloha Sunshine Tours — A top-rated helicopter experience in Kailua-Kona. Free cancellation available. Book your spot today.
*Estimated starting price. Prices subject to change. Check availability for current rates.
🏖️ Waikoloa Helicopter Tours for Kohala and Wider Coverage
Waikoloa helicopter tours suit guests staying along the Kohala Coast. The 50-minute Kohala Coast Adventure concentrates on the steep valleys, waterfalls, and sea cliffs of North Hawaiʻi.
The 105-minute Big Island Spectacular provides added flight time for a broader mix of volcanic terrain, rainforest, and coastline. Travelers who want both aerial and ground sightseeing can choose the eight-hour Waterfalls and Volcano by Air and Land experience.
Kohala Coast Adventure
This helicopter tour departs from Waikoloa and is available as a 50-minute flight, with a longer 70-minute option also available. It features lush valleys, waterfalls, rainforest, cliffs, and mountain scenery along the Kohala and Hamakua sides of the island. It is a good option for guests who want a scenic coastal and valley flight from Waikoloa.
Big Island Spectacular
This is one of the longest helicopter tours on the Big Island. The standard flight lasts approximately 105 minutes, with a longer two-hour option also available. It covers a broad range of landscapes, including Kīlauea Volcano, black sand beaches, rainforests, coastline views, and some of the island's most dramatic natural features. This is a strong choice for guests who want the most comprehensive aerial view of the island.
🌙 Overnight Volcano Adventure
For guests who want more than a single flight, there is also an overnight volcano experience that includes a helicopter tour. This option combines two days around Volcanoes National Park with a 45-minute helicopter flight. It is a good fit for travelers who want both air and ground sightseeing in one package.
🌋
Volcanoes National Park
Two full days of ground exploration
🚁
45-Min Helicopter Flight
Aerial volcano perspective included
🏨
Overnight Stay
Complete air + ground package
34AP - Private Hawaii Volcano & Helicopter
Offered by Aloha Sunshine Tours — A top-rated helicopter experience in Kailua-Kona. Free cancellation available. Book your spot today.
*Estimated starting price. Prices subject to change. Check availability for current rates.
🗺️ How to Choose the Best Helicopter Tours on the Big Island
Start with the scenery, then compare flight time and driving time to the heliport. A longer flight is not automatically better when most of the route is spent reaching a feature that a closer departure can access sooner.
| Your priority | Best departure area | Strong match |
|---|---|---|
| Volcano landscapes | Hilo | Volcanoes National Park Safari or Discover Hilo |
| Waterfalls and rainforest | Hilo or Waikoloa | Hilo Waterfall Experience or Kohala Coast Adventure |
| Private cabin | Kona | Private Waterfall Experience or Private Big Island Experience |
| Most shared-flight coverage | Waikoloa | Big Island Spectacular |
| Helicopter plus ground sightseeing | Waikoloa | Waterfalls and Volcano by Air and Land |
These routes, durations, and departure areas reflect the operators' current Big Island tour lineups.
Book near the beginning of the vacation. Weather decisions may be made close to takeoff, and an early reservation leaves room to reschedule. Avoid placing another timed activity immediately after the flight; weather and operating conditions can affect departure and return times.
Find the right tour for your stay
Compare All Big Island Helicopter Tours
See all available departure points, durations, and routes — then book the one that fits your trip.
🚁 What a Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour Can Show You in 2026
Since December 23, 2024, Kīlauea has been periodically erupting within Halemaʻumaʻu. Because the eruption is episodic, there may be pauses in between lava flows. After episode 51 concluded on July 15, the summit eruption was halted on July 17, 2026, despite monitoring suggesting that another episode was probably imminent.
There is never a guarantee of visible molten lava. Alternatively, a flight might show steam, craters, fresh lava fields, black sand beaches, and the vastness of the volcanic terrain. What is visible can be altered by clouds, rain, fog, current activity, and pilot safety decisions.
An NPS-FAA management plan governs commercial air tours over or close to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The plan sets operating windows and no-fly days, restricts annual flights, and permits three specific routes that avoid the Kīlauea summit. Instead of anticipating a direct summit overflight, opt for a volcano tour for the scenery.
Use the Hawaiʻi National and State Parks Guide to match the aerial view with time on the ground. While the Hawaiʻi beaches guide covers more of the state's unique shorelines, the Hawaiʻi Island guide can help plan the remainder of the drive.
