The Big Island of Hawaii is a top destination for helicopter flights because of its unmatched volcanic activity, diverse landscapes, and rugged coastline. Flying above the island provides a perspective that’s impossible to get from the ground—highlighting bubbling lava, lush rainforests, and dramatic cliffs. We’re especially fond of tours like the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour for its extensive coverage of volcanoes and waterfalls, or the Luxury Picnic Volcanoes & Waterfalls for a private, gourmet experience. These tours turn sightseeing into a memorable event, perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery.
From quick 30-minute coast flights to multi-hour expeditions with landings, Big Island helicopter tours offer something for all. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, the options range from affordable scenic rides to luxurious, private adventures. All tours provide unique viewpoints and chances to see Hawaii’s volcanic power and natural beauty from above. If you’re considering a helicopter tour, this guide will help you find the best fit.
1. Private Kona Coast Helicopter Tour: All Window Seats
This 30-minute flight is a compact, intimate way to see the Kona Coast from the sky. The tour offers all window seats, ensuring unobstructed views of Kona Town, Kua Bay, and the Captain Cook monuments. It’s ideal if time is tight but you still want impressive scenery, including beaches, bays, and possibly migrating humpback whales during season. The tour’s highlight is the private experience for up to three passengers, making it feel like a custom adventure with a personal pilot.
Guests rave about the value and the quality of views, with many noting the professionalism of the pilots. People often mention how the sunset rides add a magical glow to the scenery. The tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick, high-quality overview of the Kona Coast without sacrificing comfort or view quality. At around $240, it’s a cost-effective way to tick Hawaii’s coast off your bucket list.
Bottom Line: Short, private, and packed with stunning coastline views—best for those with limited time wanting a personalized experience.
2. Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour
If you’re after a comprehensive look at Hawaii’s volcanic and coastal wonders in one go, this 2-hour tour is a standout. It covers lava bubbling from volcanoes, lush rainforests of the Hamakua Coast, and waterfalls along the Kohala Mountains. The tour uses premier helicopters with wide viewing windows and offers clear communication with your pilot via 2-way microphones, making the experience both informative and engaging.
The itinerary is packed: you’ll see Kohala’s ranching valleys, King Kamehameha’s final home, the recent lava flows from December 2022, and the long-lasting eruption of Kilauea. Reviews highlight the emotional impact of seeing Kilauea erupting and the breathtaking views of waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. The tour is suited for those who want a deep dive into Big Island’s volcanic activity and diverse ecology. It’s priced at nearly $800, but many find the experience worth every penny.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a broad and detailed aerial tour of Hawaii’s active volcanoes and lush valleys, with excellent view quality.
3. Exclusive Landing with Spectacular Big Island Helicopter Tour
This 2-hour 20-minute adventure includes an exclusive landing, giving you a chance to step out into the landscape for photos and exploration. Fly over Kohala’s lush scenery, active volcanoes, and the volcanic park, then land at a picturesque spot to witness a waterfall and rainforest up close. It’s a rare opportunity to combine aerial sightseeing with ground-level immersion.
The tour’s highlight is the personalized landing experience, which many guests describe as unforgettable. The pilot’s commentary enriches the journey, and the landings allow for spectacular photo ops. The price is steep at around $1,135, but for travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience with both flight and land, it delivers on exclusivity and scenery.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting both aerial views and a chance to stand amid Hawaii’s natural beauty, perfect for special occasions.
4. Kohala Waterfalls & Valleys Helicopter Tour
For around $460, this 45-minute tour offers a focused exploration of Kohala’s waterfalls and valleys. You’ll fly over cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, ancient Hawaiian settlements, and lush green valleys like the Valley of the Kings. The aerial view of Laupāhoehoe Nui, with its giant waterfall, provides a striking photo opportunity.
Guests often mention how the small group size (max six) makes the experience more personal, and the pilot’s commentary enhances understanding of the landscape’s cultural significance. Many appreciate that this tour covers more ground than typical shorter flights. It’s ideal for those who want a mid-length tour focusing on natural beauty and waterfalls.
Bottom Line: A great pick for waterfall lovers and those wanting a more intimate, scenic flight of Kohala’s dramatic scenery.
5. Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour
This 50-minute journey offers an exciting view of Hilo’s volcanic activity with a focus on Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The flight showcases lava flows, craters, and the rugged coastline, often with viewings of glowing lava in active seasons. Passengers communicate directly with the pilot using noise-canceling headsets, making the narration engaging and informative.
People praise the personalized experience with limited passenger numbers (up to 6), and many mention it’s a bucket list experience—seeing Hawaii’s active volcanoes from the air. The tour price is just under $500, which many feel offers good value given the spectacle of volcanic activity and the rarity of such views.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those fascinated by volcanoes and volcanic landscapes, with a focus on active lava viewing.
