Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours
Breathtaking Big Island sights best seen from the air.
Hawaii’s Big Island is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering an array of breathtaking landscapes that are best appreciated from the sky. With Rainbow Helicopters, you can embark on an unforgettable journey that showcases the Big Island’s stunning volcanoes, majestic waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines. Feel the exhilarating experience of Rainbow’s Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours, and discover the various sites and unique aerial perspectives you can expect to see on your Rainbow helicopter adventure.
Top 5 sites to see by helicopter
Embark on an aerial journey over the Big Island’s most breathtaking scenic landscapes, where you’ll encounter an awe-inspiring blend of volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastlines. Marvel at the towering majesty of Mauna Loa, the lush beauty of the Kohala Coast Waterfalls, and the rugged cliffs and black sand beaches of Pololu and Waimanu Valleys. These are a few of the top five that sites offer a stunning cross-section of Hawaii’s diverse and captivating natural beauty.
1. Kohala Coast Waterfalls
The Kohala Coast is renowned for its lush valleys and a series of pristine waterfalls that create a picturesque contrast to the rugged volcanic terrain. Among the most notable are Laupahoehoe Nui Falls and Wai’ilikahi Falls, which cascade down steep cliffs into verdant gorges below. These waterfalls are often surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. The valleys themselves, carved by centuries of erosion, are rich in biodiversity and cultural history, offering a glimpse into the island’s natural and human heritage. From above, the sight of these cascading waters plunging into the lush, green valleys is simply breathtaking. Rainbow’s Kohala Coast helicopter tour takes you over lush valleys, waterfalls, and rugged lava cliffs, offering one of the most scenic flight paths on the Big Island.
2. Pololu and Waimanu Valleys
Pololu and Waimanu Valleys are two of the most dramatic landscapes on the Big Island, characterized by steep, forested cliffs and expansive black sand beaches. Pololu Valley, accessible via a scenic lookout, offers a stunning view of the valley’s floor and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The more remote Waimanu Valley, accessible only by a challenging hike or helicopter, is a hidden gem known for its seclusion and unspoiled beauty. These valleys are also home to hidden waterfalls and ancient Hawaiian agricultural sites, adding layers of history and mystery to their natural allure. The contrasting hues of the dark cliffs, the deep blue ocean, and the green valley floors create a striking visual spectacle.
3. Haulalai Volcano
Hualalai is one of the Big Island’s five major volcanoes and is still considered active, though its last eruption occurred in the early 19th century. The volcano’s rugged terrain is dotted with craters and lava tubes, offering a fascinating look at the island’s geological past. The nearby Ka’upulehu Crater is particularly striking, with its jagged edges and colorful mineral deposits. From the sky, the expansive lava flows that emanated from Hualalai’s various fissures are clearly visible, painting a picture of the island’s dynamic volcanic activity. The surrounding area also includes Kona’s famous coffee farms, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural significance.
4. Mauna Loa Volcano
Mauna Loa stands as the world’s largest active volcano, covering half of the Big Island’s landmass. Its vast expanse includes a network of rugged lava fields and numerous craters, offering a unique and mesmerizing landscape. From the sky, you can observe the intricate patterns formed by past and present lava flows, and the colossal size of this geological giant becomes truly apparent. The caldera at its summit, Moku‘āweoweo, spans several miles and is a sight of stark, otherworldly beauty. Mauna Loa’s continuous volcanic activity has shaped much of the island’s topography, making it a must-see for those interested in volcanic phenomena.
5. Kailua Bay
Kailua Bay is a vibrant aquatic haven known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life. The bay’s calm, turquoise waters are perfect for spotting colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine species from above. The bay also hosts historical landmarks, including the remains of ancient Hawaiian fishponds and the historic Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii. The aerial view reveals the bay’s intricate coral formations and the brilliant shades of blue and green that define its waters, making it a favorite for both snorkelers and sightseers.
Explore the Big Island’s Volcanoes by Air
Hawai‘i Island is home to five major volcanoes, each shaping the landscape in dramatic ways. Our helicopter tours give you a front-row seat to these geological giants—from towering summits to ancient lava fields.
Looking for a volcano helicopter tour near Kona? Our Kona Coast & Hualālai Volcano tour offers aerial views of Hualālai, the third-youngest volcano on the island. You’ll fly over expansive lava flows, forested craters, and the stunning Kona shoreline—all without needing to hike a single step.
For guests interested in even more volcanic scenery, our Kohala Coast Volcanoes & Waterfalls tour includes views of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano.
