Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Active Volcanoes & Helicopter Tour

Taking a day trip from Oahu to the Big Island to see its active volcanoes and lush waterfalls is a bold adventure — and one that offers a lot of bang for your buck. Priced at $878.06 per person, this 12-hour journey packs in a lot: a scenic helicopter flight, visits to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and several volcanic sights. Guided by knowledgeable drivers and pilots, you get a taste of Hawaii’s volcanic power and natural beauty all in one day.

What we love about this tour? First, the scenic helicopter ride offers a perspective you can’t get from land alone, soaring above Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the island’s most famous volcanoes. Second, the comprehensive land itinerary takes you through some of the most impressive sights like steam vents and the Lava Tube, giving you authentic encounters with the island’s volcanic landscape.

A potential drawback? The weather-dependent helicopter flight means that if the skies aren’t clear, you might miss out on the aerial views, which many consider the highlight. Plus, with a group limited to 12 people, this tour feels intimate, but it also means booking well in advance — on average, travelers plan their trip 72 days ahead.

This tour suits travelers who are eager to see Hawaii’s active volcanoes and waterfalls in one day without fussing over logistics. If you love guided experiences with a mix of land and sky, and don’t mind the price tag, this trip could be a memorable highlight of your Hawaiian vacation.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience combining land exploration and helicopter sightseeing
• Active volcanoes like Kilauea, with recent eruptions, are the main focus
• Intimate group size (max 12 travelers) for a more personal experience
• Weather sensitivity means helicopter rides aren’t always guaranteed
• Includes lunch and all entrance fees for major stops
• Guided by knowledgeable drivers and pilots who enhance the experience

In-Depth Review of the Hilo Volcano Tour

The Land and Air Combo: What to Expect

This tour begins early, with a pickup from your Oahu hotel, whisking you to the airport for your interisland flight to Hilo. Once on the Big Island, the day truly begins with the Blue Hawaiian Helicopters — a highlight for many travelers. You’ll undergo a 45-minute safety briefing before climbing into the helicopter for a scenic flight over the volcanoes and lush landscapes. Keep in mind, volcano activity varies, and lava sightings are not guaranteed, but even smoke and steaming vents are impressive.

The helicopter ride provides a bird’s-eye view of Kilauea, which has been erupting as recently as June 2023. You’ll see fountains of lava (if visible), crater landscapes, and the islands’ volcanic fissures. Many guests mention how flying over the Hawaiian landscape truly amplifies the experience, with some saying, “The helicopter ride option over the volcano was incredible, I’ve always wanted to fly in one.”

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

After the aerial adventure, the tour continues on land with visits to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park’s visitor center offers interpretive exhibits that explain the geology and ongoing eruptions. Here, you’ll walk among steam vents, where geothermal activity creates bubbling, steaming ground that’s almost alive.

A favorite stop is the Lava Tube — a long subterranean cave formed by flowing lava. Although the lava tube has been closed for over a year, visitors still find the surrounding tropical forest and volcanic landscape captivating. The Chain of Craters Road is a scenic 19-mile drive, offering views of volcanic vents, hardened lava flows, and rugged coastlines.

Waterfalls and Coastal Charm

No trip to Hawaii is complete without waterfalls, and this tour makes sure to include Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls. Rainbow Falls, with its mist creating rainbows, is a quick stop, but one that leaves many travelers saying, “Seeing the waterfall is a highlight.” The lush jungle surroundings add to the sense of tropical adventure.

Small Town Charm and Local Flavor

The tour winds down in Hilo Town, where you can stroll along Banyan tree-lined streets and enjoy the local vibe. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated the chance to explore Hilo’s quaint, laid-back atmosphere, contrasting with busy Honolulu. The included lunch provides a break before heading back to the airport for the return flight to Oahu.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviews highlight the expertise of guides and pilots as a major plus, with many praising their knowledgeable narration and friendly demeanor. One reviewer raved, “Hugh was a great guide — funny, smart, very knowledgeable, and adventurous!” Others appreciated the seamless coordination of flights, buses, and helicopter rides, describing the entire day as “seamless and well-organized.”

However, some guests expressed disappointment when volcano activity was less visible — notably, one review mentioned they only saw smoke, not flowing lava. This underscores that nature’s unpredictability can impact the experience, especially the helicopter part.

The small group size (max 12) is often praised for making the day more personal and engaging. But this also means early booking is recommended, as the tour fills up quickly.

Practical Details

The price includes airfare, lunch, all park entrance fees, and the helicopter ride. The total weight per passenger limit of 240 lbs means some guests may pay extra for a comfort seat, which is standard FAA regulation. Travelers with respiratory issues should note the potential fumes from volcanic activity, and weather conditions can cause cancellations or rerouting.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure-minded travelers and nature lovers eager to see Hawaii’s volcanic activity firsthand. It’s especially appealing if you’ve always dreamed of flying over a volcano or want a comprehensive day of natural wonders without the hassle of planning multiple trips yourself.

It’s less suitable for those who prefer slow-paced, relaxed sightseeing or have mobility issues, since there’s a fair amount of walking and some confined helicopter seating. If your primary goal is lava viewing, be aware that sightings can’t be guaranteed, and weather plays a big role.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth Your Time?

For those looking to combines aerial and land vistas of Hawaii’s most famous volcanoes, this tour offers a solid value. The expert guides, well-planned stops, and impressive helicopter views make it a standout for first-time visitors eager to see the Big Island’s volcanic heart.

Keep in mind that weather can affect the experience, so flexibility and patience are key. The small group setting and full-day itinerary mean you’ll get personalized attention and a thorough overview of the island’s volcanic geology and lush scenery.

This tour is best suited for travelers with a moderate budget seeking an authentic, active experience that blends air and land exploration — and who are prepared for the possibility of weather-related surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the helicopter flight guaranteed?
No, the helicopter ride is dependent on weather conditions. If weather prevents flying, you’ll still enjoy the land tour, but the aerial views might be missed.

What’s included in the tour price?
The price covers interisland airfare, air-conditioned transportation, lunch, park entrance fees, and the 45-minute helicopter flight (if it proceeds).

How much walking is involved?
You’ll spend some time walking around sites like the steam vents and waterfalls, but most stops are relatively short, around 20 minutes each.

What if I weigh over 240 pounds?
FAA regulations require passengers over 240 lbs. to pay for a comfort seat, which covers an extra seat for safety and comfort. You’ll be contacted if this applies.

Are there any health considerations?
Guests with respiratory issues should consider potential fumes from volcanic activity. The tour includes outdoor exposure, so dress accordingly.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. If weather cancels the helicopter, you’ll receive a partial refund for that part and an alternative land-only experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families, as long as children can handle a full day of activity and the helicopter ride (or view it as optional).

Whether you’re chasing the fiery glow of lava or simply eager to see Hawaii’s volcanic landscape from every angle, this tour offers a well-rounded day packed with natural beauty, expert guides, and memorable views. Just remember — patience and flexibility will help you get the most out of it, especially if weather impacts your aerial adventure.