Discover breathtaking sights on our Hawaii Island air adventures.
New: Kilauea Volcano Eruption
1 hour 45 minutes Big Island helicopter tour. Experience Kilauea Volcano in it's current state of eruption! Witness and explore the awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes shaped by Pele, the goddess of fire with a front row seat! Get great photos, fly doors-off free.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
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
1 hr 45 min. with 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!
Latest updates
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 Big Island helicopter tours explore the island’s most stunning landscapes — from active volcanoes to remote valleys. Popular options include Big Island helicopter tours over the Hualalai volcano, the Waipiʻo Valley, and the lush Kohala Coast as well as Kilauea helicopter tours and scenic flights. Consider booking with trusted operators like Rainbow Helicopters Kona for aerial views of Hualālai. When choosing a helicopter tour Big Island visitors generally choose between flight routes and helicopter type.
Big Island helicopter tour prices usually range from $400 to $800 per person. Costs vary based on flight time and tour type. Private Hawaii Island helicopter tours and deluxe options, like the Big Island volcano helicopter tour from Kona, may cost more. Don’t forget to check for seasonal offers and discounts.
For your Hawaii helicopter tour, wear dark, comfortable clothing to minimize glare on windows — this helps when taking photos. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, and a light jacket can help with higher-altitude temperatures. For daytime Kona helicopter tours, bring sunglasses 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! Volcano helicopter tours over Kīlauea cab provide unforgettable photo opportunities. Most Hawaii Island helicopter tours feature large windows, perfect for photography. Consider a camera with fast shutter speed, or ask if the company offers professional video recordings.
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 tours Big Island Kona helicopter tours operate year-round. However, tropical weather conditions can affect scheduling. Booking early in your trip gives you time to reschedule in case of weather delays.
Yes, kids are welcome on most Hawaii helicopter tours. Age or weight restrictions may apply, especially on volcano helicopter tours. Young children may need to sit on a parent’s lap. All passengers must 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 Hawaii Island helicopter tours enforce passenger weight limits between 250–300 lbs. Exceeding the limit may require purchasing an additional seat for balance and safety.
Tipping is not required but is appreciated. For a great Big Island helicopter tour experience, consider tipping 10–20% of the total tour price.
Most Big Island helicopter tour companies allow children as young as 2 years old. However, minimum age requirements vary. Check the tour provider’s policy when booking.
