A Big Island helicopter tour from Hilo gives you one of two very different islands. Fly south and you cross the black lava fields and crater country of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, around Kīlauea. Fly north and you follow the sea cliffs and waterfalls of the Hamakua Coast into the deep green valleys of Waipiʻo and Waimanu.
The Big Island hub has one flight for each. Both are shared, doors on, with forward-facing seats for up to six passengers, and both cost the same, so the only real question is which landscape you came for.
Which Big Island helicopter tour to book
- Big Island Volcanoes National Park 55-Minute Helicopter Tour, from US$406 per person. About 55 minutes. You leave Hilo over orchid country and native forest, then work the park’s lava fields and volcanic terrain. The route description also names Kīlauea and Halemaʻumaʻu, the East Rift Zone, Mauna Loa views, Chain of Craters Road and black sand beaches as possible sights. Glowing or active lava is never guaranteed; conditions change.
- Big Island Hamakua Coast and Valleys 60-Minute Helicopter Tour, from US$406 per person. About 60 minutes. Coastal waterfalls and cliffs along the Hamakua Coast, then Waipiʻo Valley and Waimanu Valley before you return to Hilo. There is no landing and no stop on the valley floor.
If lava and craters are why you came to Hawaiʻi Island, take the volcano flight. If you want waterfalls, sea cliffs and valleys you cannot drive into, take the Hamakua Coast flight.
Before you go
- Where: the green-roof Commuter Terminal at Hilo Airport, 2220 Kekuanaoa Street. There is no hotel pickup. Park in the paved lot in front of the office, not the gravel cellular lot.
- Check-in: arrive 45 minutes before departure for check-in, weighing and the safety briefing, or earlier if your confirmation says so. Bring photo ID.
- Who can fly: ages 2 and up; younger lap children may be possible under the seating rules shown when you book. Children seven and under are not seated in front.
- Weight: an extra seat may be required from 113 kg (250 lbs), or when two people together exceed about 191 kg (420 lbs). Weight is checked at check-in, so enter accurate weights when you book.
- Cancellation: a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. If weather cancels the flight, you can move to another time or take a refund. Flights run year-round when weather allows, with no landings.
Not sure which flight suits you? Email us at hello@flyovertheworld.com and we’ll help you choose.