6. Kohala Waterfalls with Exclusive Landing Helicopter Tour
This nearly 1 hour and 10 minutes tour is perfect for ravenous waterfall fans. It includes a landing at Laupāhoehoe Nui, where you can get out and photograph the spectacular 1200-foot waterfall. The tour flies over volcanic mountains and lava fields, as well as the Kohala Coast’s lush scenery, with live commentary from the pilot.
Guests rave about the personalized landing experience, with many noting the spectacular photo opportunities. The small group size (max six) and the private waterfall landing make this an intimate adventure. It’s priced at about $804, making it a pricier but highly memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for photographers and waterfall enthusiasts wanting a rare chance to land beside a stunning waterfall.
7. Kona Coast Hualalai Volcano – 60 Min Helicopter Tour
This 1-hour tour offers panoramic views of the Kona Coast, including Kaloko Fish Ponds, Magic Sands Beach, and Kona Coffee farms. It also covers Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument, delivering a rounded coastal experience. The tour is flexible, with options for door-off or on flying, adding to the thrill.
The reviews mention the smooth flight and knowledgeable pilots like Donovan, who enhance the experience with detailed commentary. The tour is suited for those who want a comprehensive coastal overview with a bit of adventure. Priced at $540, it’s a mid-range option that balances scenery and value.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking a complete coastal tour with flexible options for a bit of extra adrenaline.
8. Kona Coastal Sights Unseen – 45Min Helicopter Tour
This short but rich 45-minute flight covers Kona’s coast and Hualalai Volcano with doors off/on options. Flying over Kona Fish Ponds, Kailua Bay, and Magic Sands, it’s perfect for those who want a snapshot of the region’s highlights. The tour boasts spectacular views and the chance to see more than you can from the ground.
Reviews mention how smooth and informative the flight is, especially with the door-off experience for those seeking a more immersive feel. Although only two reviews are available, the high ratings suggest strong satisfaction.
Bottom Line: An excellent quick overview for travelers wanting a more active, immersive experience.
9. Kona Coast Scenic – 30 Min Helicopter Tour
This budget-friendly 30-minute tour is the shortest on the list but still includes key sights like Kaloko Fish Ponds, Kailua Bay, and Magic Sands Beach. It’s ideal if you have limited time but want to see the coast from a new perspective.
While there are no reviews yet, the itinerary is similar to longer tours, making it a good entry point. The tour is perfect for a quick, scenic overview, especially for first-timers.
Bottom Line: A solid option for a brief but scenic helicopter experience in Kona.
$440.00 per person
10. Luxury Picnic Volcanoes & Waterfalls: Private Helicopter Tour
This 2.5-hour private tour is a step above, with a gourmet picnic and champagne during a helicopter flight over Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and other volcanoes. It includes a private landing at a scenic spot, perfect for a romantic escape or special celebration.
Guests rave about the luxury experience, with many noting the personalized service and stunning volcanic vistas. At $5,450 per group, it’s aimed at couples or small groups wanting exclusivity and a memorable meal among Hawaii’s volcanoes.
Bottom Line: Best for romantics and those wanting an ultra-luxurious, personalized helicopter adventure with a gourmet twist.
$5,450.00 per group (up to 3)
11. Romantic Kona Coffee & Landing: Private Helicopter Tour
This private 1-hour tour offers a 20-minute landing at a coffee farm, paired with coffee tasting and optional Hawaiian chocolates or leis. It’s designed for a special occasion—perfect for proposals or anniversaries.
Guests delight in the intimate setting and culture, with the added bonus of landing near Kona Coffee farms for photos. The price is $2,890 per group, making it a premium experience suited for couples seeking romance and privacy.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for couples wanting a romantic, personalized helicopter experience with a focus on Kona’s famous coffee.
$2,890.00 per group (up to 3)
How to Choose Your Big Island Helicopter Tour
Picking the right helicopter experience depends on your budget, time, and interests. If you want a quick coast overview, the 30-minute Kona Coast Scenic is a cost-effective choice. For volcano enthusiasts, the Big Island Spectacular or the Exclusive Landing offer in-depth views and the chance to land. For romantic getaways, the Kona Coffee & Landing provides intimacy and scenic beauty, while the Luxury Picnic adds an extra layer of exclusivity.
Consider your fitness level and comfort with heights—door-off options add excitement but can be chilly—and book early, especially for high-end or private tours. Weather can affect availability, particularly for volcano views, so plan for the best seasons (spring and fall tend to be clearer).
Final Thoughts
The Big Island offers a fantastic range of helicopter tours—from quick scenic rides to luxurious landings in volcanic landscapes. For a broad overview, the Big Island Spectacular is hard to beat. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the Luxury Picnic or Romantic Kona Coffee provide memorable moments. Budget travelers will find the 30-minute and 45-minute options a perfect fit, while those seeking exclusivity and adventure should consider the private landings.
No matter which tour you pick, booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons. Big Island helicopter tours promise breathtaking views and unforgettable memories—so don’t wait to secure your spot in the sky.