Why Choose a Big Island Helicopter Tour?
The best Hawaii Big Island helicopter tours offer unparalleled views of the Hawaii Island’s most dramatic and inaccessible locations. From the towering peaks of active volcanoes to the lush valleys adorned with cascading waterfalls, Rainbow Helicopter Tours provide a unique vantage point that ground travel simply cannot match.
Here’s a closer look at a few of Rainbow’s Big Island Hawaii helicopter tours:
Featured Tour: Kohala Coast Volcanoes & Waterfalls – 90-Minute Helicopter Tour (Doors On or Off)
This Kohala Coast helicopter sightseeing tour is one of our most popular Big Island flights. Departing from Kona, it combines volcanic landscapes, lush tropical valleys, and dramatic coastal cliffs into a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re searching for the best helicopter tours on the Kohala Coast, this adventure offers unbeatable views of Hawaiʻi Island’s most iconic sights.
Highlights of this Kohala Coast adventure helicopter tour include::
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Kailua Bay: Begin your journey with a scenic flight over crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
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Mauna Loa & Hualālai Volcanoes: Get a bird’s-eye view of the world’s largest active volcano and its younger sibling.
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Kaʻūpūlehu Crater: Glide above this surreal volcanic feature, shaped by ancient eruptions.
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Kohala Coast Waterfalls: Witness pristine waterfalls like Laupāhoehoe Nui and Waiʻilikahi cascading through the emerald valleys of North Hawaiʻi.
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Pololū & Waimanu Valleys: These remote valleys, once home to Hawaiian royalty, are framed by dramatic sea cliffs and offer some of the most scenic vistas on the island.
This tour also touches the edge of the Hāmākua Coast, making it an ideal option if you’re comparing Kohala Hāmākua Coast helicopter tours. Explore this Kohala Coast helicopter tour in detail and book your seat today.
Kona Coast & Hualālai Volcano – 60-Minute Helicopter Tour (Doors On or Off)
This Big Island volcano helicopter tour explores the diverse and dramatic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Island’s western side. Departing from Kona, the flight offers a dynamic mix of coastal beauty, cultural landmarks, and volcanic terrain—including the towering presence of Hualālai Volcano.
If you’re searching for a volcano helicopter tour in Kona, this 60-minute aerial experience showcases everything from ancient lava flows to the turquoise waters of the Kona Coast.
Highlights of this Kona Coast volcano tour include:
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Soar Over the Kona Coast – Witness the striking beauty of the western shoreline, including the historic Kaloko Fishponds, the white sands of Magic Sands Beach, and the brilliant coral reefs of Kailua Bay—all from an unforgettable aerial perspective.
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Explore Sacred and Historic Sites – Fly over the Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve, where Captain Cook met his fate, and the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge), one of the most important cultural sites in Hawaiʻi.
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Discover Hualālai Volcano and Kaʻūpūlehu Crater – Get a rare bird’s-eye view of Hualālai, the third-youngest volcano on the island. Trace its expansive lava fields and fly over the dramatic Kaʻūpūlehu Crater, a powerful reminder of the Big Island’s volcanic origins.
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Glide Above Kona’s Famous Coffee Belt – Fly above the lush, green slopes where Kona coffee farms thrive—an essential part of island life and a picturesque contrast to the surrounding volcanic terrain.
Whether you’re interested in geology, history, or just jaw-dropping scenery, this Kona volcano helicopter tour delivers a compact but powerful overview of one of the most geologically rich regions on Earth. Explore the tour in detail and book your flight over Hualālai Volcano today.
See the Big Island’s Volcanic West from the Sky
For a closer look at the Big Island’s volcanic past, our Kona Coast & Hualālai Volcano helicopter tour offers an unforgettable journey over rugged lava fields, historical landmarks, and one of Hawaiʻi’s most impressive shield volcanoes.
This 60-minute Kona volcano helicopter tour soars above the slopes of Hualālai Volcano, whose last eruption reshaped the island’s western coastline. Along the way, you’ll glimpse the dramatic Kaʻūpūlehu Crater, ancient fishponds along the Kona shore, and even the scenic Kona coffee belt—where volcanic soil nurtures world-renowned beans.
If you’re looking for a Big Island volcano helicopter tour that departs from Kona and offers an incredible mix of nature, geology, and history in just one hour, this is it.
More sites you can see on Rainbow’s Hawaii Big Island helicopter tours
Our Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours cover an array of iconic sites across the island, ensuring an unforgettable experience:
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- Kailua Bay: Known for its vibrant marine life and clear waters.
