Hands-On Helicopter Pilot Experience – Kona
A private, hands-on helicopter flying experience over the Big Island. Sit in the pilot seat and take the controls under the guidance of a certified instructor pilot. No prior experience required — just a rare chance to actually fly a helicopter, not just ride in one.
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
Hands-On Helicopter Pilot Experience – Kona
from
$1620
| 30 – 45 – 60 minutes
★★★★★–2+ reviews | Free cancellation* | Free doors off
Helicopter pilot experience on the Big Island where you take the pilot seat and fly under the guidance of a certified instructor — no prior experience required.
This is not a sightseeing tour — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit in the pilot seat and actively fly a helicopter over Hawaiʻi’s legendary scenery under the close guidance of a certified instructor pilot. Designed for first-timers, aspiring aviators, experienced pilots, and unforgettable gifts, this immersive, hands-on helicopter flight experience lets you feel what it’s really like to operate a helicopter — not just watch from the back seat.
- Take control of a helicopter under the guidance of expert flight instructors
- Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii from an unparalleled aerial view
- Learn about helicopter maneuvers like take-offs, and landings, performed by instructor
- Accumulate essential flight hours towards FAA piloting qualifications
This experience welcomes first-time flyers curious about helicopter fundamentals, along with experienced pilots interested in flying within Hawaii’s unique airspace and terrain. Each lesson is highly hands-on, concentrating on the essential differences between helicopter and airplane flight.
Flying a helicopter involves a very different skill set than flying a plane, especially during critical phases like hovering, takeoff, and landing. The path to proficiency is structured and demanding, with FAA standards requiring at least 40 hours of total flight time, including a minimum of 20 hours with an instructor. For most students, developing confidence typically takes six to twelve months, as muscle memory builds and the controls become more intuitive.
- Helicopter introduction flight
- Live guided instruction with pilot
- Straps and cases for cell phones
- Parking Fees
Our experienced flight instructors offer an introductory helicopter flight for those looking to take their first steps toward becoming a pilot. This is a hands-on, experiential flying experience — not formal flight training or certification. It’s ideal for aspiring student pilots curious about a future in vertical aviation, licensed pilots eager to experience flying in Hawaii, and adventurous guests who want to take their Hawaii helicopter experience to the next level. Rainbow Helicopters is excited to introduce you to — or help you expand your knowledge of — the incredible world of aviation.
Q: Is flying a helicopter difficult?
At first, flying a helicopter can take some getting used to. After learning and practicing the maneuvers and with experience, flying helicopters becomes like riding a bike, manageable and instinctive.
Q: How long does it take to learn how do you fly a helicopter?
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours of instruction, of which at least 20 hours must be with an instructor and 10 hours must be solo. For most student pilots, 50 to 60 hours is more typical. Reaching that level of flight experience will take most people between six months and a year.
Q: How different is flying a helicopter from flying an airplane?
In cruise flight, there is little difference between a helicopter and an airplane. Moving the stick left or right banks the helicopter, creating a horizontal component of lift that turns the aircraft, and pedals are used to align the nose of the helicopter with the direction of flight. The real difference is when your airspeed approaches zero: the take-off, the landing, and of course, the hover. Emergency procedures are entirely different as well and will require you to learn to manage and mitigate new risks that you have not faced before as a fixed-wing pilot
Q: What are the requirements to obtain a commercial helicopter license??
• Meet minimum age requirements (18)
• Hold a private pilot license.
• Hold FAA medical certificate.
• Complete ground instruction.
• Pass FAA written, oral and practical tests.
• Complete 20 hours of dual flight training.
• Complete one dual cross-country flight.
Flight Details
Add epic upgrades to your tour at checkout.
+ 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.
I surprised my husband with the Hands-On Helicopter Pilot Experience in Kona for his birthday, and it was hands down the best gift I’ve ever given him. The instructor was calm and professional, and he actually got to take the controls and fly over the Kona coastline and lava fields. The look on his face when he landed said everything — truly unforgettable.
RACHEL M • 2026
Reviews ( 2+ )
Cynthia R. –
Makes a great gift! I gave this helicopter pilot experience to my dad as a retirement gift, and it completely exceeded expectations. The instructor made him feel confident right away, and he genuinely got to fly the helicopter over the Big Island himself. It wasn’t just a ride — it was a real, hands-on experience. He’s still talking about it months later.
Ramsay C. –
I booked the helicopter pilot experience for myself while visiting the Big Island, and it was easily the highlight of the trip. The instructor walked me through everything step by step, and before I knew it I was actually flying over the coastline. It felt safe, professional, and genuinely hands-on — not just a scenic ride. An unforgettable experience.