Hawaii Island Helicopter Tours: Volcanoes & Waterfalls From Above

Hawaii Island’s volcanic landscapes, rugged coastlines and remote waterfalls look different from the air. A helicopter tour offers a perspective that ground-based sightseeing cannot, especially in areas where steep terrain makes access difficult.

At LeaLea Tours, we help travelers book Big Island helicopter experiences operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. With departures from Hilo and Waikoloa, you can choose a flight based on the scenery you want to see, your location and the time you have available.

Big Island Helicopter Tours: Flight Options

Our Big Island helicopter tour listings include four experiences, ranging from shorter scenic flights to an extended island tour.

Prices are listed rates and may change. Confirm the current rate and itinerary before booking.

Big Island Spectacular

Departing from Waikoloa, Big Island Spectacular is the longest flight among these options. Its extended itinerary is suited to travelers who want a broader aerial experience rather than a short flight focused on one area.

With approximately 105 minutes in the air, it is also the highest-priced option. We recommend comparing its full route with the shorter flights before deciding whether the additional flight time matches your sightseeing priorities.

Kohala Coast Adventure

Kohala Coast Adventure focuses on the dramatic scenery of the island’s northern coastline.

This 50-minute flight is a good fit for travelers staying near Waikoloa who are especially interested in coastal cliffs, valleys and waterfalls.

Discover Hilo

Discover Hilo offers a 50-minute flight from the island’s eastern side. It is an option for visitors interested in the landscapes associated with Hawaii Island’s volcanic activity.

Volcano visibility depends on the route and conditions on the day of the flight. An active eruption or visible lava should never be treated as a guaranteed part of the experience.

Hilo Waterfall Experience

The 55-minute Hilo Waterfall Experience is geared toward travelers who want to see the lush scenery and waterfalls of eastern Hawaii Island from above.

It offers a different perspective from a ground-based waterfall excursion, where the experience centers on lookout points, walking trails or stops at individual attractions.

Helicopter Departures From Hilo and Waikoloa

Choosing a departure point is one of the most practical decisions when booking a Big Island helicopter tour.

Waikoloa departures are convenient for visitors staying along the Kohala Coast and in nearby resort areas. The available flights include Kohala Coast Adventure and Big Island Spectacular.

Hilo departures may be more convenient for travelers staying on the island’s eastern side. Discover Hilo and Hilo Waterfall Experience both depart from Hilo.

Because Hawaii Island is large, consider the travel time from your accommodation to the heliport. The closest departure point is not necessarily the best choice if another flight offers the scenery you most want to see.

If you’re still deciding between helicopter sightseeing and other activities, our Big Island tours and activities provide a broader overview of available experiences.

Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Coastal Scenery From Above

A helicopter tour is especially appealing for scenery that is difficult to appreciate from the road.

Volcanic landscapes can include craters, hardened lava fields and terrain shaped by past eruptions. Along the coast, aerial views reveal cliffs, valleys and shorelines that look very different at ground level. In wetter regions, waterfalls descend through steep, densely vegetated landscapes.

The scenery you see depends on the flight selected. Not every helicopter tour follows the same route or includes both volcanic areas and waterfalls.

Weather also matters. Clouds, rain and visibility can affect the flight path or which landmarks are visible. We encourage travelers to choose a tour for its overall scenery rather than expecting one specific view.

Planning Your Helicopter Flight

A little preparation can make the experience easier, particularly if you’re coordinating the flight with other activities.

Check-in and transportation: The listed check-in requirement is 45 minutes before departure in Hilo and 60 minutes in Waikoloa. Hotel transfers are not included, so plan how you will reach the departure location.

Passenger information: Helicopter seating is assigned with aircraft weight and balance in mind. Accurate passenger weights are required, and additional seating charges may apply based on the operator’s policy.

Weather and schedule changes: Flight operations depend on safe flying conditions. Leave some flexibility in your itinerary and review the operator’s cancellation and rescheduling terms before booking.

Comfort and expectations: Bring what you need for a comfortable flight and follow the operator’s instructions about personal items, clothing and photography equipment. Specific seats and views are not guaranteed.

You can review the individual flights and submit a booking inquiry through our Blue Hawaiian Helicopters tour page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Island Helicopter Tours

Can you see active lava on a Hawaii Island helicopter tour?

Possibly, but active lava is never guaranteed. Eruption activity changes, and visibility depends on weather, flight routes and operating conditions. For current volcanic activity, consult the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Are helicopter tours in Hawaii safe?

Helicopter flights involve aviation risks, and no operator can eliminate them entirely. Flights are subject to aviation regulations and operational safety decisions, including weather-related changes. Follow the operator’s briefing and instructions, and review the FAA’s aviation safety information if you want additional background.

Are doors-off or private helicopter tours available?

The four flights described here should not be assumed to include doors-off seating or exclusive aircraft use. Contact us to confirm whether a particular configuration or private arrangement is available before making plans.

Can cruise passengers book a Big Island helicopter tour?

Cruise passengers can consider a helicopter experience if their port schedule allows enough time for travel, check-in, the flight and a return to the ship. Transportation and timing need to be arranged carefully; a standard helicopter booking does not automatically include pier transfers or a ship-return guarantee.

Can I take a Big Island helicopter tour while staying on Oahu?

We also list a separate Volcano Helicopter Tour from Oahu to Hilo. This is an interisland experience and should not be confused with the four helicopter flights departing directly from Hawaii Island.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The flight operator may adjust or cancel a departure when conditions are unsuitable. If the tour is canceled due to weather, we will give you an option to reschedule based on availability or refund.

Explore Hawaii Island by Helicopter With LeaLea Tours

Whether you prefer the waterfall scenery around Hilo or the dramatic landscapes accessible from Waikoloa, the right helicopter tour depends on your interests, location and schedule.

We can help you compare the available Blue Hawaiian Helicopters experiences and choose a flight that fits your Hawaii Island visit.

Compare Big Island helicopter tours and inquire about availability.