Discover breathtaking sights on our Hawaii Island air adventures.
Kona Coast Hualalai Volcano
60 minute Big Island helicopter tour. This Hawaii volcano helicopter tour explores the stunning Kona Coastline and the majestic Hualalai Volcano and Ka’upulehu Crater from above. See ancient Kaloko Fish Ponds, pristine Magic Sands Beach, and the Island's famous Kona Coffee farms. Get great photos, fly doors-off free.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Kohala Coast Volcanoes Waterfalls
90 minute Big Island helicopter tour. Experience an epic Hawaii helicopter tour showcasing four volcanoes and see the cascading Laupahoehoe Nui and Wai’ilikahi waterfalls from above. Get great photos, fly doors-off free.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Coastal Sights Unseen
45 minute Big Island helicopter tour. Discover a unique side of Hawaii Island. Experience majestic Hualalai Volcano, Magic Sands Beach, Kailua Bay, Alii Drive and fly over the famous Kona Coffee farms on this stunning Hawaii helicopter tour of scenic and historic sites. Get great photos, fly doors-off free.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Kona Coast Scenic
30 minute Big Island helicopter tour. Experience the rich history and breathtaking beauty of the Kona coastline by air on this exclusive coastal helicopter tour. Discover Captain Cook Monument, Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve and Hawaii's historic sights. Get great photos, fly doors-off free.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Fly above and beyond in a private Hawaii Island helicopter charter.
Luxury Picnic Volcanoes & Waterfalls
90 min. + landing, private Big Island helicopter tour. Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Hawaii by private helicopter as you soar over volcanic peaks, deep waterfalls, and the stunning Kohala Coast. Enjoy a scenic landing with a chef-catered local picnic.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Romantic Kona Coffee & Landing
45 min. + landing, private Big Island helicopter tour. Embark on an unparalleled helicopter excursion along the prestigious Kona Coast, crowned by an exclusive landing at a lush coffee farm. Indulge in a romantic Kona coffee tasting experience amidst the island's natural splendor.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
“The tour was breathtaking! The pilot was so informative and not only showed us the island safely, he gave us so much knowledge on what we were seeing. Rainbow offers the best Big Island helicopter tours!!”
CANDACE • 2024
Rainbow Helicopters provides spectacular Hawaii helicopter tours and private helicopter charters. With air and land adventures on both Oahu and the Big Island, guests can choose from a variety of premium flight experiences onboard our colorful fleet of Robinson R-44 and Airbus Astar helicopters.
As part of the seating arrangement in our Robinson R-44 helicopters (3 passengers), every guest has a window seat. Guests can choose to fly with their door open “Doors off” or closed (a free customization of your choice, during checkout). Our Airbus Astar helicopters (6 passengers) are known for their spacious and comfortable cabins, as well as for the panoramic views that offer excellent visibility from all seats.
Rainbow Helicopters flies spectacular Oahu helicopter tours from Honolulu International Airport and Big Island helicopter tours from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island. We offer a variety of daytime helicopter tours, as well as romantic proposal flights and luxury picnic experiences.
For guests seeking an exclusive experience, we also offer private helicopter charters for both intra-island and inter-island private charter flights. We can get you where you want to go: Big Island volcanoes and lava, Haleakala on Maui, the sea cliffs of Molokai, the rainforests along the Na Pali coast, as well as surf events, and more. Fly with Rainbow for the best helicopter tours Oahu has to offer!
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Rainbow Helicopters
Hawaii Island
Sights
Big Island helicopter tours highlights:
A Bay (Anaehoomalu Bay)
Aliʻi Drive
Captain Cook Monument
Hualālai Volcano
Kaiholo Bay
Kaloko Fish Ponds
Kaupulehu Crater
Kawaihae Coast
Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve
Kiholo Bay
Kohala Coast Waterfalls
Kohala Volcano
Kona Coffee Farms
Kona Coast
Laupāhoehoe Nui Falls
Magic Sands Beach
Makalawena Beach
Mauna Kea Volcano
Mauna Loa Volcano
Place of Refuge (Puʻuhonua o Honaunau)
Pololu Valley
Pūu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve
Waimanu Valley
Waiʻilikahi Falls
Waipiʻo Valley
FAQ
Big Island helicopter tours FAQ:
The best helicopter tours offer breathtaking views of the Big island’s volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastlines. Popular options include Big Island helicopter tours over the Hualalai volcano, the Waipiʻo Valley, and the lush Kohala Coast. When choosing a tour, consider the flight duration, the type of helicopter, and the company’s reputation.
The cost of Big Island helicopter rides typically ranges from $400 to $800 per person, depending on the length of the flight and the specific tour package. Private charters or longer tours may cost more. Be sure to check for seasonal discounts or special offers.
Wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. Dark-colored clothing is recommended to minimize window glare, which can affect photos. Bring a light jacket, as it can get chilly at higher altitudes. For Big Island helicopter sightseeing, sunglasses are also a good idea to reduce glare and protect your eyes.
Yes, Big Island helicopter excursions are generally very safe. Tour operators are required to follow strict safety regulations set by the FAA. It’s important to choose a reputable company with experienced pilots and well-maintained aircraft. Most tours include a safety briefing before takeoff.
Absolutely! Big Island helicopter rides are a fantastic opportunity for aerial photography. Most helicopters are equipped with large windows that offer unobstructed views. Consider bringing a camera with a fast shutter speed to capture the stunning landscapes. Some companies also offer video recordings of your flight.
Morning flights are often recommended for the best weather and visibility. The early sunlight also enhances the colors of the landscape, making for great photographs. However, afternoon flights can offer dramatic lighting, especially during sunset on Big Island helicopter rides.
The duration of a helicopter tour on the Big Island can vary from 30 minutes to over 2 hours. Shorter tours may focus on specific areas like the Kīlauea volcano, while longer tours offer comprehensive views of multiple attractions, including waterfalls, rainforests, and coastlines. Here are the top 5 best Big Island helicopter rides.
Yes, most helicopter tour companies on the Big Island operate year-round. However, weather conditions can impact flight schedules. It’s advisable to book your tour early in your trip so you have flexibility to reschedule if needed due to weather.
Children are welcome on most Big Island helicopter tours. Some companies have age or weight restrictions, so it’s best to check with the operator before booking. Younger children may need to sit on a parent’s lap, and all passengers are required to wear seatbelts.
Cancellation policies vary by company, but most offer a full refund if you cancel within a certain timeframe, typically 24 to 48 hours before the flight. Tours canceled due to weather are usually refunded or rescheduled at no extra cost.
When choosing the best Big Island helicopter tour company in Hawaii, consider factors like safety records, customer reviews, the experience of the pilots, and the type of helicopter used. Some companies also offer additional features, such as free doors-off helicopter flights or eco-friendly aircraft.
Yes, most helicopter tour companies have weight restrictions for safety reasons. The limit typically ranges from 250 to 300 pounds per person. Passengers exceeding the weight limit may be required to purchase an additional seat.
Tipping is appreciated but not required. If you enjoyed your tour and feel the pilot provided an excellent experience, a tip of 10-20% of the tour cost is a common gesture.
There’s no universal minimum age for helicopter tours on the Big Island, but most companies allow children as young as 2 years old. However, each company may have its own guidelines, so it’s best to check when booking.
