From Oahu: Big Island Volcano Adventure & Helicopter

Experience the Power and Beauty of Hawaii’s Big Island in a Day

If you’re craving a full-day adventure that combines stunning scenery, volcanic wonderlands, and a taste of Hawaii’s wild side, this Oahu to Big Island Volcano Adventure & Helicopter tour is worth considering. For around 15.5 hours, you’ll explore the dramatic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, walk through the Nhuku Lava Tube, marvel at Akaka Falls, and add an optional helicopter ride that promises breathtaking views of lava flows and waterfalls. The trip includes roundtrip airfare, which means you won’t need to worry about transport logistics — just enjoy the ride.

What we love about this tour? First, the small-group format makes the experience more intimate and flexible, allowing guides to share rich stories and insights that large buses often miss. Second, the helicopter upgrade offers a perspective that’s simply impossible from ground level — flying over active lava fields, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches gives an entirely new appreciation for Hawaii’s volcanic activity.

One potential consideration? It’s a very long day, with early starts and some delays possible, especially if weather isn’t cooperating — as one reviewer noted, a helicopter flight was canceled due to clouds. This might not be ideal if you prefer relaxed sightseeing or are short on energy.

All in all, this trip is best suited for travelers eager to see Hawaii’s legendary volcanic landscapes and who enjoy a mix of ground exploration and aerial views. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and want an authentic, engaging experience with knowledgeable guides, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package with roundtrip airfare from Oahu simplifies planning.
• Diverse sights include volcanic parks, lava tubes, waterfalls, and scenic coastal drives.
• Optional helicopter tour elevates the experience with stunning aerial views.
• Small-group size allows for personalized storytelling and better engagement.
• Learn about active volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and see recent eruptions.
• Adjustable experience — the helicopter can be canceled due to weather, with refunds provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Big Island Adventure

This tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Hawaii’s volcanic side, packed into a single day. From the moment you meet at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the excitement builds. You’ll fly to Hilo, a scenic 30-minute flight that sets the tone for the day’s adventures, with the views from the plane giving an early peek at the lush green landscape and towering mountains.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — The Heart of the Tour

Once on the Big Island, your first stop is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the star of the show. Led by guides who seem genuinely enthusiastic—one reviewer mentioned Dexter’s impressive knowledge—you’ll explore active volcanic sites including Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The highlight? Peering into Halemaumau Crater, which has doubled in size after the 2018 eruption, offering a front-row seat to the island’s fiery heartbeat.

The park deserves its reputation as a must-see. Walking past steam vents, you’ll feel the heat rising from underground lava flows. Some travelers, like Jessica, appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and learn about living near volcanoes. She also suggested walking between the steam vents and the Visitor Center—less than a mile—and found it a worthwhile extra.

The drive down Chain of Craters Road is both scenic and sobering — the old lava flows, blackened earth, and rugged coastline demonstrate the island’s ongoing transformation. The landscape is raw and powerful, emphasizing the volcanic forces that shape Hawaii.

Lava Tubes and Coastal Beauty

A walk through the Nhuku Lava Tube transports you beneath the surface of the earth. Once filled with flowing lava, this underground tunnel now serves as a natural sculpture surrounded by lush rainforest. The experience helps you grasp the scale of volcanic activity and the way lava carves through the land.

Midday, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the volcanic scenery. It’s a simple but genuine way to connect with the land and recharge for the afternoon.

Following this, the tour takes you to the Hamakua Coast and Akaka Falls State Park. As you stroll through bamboo groves and tropical plants, you’ll get a sense of the island’s lushness. The 442-foot Akaka Falls is a classic sight — a thunderous cascade that photographers love and visitors find awe-inspiring. One review described it as “spectacular,” and it’s easy to see why.

Optional Helicopter Flight: A View from Above

The helicopter addition is a highlight for many. Flying over lava fields, cascading waterfalls, and black-sand beaches offers perspectives impossible from the ground. If weather permits, you’ll see fiery craters, recent lava flows, and rich rainforests in a way that makes the whole island feel alive and dynamic.

However, be aware that some flights can be canceled due to clouds or weather — as one reviewer experienced. If this happens, they typically refund the helicopter portion. For those who do get to go, Chewy, the pilot, often earns praise for his skill and friendliness.

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Returning to Oahu

At the end of an exciting day, you’ll walk back to Hilo Airport for your return flight, with plenty of memorable sights and stories to share. Keep in mind, you’ll need transportation from Honolulu Airport back home.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The knowledgeable guides truly set this experience apart. As one reviewer put it, Dexter was “very informative and provided loads of information,” which enriches the journey beyond just sightseeing. The stunning views from both ground and air are unbeatable — especially if you opt for the helicopter upgrade.

The combination of active volcano viewing, lush waterfalls, and scenic coastal drives offers a balanced look at the Big Island’s diverse landscape. Plus, the all-inclusive price makes it convenient, removing the hassle of booking separate flights and figure out logistics.

That said, the long hours and early start may test some travelers’ endurance, especially if weather causes delays. It’s a full day, but one packed with eye-opening sights.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This adventure suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day of sightseeing with a focus on Hawaii’s volcanic activity. Perfect for those eager to learn from knowledgeable guides, see active craters, and get a bird’s-eye view with the helicopter. It’s also a good fit for those comfortable with a long day and early mornings, and who value authentic experiences and scenic variety.

If you’re visiting Oahu and want to see the Big Island’s highlights without fussing over travel logistics, this tour offers a robust option. It’s especially ideal if you’re fascinated by volcanoes, waterfalls, and Hawaii’s natural power.

FAQ

How do I meet the tour?
You’ll meet at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and catch your flight to Hilo. You are responsible for transportation back to Honolulu after the tour.

Is the airfare included?
Yes, the roundtrip flight between Oahu and Hilo is part of the package, making it a seamless experience.

What if the helicopter flight is canceled?
If weather conditions prevent the helicopter from flying, the flight is refunded. You still get to enjoy the land-based sightseeing.

How long is the tour?
It runs approximately 15.5 hours, including flights, sightseeing, and lunch.

Is the tour suitable for all mobility levels?
While it is wheelchair accessible, some walking is involved, such as walking through lava tubes and along trails. It’s best suited for those able to handle a full day of activity.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, a passport or ID, and any personal essentials. Avoid large or heavy bags, as TSA and FAA requirements restrict luggage on flights.

How many people are in a typical group?
The small-group format ensures a more personal experience, though specific group sizes aren’t listed. Expect a more intimate atmosphere.

Can I upgrade to the helicopter?
Yes, the helicopter tour is an optional upgrade that lasts around 45 minutes and offers exceptional aerial views.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Most of the tour is accessible and enjoyable for older travelers, but consider the length and physical aspects of walking and flying.

What about food?
A picnic lunch is provided during the day, so you’ll have a chance to relax and refuel amidst the scenery.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of what makes the Big Island so captivating — active volcanoes, lush waterfalls, and spectacular vistas. It’s a great choice for those who want to experience Hawaii’s fiery core and natural beauty in one memorable day. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, a waterfall chaser, or just someone eager to see Hawaii’s diverse landscapes, you’ll find plenty here to appreciate. Just remember, it’s a full day but packed with the kinds of sights that make the Hawaiian islands so famously unforgettable.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby