Discover breathtaking Big Island helicopter tours with volcanoes, waterfalls, & doors-off 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 landscapes shaped by Pele on this Hawaii volcano helicopter tour 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 Kohala coast 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
Experience private Big Island helicopter tours
and luxury charters — see Hawaii in style!
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
Fly Big Island helicopter tours in Hawaii: See Kīlauea, Waipio Valley, and the Kohala Coast — doors-off free.
Big Island helicopter tours comparison
Not sure which Big Island helicopter tour is right for you? Compare flights by duration and price to find the perfect experience. Compare flights by duration and price to find the perfect helicopter ride experience. Our Hawaii Kona helicopter tours include everything from short scenic flights to epic adventures over Kīlauea, Waipiʻo Valley, and the Kohala Coast.
Kilauea Volcano helicopter tours
Fly over one of the world’s most active volcanoes on a Kīlauea helicopter tour from Kona. Experience Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, steaming vents, and fresh lava fields from a safe aerial view on a Hawaii helicopter tour. Our Big Island volcano helicopter tours offer doors-off access for epic photos and up-close views of the ever-changing landscape. Whether you’re chasing lava or dramatic rift zones, this is Hawaii at its most raw and unforgettable on Rainbow’s Big Island helicopter tours.
For more information about the eruption check our Kilauea volcano updates or the USGS page here.
Halemaʻumaʻu crater live cameras:
↳ V1 Cam
↳ V2 Cam
↳ V3 Cam
Experience the volcano from the air on our immersive Kīlauea volcano helicopter tour.
What you'll see
From dramatic volcanic landscapes to hidden valleys and waterfalls, our Big Island helicopter tours showcase Hawaii Island’s most breathtaking scenery. Fly doors‑off for epic views of Waipiʻo Valley, Kohala waterfalls, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, and the stunning Kona Coast.
Popular Big Island Sights
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
Rainbow Helicopters:
Hawaii Island
Spectacular Big Island helicopter tours.
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.
↳ See Hawaii Island like never before on the Kohala Coast Volcanoes & Waterfalls helicopter tour.
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 Big Island helicopter tours Hawaii has to offer!
Hawaii Helicopter Tour FAQS
Planning a Big Island helicopter tour? Whether you’re flying doors-off over volcanoes or seeking the best helicopter ride in Hawaii, this guide answers common questions about tour safety, pricing, duration, and more.
The best Big Island helicopter tours fly over Hawaii’s most dramatic landscapes — including the Kīlauea volcano, lush Kohala waterfalls, Waipiʻo and Waimanu Valleys, and the Kona Coast. For unbeatable aerial views and free doors-off options, choose trusted operators like Rainbow Helicopters. Popular flights include volcano helicopter tours, waterfall tours, and full-island scenic adventures.
Big Island helicopter tours typically range from $400 to $800 per person. Prices vary depending on the length of the flight and whether it’s a private or deluxe charter. Premium Kona helicopter tours or custom volcano helicopter tours may cost more. Look out for seasonal discounts.
Wear dark-colored, comfortable clothing to minimize glare in photos. Closed-toe shoes are required. Bring a light jacket — it can get cool at altitude. For sunny daytime Kona helicopter tours, sunglasses help reduce glare and protect your eyes.
Yes, Hawaii helicopter tours are regulated by the FAA and are considered very safe. Choose a reputable company with an excellent safety record and experienced pilots. Before your flight, you’ll receive a detailed safety briefing.
Absolutely. Hawaii helicopter tours are perfect for photography. Doors-off flights offer crystal-clear, unobstructed views of volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastlines. You can also bring a GoPro or DSLR. Some tours offer professional video packages.
Morning flights typically offer the calmest weather and best visibility. Early light enhances color in aerial photos. However, afternoon and sunset tours offer dramatic lighting over Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes and coastline.
The Tour durations vary:
- Short tours (30–45 min): Focused helicopter tours
- Standard tours (60–90 min): Multi-sightseeing including waterfalls and valleys
- Extended tours (90–120+ min): Full-island experiences with multiple landmarks
Yes, most helicopter tours operate year-round on the Big Island. However, weather conditions like wind or rain may affect flight schedules. It’s smart to book early in your trip in case rescheduling is needed.
Yes. Most Hawaii helicopter tour companies allow children, though age or weight restrictions may apply. Kids under 2 often fly free on a parent’s lap. All passengers must wear seatbelts during the tour.
Most Hawaii helicopter tour operators offer a full refund with 24–48 hours’ notice. If your flight is canceled due to weather, you’ll typically be offered a refund or the option to reschedule.
Look for companies with:
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Excellent safety record
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Experienced, certified pilots
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High-quality aircraft
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Strong customer reviews
Rainbow Helicopters is a top-rated provider of Big Island and Kona helicopter tours, with free doors-off upgrades and customizable experiences.
Yes. Most Big Island helicopter tours have individual weight limits around 250–300 lbs. If a guest exceeds the limit, an extra seat may need to be purchased to ensure aircraft balance and safety.
Tipping isn’t required but is appreciated. For exceptional service on a Hawaii helicopter tour, a tip of 10–20% is customary and shows your appreciation for the pilot’s skill and professionalism.
The minimum age varies by operator, but most allow children 2 years and older. Always check the specific age policy of your chosen tour before booking.
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