Helicopter tours on the Big Island (also known as the Hawaii Island) take off from Kailua-Kona, Hilo, and Waimea.
Since it offers better weather, beaches, snorkeling, the latest resorts, and more nightlife, most tourists prefer to stay in Kailua-Kona.
As a result, most of the helicopter tours on the Big Island take off from Kona and nearby areas.
In this article, we share the best helicopter tours in Kona, Hawaii.
Table of contents
- Flight Departure and Return
- Best helicopter tours in Kona, Hawaii
- Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour
- The Big Island Experience
- Volcano and Kohala Landing Helicopter Tour
- Kona Coast Helicopter Tour
- Circle Island Experience from Kona
- Kohala Coast Adventure Helicopter Tour
- Helicopter Sunset Experience Tour from Kona
- Kona Coast Sunset Tour
- Magical Waterfall Tour from Kona
- Important information for air tours from Kona
Flight Departure and Return
The helicopter tours we have listed below take off from the heliport in Waikoloa Village or Kona International Airport.
There are multiple take-offs daily, and you are sure to get your preferred timing if you book early.
Where does the helicopter return?
After your sightseeing trip is over, you will land at the same place from where the helicopter took off.
Best helicopter tours in Kona, Hawaii
Before we share our selection of the best helicopter tours in Kona, Hawaii, check out these important instructions for all travelers –
- All passengers must carry a valid photo ID
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Carry an extra layer of warm clothes
- It is better NOT to take along large bags and backpacks
- For security reasons,
- The tour operator can search everything you carry onboard for security reasons
- In case of bad weather, the pilot can change the helicopter ride’s route at the last minute
Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour
This helicopter tour of the Big Island takes you above Hawaii’s stunning peaks, beaches, and valleys.
View lava flowing from volcanoes, fly over the lush rain forests of the Hamakua Coast and end your journey with views of the Kohala Mountains’ waterfalls.
Only a helicopter tour allows you to see so many of Hawaii’s attractions in one trip and from such a unique vantage point.
You can choose an 8 am departure or a 1.30 pm afternoon take-off.
Duration in the air: Two hours
Cost of the tour: $760 per person
The Big Island Experience
You get treated like a VIP on this tour because it is a private 4-passenger helicopter tour of the Big Island from Kona.
Departing from Kona International Airport, take your Hawaii vacation to the sky.
Your pilot narrates the terrain below, including valleys, waterfalls, coastline, and—of course—an active volcano.
You will head straight to Kilauea via the saddle running between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, Hawaii’s tallest mountains.
Duration in the air: Two hours
Cost of the tour: $550 per person
Volcano and Kohala Landing Helicopter Tour
Experience the breathtaking scenery of Hawaii’s Big Island from the air, the way it was designed to be seen.
On this fantastic helicopter trip, soar over the Big Island’s rocky coastline, active volcanoes, and gushing waterfalls.
While soaking up stunning airborne views of the smoldering Kilauea Volcano and the magnificent mountains and sea cliffs of the Kohala Coast, listen to expert narration from your pilot.
Land on a remote rarely visited section of the island and explore the quiet tropical paradise.
After you have had your fill, climb back aboard the helicopter to continue your flying tour of Hawaii’s natural landmarks.
Duration in the air: Three hours
Cost of the tour: $750 per person
Kona Coast Helicopter Tour
This trip is the best helicopter tour to explore Kona Coast from the air.
You will fly from Kona Airport (Southbound) past Honokohau Bay, Kona Town, Keauhou to the famous Captain Cook or (Northbound) to the famous Kua Bay, Kiholo Bay, Hapuna Beach, and Kawaihae.
This heli tour gets even more popular during the whale season because you get to spot whales from the top.
Duration in the air: 30 minutes
Cost of the tour: $175 per person
Circle Island Experience from Kona
The Circle Island Helicopter tour is an excellent way to see Big Island from the air if you stay in or around Kailua-Kona.
On this deluxe, two-hour helicopter tour of the Big Island, you’ll take off from Kona and fly above newly created black sand beaches, spectacular waterfalls along the coastline, and over the Waipio and Waimanu valleys.