- Mauna Loa Volcano: The largest active volcano in the world, offering an awe-inspiring sight.
- Kaupulehu Crater: A striking volcanic crater with rugged beauty.
- Hualalai Volcano: One of the island’s active volcanoes with a rich geological history.
- Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve: A diverse landscape of forests and volcanic terrain.
- Mauna Kea Volcano: The tallest mountain in Hawaii, renowned for its astronomical observatories.
- Kohala Volcano: The oldest of the island’s volcanoes, featuring lush landscapes and waterfalls.
- Kawaihae Coast: A beautiful stretch of coastline with historical significance.
- Kohala Coast Waterfalls: Home to some of the island’s most breathtaking waterfalls.
- Pololu Valley: A stunning valley with dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches.
- Waimanu Valley: Known for its pristine natural beauty and secluded waterfalls.
- Laupahoehoe Nui Falls: One of the island’s impressive waterfalls.
- Wai’ilikahi Falls: A hidden gem among the island’s many waterfalls.
- Waipio Valley: A lush valley with rich cultural history and towering waterfalls.
- Kiholo Bay: Known for its unique blend of volcanic and marine environments.
- Kona Coast: Famous for its scenic beauty and rich marine life.
- Makalawena Beach: A remote beach known for its white sands and clear waters.
Tailored Big Island helicopter experiences
At Rainbow Helicopters, we pride ourselves on offering tailored private helicopter charter experiences that cater to your interests. Whether you’re passionate about volcanology, eager to photograph stunning landscapes, or simply want to enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii from a new perspective, our tours can be customized to meet your needs.
Why book with Rainbow Helicopters?
When you choose Rainbow Helicopters, you’re choosing a company dedicated to providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences. Our knowledgeable pilots and colorful Airbus Astar and Robinson R44 helicopters ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable sightseeing experience.
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Hawaii helicopter tours
Rainbow Helicopters offers spectacular Big Island helicopter tours and Oahu helicopter tours in Hawaii.
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Popular Big Island helicopter sights
A Bay (Anaehoomalu Bay)
Alii Drive
Captain Cook Monument
Hualalai volcano
Kailua Bay
Kaloko Fish Ponds
Kaupulehu Crater
Kawaihae Coast
Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve
Kiholo Bay
Kohala Coast / Waterfalls
Kohala volcano
Kona Coffee farms
Kona Coast
Laupahoehoe Nui Falls
Magic Sands beach
Makalawena Beach
Mauna Kea volcano
Mauna Loa volcano
Place of Refuge
Pololu Valley
Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve
Waimanu Valley
Wai’ilikahi Falls
Waipio Valley
Hawaii Island helicopter tours
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
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
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
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
Book your helicopter adventure today
Ready to embark on a journey over the Big Island’s most iconic sites? Book your Hawaii Volcano Helicopter Tour with Rainbow Helicopters today. Whether you’re interested in the Hualalai Helicopter Tour, the Kohala Coast Volcanoes and Waterfalls Tour, or another of our spectacular offerings, we guarantee an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Conclusion
Exploring the Big Island by helicopter is an experience like no other. From the peaks of active volcanoes to the serene beauty of cascading waterfalls, our Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours offer a unique perspective on the island’s natural wonders. Join Rainbow Helicopters for an unforgettable helicopter adventure and see the Big Island like never before. Book your Big Island Helicopter Ride today and let the magic of Hawaii unfold before your eyes.
Hawaii Big Island helicopter tours FAQ
What are the best Big Island helicopter tours?
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.
How much does a Big Island helicopter tour cost?
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.
What should I wear on a Hawaii helicopter tour?
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.
Are helicopter tours in Hawaii safe?
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.
Can I take photos during the helicopter ride?
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.
What time of day is best for a Big Island helicopter tour?
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.
How long do Big Island helicopter tours last?
The Tour durations vary:
Do Big Island helicopter tours run year-round?
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.
Can children join a Big Island helicopter tour?
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.
What’s the cancellation policy for helicopter tours in Hawaii?
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.
How do I choose the best helicopter tour company on the Big Island?
Look for companies with:
Excellent safety record
Experienced, certified pilots
Doors-off flight options
High-quality aircraft
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.
Are there weight limits for Hawaii helicopter tours?
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.
Do I need to tip my helicopter pilot?
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.
What is the minimum age for Hawaii Island helicopter tours?
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.