What to Expect Before Takeoff
| Planning detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Check-in | Arrive at the time stated in the confirmation. A 45–60-minute lead is common because check-in and the safety briefing happen before departure. |
| Passenger weights | Enter accurate weights when booking. A private weigh-in may also take place at check-in. |
| Seating | Seats are assigned for aircraft weight and balance, so a front or window seat is not automatically guaranteed on a shared flight. |
| Clothing | Wear solid, dark colors to reduce window reflections. Leave hats and loose items behind. |
| Landings | Wear closed-toe shoes when the experience includes a remote landing. |
| Photos | Bring a secured phone or camera and place the phone in airplane mode. |
| Weather | Routes may change, and flights may be delayed, rescheduled or canceled for safety. |
Check-in, clothing, photography, and seating procedures vary slightly by company, but these are common requirements for Hawaiʻi helicopter operations.
Eat a light meal before flying. Travelers who are prone to motion sickness should follow their usual precautions. Check operator-specific rules for baggage, age, mobility assistance, scuba diving, doors-off flights, and comfort seats before booking. Some operators advise against scuba diving during the 24 hours before a helicopter flight.
34AP - Private Hawaii Volcano & Helicopter
Offered by Aloha Sunshine Tours — A top-rated helicopter experience in Kailua-Kona. Free cancellation available. Book your spot today.
*Estimated starting price. Prices subject to change. Check availability for current rates.
Find the Right Fit
Compare Big Island Helicopter Tours
| Tour | Departure | Duration | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌋 Volcano Focus Volcanoes NP Safari | Hilo | 55 min | Volcano enthusiasts, East Side stays | Book → |
| 💧 Waterfall Focus Majestic Hilo Waterfall | Hilo | Varies | Waterfall & rainforest lovers | Book → |
| 🔒 Private Private Helicopter Exp. | Kona | 2 hrs | Couples, groups, special occasions | Book → |
| 🗺️ Most Coverage Big Island Spectacular | Waikoloa | 105 min+ | Those who want to see it all | Book → |
✅ Free cancellation available · Prices vary by season and availability
Trade the Road for the Sky
See the Big Island in one sweeping ride. Find the flight that fits your stay and book a view you will talk about long after landing.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2026, how much do the best helicopter tours in the Big Island cost?
The website currently displays a starting price of $639. The prices for the other individual helicopter tours are not stated and could vary based on availability and the season. Verify the current rate, taxes, promotions, seat requirements, and cancellation policies on the booking page before completing the payment.
Will I be able to see active lava on a helicopter tour of the Big Island?
Active lava cannot be guaranteed. The eruption cycle, clouds, rain, fog, authorized flight routes, and pilot safety decisions all affect how one can see Kīlauea. Because of the recent lava fields, steam, craters, and volcanic coastline, the route might still be worthwhile during a pause.
Departures from Hilo, Kona & Waikoloa
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Is Waikoloa, Kona, or Hilo the ideal place to start?
Choose Hilo for the strongest volcano focus and lush East Hawaiʻi scenery. Choose Kona for private flights and west-side convenience. Choose Waikoloa for Kohala valleys, waterfalls, and longer routes with broader island coverage.
What is the best time of day for a helicopter tour?
Better weather is not guaranteed at any one time. Current visibility and wind are more important than a set morning/afternoon rule because conditions can change quickly. Because it gives you time to reschedule, making reservations early in the vacation is more beneficial.
Are there weight restrictions for passengers?
Indeed. For safe aircraft balance, the majority of Big Island helicopter tours need precise passenger weights. Each aircraft and operator has different exact limits, and some passengers might require an extra comfortable seat. An authorized weight-and-balance procedure is used to assign seats for shared flights.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable, dark clothing and closed-toe shoes for a tour with a landing. Leave hats and loose items behind. Bring a secured phone or camera, use airplane mode, and avoid large, light-colored logos that can reflect in the windows.
The Best Helicopter Tours in Big Island provide an unforgettable way to see coastlines, valleys, waterfalls, rainforests, and volcanic landscapes that can be challenging to get to by car. Waikoloa is a good option for Kohala scenery and broader island coverage, Kona is perfect for private flights, and Hilo is the best option for routes centered around volcanoes. Before selecting the tour that best suits your needs, compare the current booking rate, flight duration, departure point, and cancellation terms because most prices are not directly listed on the website and may vary by season and availability.
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