Big Island Full Circle Expedition
2 hours 30 minutes Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Experience the entire Island of Hawaiʻi by helicopter with 5 volcanoes, both coastlines, lush waterfalls and the majestic valleys of Kohala in a single flight. Expedition includes a 30 minute mid-adventure landing.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
*required Weight and Balance (WB) fee when
guest is over 250 lb./113 kg
*required Weight and Balance (WB) fee for each
guest over 250 lb./113 kg
New: Big Island Full Circle Expedition
$1920
per person | 2 hours 30 min.
★★★★★–8+ reviews | Free cancellation* | Free doors off
Experience the entire Big Island — all five volcanic mountains and 11 of Earth’s 13 climate zones in one continuous flight, with a mid-adventure landing included.
The Only Full Island Helicopter Tour from Kona
This Big Island adventure connects volcanoes, waterfalls, sea cliffs, and coastline in one continuous flight — from the slopes of Mauna Loa and the Kīlauea region to the lush Hamakua Coast and the dramatic valleys of Kohala. Fly from Kona to Hilo and back, tracing a full circle around the entire island. Witness the scale, ecological contrast, and geological power that make the Island of Hawaiʻi unlike anywhere else on Earth. A 30-minute landing is included mid-adventure to let you stretch, refresh, and recharge.
- See all five of the Big Island’s volcanic mountains in one flight
- See Papakōlea — one of only four green sand beaches in the world
- Fly to the southernmost point in the United States
- Discover Waipio Valley and the waterfalls of the Hamakua Coast
- Experience up to 11 of Earth’s 13 climate zones
- 30-minute landing included
- From Kona to Hilo and back — see both coasts in one journey
During this flight, you may experience dramatic environmental changes visible from the air, including airid coastal desert, volcanic lava desert, high-elevation volcanic terrain, windward rainforest, deep valley microclimates and dry leeward coastlines. This tour features the Big Island’s only full-island aerial route from Kona showcasing:
- Mauna Loa volcanic landscapes
- Kīlauea region and lava fields (conditions permitting)
- Coastal waterfalls and sea cliffs
- Kohala valleys and Pololū Valley
- Ka Lae (South Point) aerial viewpoint
Kailua Bay
🌋 Mauna Loa volcano
Kaupulehu Crater
Ka Lae South point
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
🌋 Kilauea volcano
Chain of craters
Pu’u O’o vent
Hilo town
Akaka Falls
🌋 Hualalai volcano
Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve
🌋 Mauna Kea volcano
🌋 Kohala volcano
Kawaihae Coast
Kohala Coast / Waterfalls
Pololu Valley
Waimanu Valley
Laupahoehoe Nui Falls
Wai’ilikahi Falls
Waipio Valley
Kiholo Bay
Kona Coast
Makalawena Beach
Your flight begins above the sunlit Kona Coast, where black lava shoreline meets brilliant turquoise water. Tracing the island’s western edge, you’ll transition south toward Ka Lae (South Point), the southernmost tip of the United States, where rugged cliffs and windswept coastline mark Hawaiʻi’s dramatic frontier.
From there, the terrain rises across the immense volcanic slopes of Mauna Loa — the largest volcano on Earth by mass and volume — before shifting toward the dynamic landscapes surrounding Kīlauea. Vast lava fields and crater systems reveal the forces that continue shaping the island today.
As you cross to the windward side, the environment transforms. Arid lava desert gives way to deep green rainforest along the Hamakua Coast, where steep sea cliffs are carved by rainfall and waterfalls cascade into the ocean below. Continuing north, the ancient Kohala Mountains unfold into dramatic valleys and ridgelines inaccessible by road.
During this journey, you may witness the rare convergence of 11 of Earth’s 13 climate zones — a striking transition made possible by Hawaiʻi Island’s elevation, size, and trade wind patterns.
Returning along the Kona shoreline, warm coastal light and calm waters complete a true full-island aerial experience — revealing the geographic scale and environmental diversity that make Hawaiʻi Island unlike anywhere else on Earth.
- Full-island helicopter flight
- Professional pilot narration
- Premium aircraft with expansive viewing windows
- Two-way headset communication
- Pre-flight safety orientation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Comfortable clothing
- Light jacket recommended
- Closed-toe shoes (required for doors-off configurations)
- Avoid loose items such as hats or scarves
For answers to commonly asked questions visit our FAQ
Is this a true circle island helicopter tour?
Yes. This experience is designed to explore the entire island in one continuous aerial route, subject to weather and operational considerations.
Will we see active lava?
Volcanic activity is unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed. When conditions allow, pilots route for the best visible volcanic features available.
Why depart from Kona?
Departing from Kona allows west-side visitors to experience the full island without driving across the island to begin the tour.
Flight Details
Duration: 2.5 hrs.
Departs: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island
Looking for an unforgettable private experience? Check our Hawaii Island private helicopter tours
Clarissa • 2026
Reviews ( 8+ )
Add epic upgrades to your tour at checkout.
+ Private tour
Book the entire aircraft as a personal helicopter for your group. Perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
+ Doors on / off
FREE Doors on or off on your helicopter. Take great pictures! Experience unobstructed views and sights with an open cabin.