You will also soar above rainforests, macadamia nut orchards, and live volcanoes.
The Bell 407 helicopter has executive seating and sliding windows, making snapping pictures of flowing lava and secret waterfalls much easier.
Duration in the air: Two hours 15 minutes
Cost of the tour: $720 per person
Kohala Coast Adventure Helicopter Tour
Many consider this area to have the most spectacular scenery on the Big Island.
The towering sea cliffs open into the dramatically deep and meandering valleys of the Kohala Mountains.
Beautiful waterfalls cascade thousands of feet into the rainforest below, and remnants of ancient Hawaiian settlements are still visible.
Duration in the air: 45 minutes
Cost of the tour: $420 per person
Helicopter Sunset Experience Tour from Kona
This VIP helicopter tour starts when you get picked from your hotel and transported to the Kona airport.
At the airport, you enjoy your Champagne toast and also receive a fresh flower lei before boarding the state-of-the-art helicopter.
You soar above fields of jet-black lava outside Kona, which are punctuated by hidden, white beaches and impressively turquoise coves.
Then you see the pastures on the slopes of southern Kohala, which slowly turn into the verdant rainforest of the Hamakua Coast.
Then you will fly past snowcapped Mauna Kea en route to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the famous Kilauea volcano.
Since by now the light would have faded, you will see the scary orange glow of Halema’uma’u Crater, which houses a bubbling lava lake a few feet below the surface.
The helicopter then flies south towards the island’s southern tip to reach the black-sand beaches of Punalu’u Beach Park.
Soon you spot Papakolea, the famous green beach, before circling back north above the city of refuge at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau.
When your helicopter reaches Kealakekua Bay, the sun will be setting on the western horizon, giving you a dazzling display of nature’s beauty.
Duration in the air: Two hours
Cost of the tour: $815 per person
If you want the aerial sunset experience from Kona, but at a lesser cost, try the Big Island Sunset Flight. For just $685 per person, you will take off on a Cessna plane, catch the night’s first stars, and touch back down in Kailua-Kona after two hours.
Kona Coast Sunset Tour
This flight takes off from Kona Airport, and you fly along the island’s magnificent coastline during the ‘Golden Hour.’
When the sun sets, you get to see the vast array of reds, orange, purple and gold colors appearing in the sky.
If you are lucky, you will also see the ‘Green Flash,’ a natural miracle when two optical phenomena combine – a mirage and the dispersion of sunlight.
Duration in the air: 30 minutes
Cost of the tour: $175 per person
Magical Waterfall Tour from Kona
Big Island is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in all of Hawaii.
Upon departing from Kona International Airport, the tour first takes you to the seven windward valleys of Kohala.
Over the next one hour and 15 minutes, you will see all of the best waterfalls on the island.
Tour will conclude with a beautiful coastline flight over sparkling ocean waters, ancient lava flows, and spectacular luxury resorts.
Duration in the air: One hour 15 minutes
Cost of the tour: $405 per person
Important information for air tours from Kona
- Here are some crucial pointers you must know before booking your heli tour in Kona, Hawaii.
- An adult must accompany all children below 18 years.
- Due to the aircraft’s comfort and weight/balance, passengers weighing over 113 Kg (250 lbs) will be required to purchase an additional seat. This happens on the day of the tour, and you can pay them directly.
- The maximum weight limit for any single passenger is 170 Kg (375 Pounds), and visitors over this weight won’t be allowed to board the flight.
- As per FAA regulations, all passengers 18 years and older will be required to show a photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport at the time of check-in.
- Infant children are considered lap child if they are under the age of two and have proof of age, such as a passport or a copy of their birth certificate.
- Most travelers can participate. However, helicopter tours aren’t recommended for pregnant women, travelers with back problems, heart problems, or other severe medical conditions.
- It is better to wear dark colors to prevent reflections in your photos from the chopper.
- Participants must not have done scuba diving within 24 hrs of taking off. Read why
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