New: Kilauea Volcano Eruption
$1,080.00
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
*required Weight and Balance (WB) fee when
guest is over 260 lb./118 kg
*required Weight and Balance (WB) fee for each
guest over 260 lb./118 kg
New: Kilauea Volcano Eruption
$1080
per person | 1 hour 45 minutes
★★★★★–3+ reviews | Free cancellation* | Free doors off
Witness the current state of the eruption of the Big Island’s Kilauea Volcano and explore the awe-inspiring landscapes shaped by Pele, the goddess of fire. This unforgettable journey showcases the island’s stunning volcanic action with a front row seat. Check volcano updates here.
Fly over the Kilauea Volcano and experience the current state of the eruption – a story millions of years in the making! Believed to have formed 300,000–600,000 years ago as the Pacific tectonic plate moved over the Hawaiian hot spot, Kilauea is the youngest and most active of the five volcanoes on Hawaii’s Big Island. Its summit, standing 4,091 feet above sea level, offers a breathtaking view of the island’s volcanic landscape. As you take in the stark beauty of Kīlauea’s volcanic landscape, including expansive lava fields and the dramatic sight of billowing volcanic gases rising into the air, you’ll feel a profound connection to the planet’s raw power. During periods of volcanic activity—Kīlauea has erupted over 30 times in the past 60 years—you may even witness molten lava flows adding to the island’s ever-changing terrain. Soaring above this awe-inspiring spectacle, you can sense the presence of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, who is said to reside within this dynamic and sacred force of nature.
- Take an exciting helicopter tour of Hawaii Island and see an active volcano up close
- See Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Kaupulehu Crater along with spectacular coastlines
- Discover some of the Big Island’s most picturesque landscapes from above and take great photos
- Choose a convenient departure time
The flight begins over sparkling Kailua Bay, known for its crystal clear waters and vibrant reefs.
Climbing out of the bay, witness Pele’s tremendous power in the form of the world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, the “Long Mountain.” The flight continues to the remarkable features of the Ka’upulehu Crater and the famous Hualalai volcano. Off in the distance, the summit of Mauna Kea, the “White Mountain,” towers 13,796 feet above sea level.
Mauna Kea’s older brother, Kohala, is to the north, and out of its stark landscape emerges the Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve, home to native plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Passing over the forest reveals the breathtaking Kawaihae and Kohala Coasts, childhood home of King Kamehameha.
The flight is an unforgettable journey through Pele’s garden of fire and the incredible landscape that was home to Hawai’i’s greatest warrior king.
- Helicopter tour above Hawaii Island
- Live guided tour with commentary
- Straps and cases for cell phones
- Parking Fees
Your tour begins at Rainbow’s Kailua-Kona base on the Big Island where you’ll board your helicopter.
After a concise briefing from your pilot, fasten your seat belt and lift off, gliding over the bustling activity of Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Capture breathtaking aerial perspectives and photo opportunities above Hawaii Island, experience the Big Island like never before.
Following the thrill of soaring above the island, the helicopter completes a circle back to Kailua-Kona.
For answers to commonly asked questions visit our FAQ
Q: Will I see the volcano active on this tour?
While we do our very best to view the active volcano in every tour, mother nature is in charge! In this way, we cannot guarantee our guests will be able to view the volcano, mostly due to the rapidly changing weather climate in Hawai’i. There are no refunds, however we are able to offer extraordinary alternate sites, such as the vast waterfalls, rainforests, and other volcanic craters around the Big Island.
Q: What should I wear for a Hawaii helicopter ride?
Dress comfortably, like you would for any outdoor activity in Hawaii. However, if you choose a doors-off tour, your flight will be windy and cold so jackets and/or sweatshirts are required and long pants are recommended. Closed toed shoes are also required for doors-off tours. Hats are often not allowed on board your flight. Lastly, for anyone with long hair – a hair tie is recommended.
“Exceptional. Well organized and anticipated everything. Fantastic pilot. He didn’t do any high speed maneuvers. Lol. Thanks for a great experience.”
LARRY • 2024
Reviews ( 3+ )
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.
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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
Pamela G –
Experiencing the helicopter tour over Kilauea’s eruption is beyond words—it’s nothing short of breathtaking. From the moment the helicopter lifts off, you’re transported into a world where nature’s raw power and beauty collide. As we hovered over the active volcano, I was awestruck by the sight of molten lava streaming down Kilauea’s rugged slopes, glowing with an intensity that photos can never truly capture. The contrast of red-hot rivers against the dark volcanic rock was mesmerizing, and the steam vents billowing clouds into the sky created an atmosphere that felt almost mythical.
Tom S –
Our pilot provided an excellent narrative, sharing fascinating facts about Kilauea’s ancient formation and its connection to Hawaiian mythology, making the journey even more immersive. The thrill of hovering above an active eruption was exhilarating and surreal
Gwynn –
Flying with Rainbow Helicopters over the erupting Kilauea Volcano was an absolute blast! The views of the glowing lava and dramatic steam vents were breathtaking, and the pilot’s stories about Kilauea’s history made it even more exciting. It’s a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll never forget—so much fun from start to finish!