+ Flight video & photo packages
Get a shareable digital video of your in-flight experience, available in multiple formats, add fun photos of your experience on the ground and in the air. Customize at checkout.
+ In-flight photographer
Bring aboard a world class photographer to capture every magical detail of your adventure from start to finish.
+ Booking protection
Cancel or reschedule your flight for ANY REASON up to 24 hours prior to scheduled flight for a full refund or no reschedule fees.
Contact our reservations center at (808) 492-8706 to request the change. Coverage excludes Booking Protection Plan Fee. Reschedule and / or canceling one time only. Standard Policies apply to additional rescheduling / cancelations.
Explore more tours
Kohala Coast Volcanoes Waterfalls
90 minute Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Experience an epic Kohala Coast helicopter tour featuring Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and Hualālai volcanoes as well as the Big Island’s most dramatic waterfalls.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Kona Coast Hualalai Volcano
60-minute Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Explore dramatic volcanic coastline, tropical reefs, and ancient lava flows. Fly above Hualalai Volcano, Kaloko Fish Ponds, and the famous Kona Coffee farms. Doors-off included on this Kona helicopter tour.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Kilauea Volcano Eruption
1 hour 45 minute Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Experience Kīlauea Volcano in its current state of eruption and witness landscapes shaped by Pele on this Hawaii volcano helicopter tour. A rare opportunity to see an active volcano from a front-row aerial perspective.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
New: Big Island Full Circle Expedition
2 hours 30 minutes Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Experience the entire Island of Hawaiʻi by helicopter with 5 volcanoes, both coastlines, lush waterfalls and the majestic valleys of Kohala in a single flight. Expedition includes a 30 minute mid-adventure landing.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Luxury Picnic Volcanoes & Waterfalls
2 hour 30 minute Big Island private helicopter charter from Kona featuring a scenic landing and gourmet chef-catered picnic. Enjoy pilot-narrated flightseeing over Mauna Loa Volcano, Waipiʻo Valley, and the Kohala Coast’s waterfalls and rugged cliffs.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Coastal Sights Unseen
45 minute Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Discover a unique side of Hawaii Island with Hualalai Volcano, Magic Sands Beach, Kaloko Fish Ponds, Kailua Bay, Alii Drive and the famous Kona Coffee farms from above.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Kona Coast Scenic
30 minute Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Experience Captain Cook Monument, Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve and the stunning Kona coastline — Hawaii's most historic shoreline from above.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Romantic Kona Coffee & Landing
1 hour 5 minute Kona private helicopter charter featuring a scenic coffee farm landing with a Kona coffee tasting. Enjoy a private, romantic experience with pilot-narrated flightseeing along the Kona Coast, including Kailua Bay, Hualālai Volcano, and the secluded shoreline of Kīholo Bay.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Carla and Ken –
We’ve done helicopter tours before, but nothing on this scale. The Big Island Expedition truly feels different — not just because of the length, but because of the variety. Within a single flight we went from sunlit lava coastline to massive volcanic terrain and then into lush rainforest and waterfalls. The transition between landscapes was dramatic and constant. If you’re staying on the Kona side and want to experience the entire island without driving for days, this is absolutely worth it.
Jerrold –
This was hands down the highlight of our trip. The flight path was expansive — we covered coastline, volcanoes, valleys, and areas that would be impossible to reach by car. The Kohala valleys and Hamakua sea cliffs were breathtaking from the air.
Davis –
The aircraft felt comfortable and smooth, and the views were panoramic the entire time. If you want to truly grasp the size and diversity of Hawaiʻi Island, this tour delivers.
Joseph W. –
This tour gave us an entirely new perspective of the Big Island. What stood out most was the sheer size of the island and how diverse it is. Flying a full circle around it allows you to experience that scale in a way that’s impossible to grasp on the ground. By the end, it felt like we had truly taken the island in. We saw so many areas that we knew we’d have to explore explore further on day trips. The perspective from the helicopter made the whole experience unforgettable. It’s difficult to put into words. While it was a bit expensive, it was absolutely worth it.
Solana B –
Absolutely incredible experience. We did the Kona Big Island full circle helicopter tour and it completely exceeded expectations. You really get to see how diverse the island is — from the Kona coastline to lush valleys, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes all in one flight. The pilot was knowledgeable without over-talking, and the views of the volcano areas were unreal. Doors-off made it even better for photos. If you’re deciding between tours, this is the one that shows you everything.
Gyorg T. –
The scale of the island finally makes sense from the air. The volcano views alone are worth it, but the full circle route really ties everything together.
Clara –
We booked this as our “big splurge” and it ended up being the highlight of our entire Hawaii trip. The Big Island helicopter tour from Kona takes you over places that are impossible to reach by road — especially the valleys and waterfalls on the north side.
rebeccah –
Best way to see the entire island. This was hands down the highlight of our trip. The full circle tour gives you EVERYTHING — volcanoes, waterfalls, coastline, and landscapes you just can’t access any other way. The doors-off experience made it feel unreal (in the best way), and our pilot was incredibly knowledgeable without overdoing it. If you’re debating the price — just do it. Totally worth it.