Kilauea Volcano Eruption
1 hour 45 minute helicopter tour from Kona. Fly over Kīlauea Volcano and witness the current state of the eruption — lava fields, craters, and volcanic landscapes from above.
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
$1180
per person | 1 hour 45 minutes
★★★★★–17+ reviews | Free cancellation* | Free doors off
Fly over Kīlauea Volcano and witness the current state of one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Departing from Kona, this 1 hour 45 minute Big Island helicopter tour takes you from the sparkling waters of Kailua Bay to the summit of Kīlauea — where Halemaʻumaʻu crater dominates the landscape and active lava fields stretch to the horizon. The route continues over Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, and takes in Mauna Kea towering at 13,796 feet, before sweeping north along the Kawaihae and Kohala Coasts — birthplace of King Kamehameha. A front-row aerial view of Pele’s garden of fire.
A Kilauea Volcano Helicopter Tour Over Active Lava Fields, Craters & Volcanic Landscapes
From the air, the scale of Kīlauea’s volcanic landscape comes into full view — expansive lava fields, billowing volcanic gases, and the raw power of an island still being built. Kīlauea volcano has erupted over 30 times in the past 60 years. Depending on current activity, you may witness active lava adding to the island’s ever-changing terrain. Soaring above the summit, you can sense the presence of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, who is said to reside within this sacred and dynamic landscape.
- Take an exciting helicopter tour of Hawaii Island and see the active Kīlauea 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, before climbing toward the volcanic heart of the Big Island.
As you approach Kīlauea volcano, the scale of the eruption becomes clear — Halemaʻumaʻu crater dominates the summit, surrounded by vast lava fields built episode by episode over decades. Depending on current activity, you may witness active lava, steam vents, and the dramatic sight of billowing volcanic gases rising into the air. Your pilot provides live commentary on the current eruption state throughout.
Kīlauea is believed to have formed 300,000–600,000 years ago as the Pacific tectonic plate moved over the Hawaiian hot spot. Today it is the youngest and most active of the five volcanoes on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island, with its summit standing 4,091 feet above sea level.
The route continues over Mauna Loa, the “Long Mountain” and the world’s largest active volcano, and the remarkable Ka’upulehu Crater and Hualalai volcano. Off in the distance, the summit of Mauna Kea, the “White Mountain,” towers 13,796 feet above sea level.
To the north, out of Kohala’s 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.
It’s an unforgettable journey through Pele’s garden of fire — a front-row aerial view of one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
- Helicopter tour above active Kīlauea volcano and the Big 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.
See our guide to the best time for Hawaii helicopter tours.
For answers to commonly asked questions visit our FAQ
Q: Will I see the Kilauea volcano active on this tour?
While we do our very best to view the active Kilauea 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.
Q: Is Kilauea currently erupting?
Kīlauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and eruption activity can change rapidly. For the latest eruption status, live updates, and current lava viewing conditions, visit our Kīlauea eruption status page — updated regularly with current activity reports.
Q: How long is the Kilauea volcano helicopter tour?
The Kilauea volcano helicopter tour is 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving you an extended aerial view of the volcanic landscape — lava fields, craters, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, and the surrounding Big Island terrain.
Q: Where does the Kilauea volcano helicopter tour depart from?
This tour departs from Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kona is located on the island’s west side, approximately 100 miles from Kīlauea Volcano — making this an exceptional journey across the island’s diverse landscapes before reaching the volcanic summit.
Q: What will I see on the Kilauea volcano helicopter tour?
Your tour covers an extraordinary range of Big Island landscapes. Depending on current eruption activity, you may witness active lava fields, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, expansive lava flows, and billowing volcanic gases at Kīlauea’s summit. The flight also takes you over Kona’s coastline, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and the dramatic terrain shaped by centuries of volcanic activity.
Q: Is the Kilauea volcano helicopter tour private?
Both shared and private options are available. Private charter upgrades allow you to fly exclusively with your own group for a more personalized experience with your pilot. See all available private upgrade options here.
Q: What is the best time of year to see Kilauea’s eruption from a helicopter?
Kīlauea has erupted over 30 times in the past 60 years and eruption activity can occur at any time of year. Visibility from the air is best on clear days with lower cloud cover — typically morning flights offer the most consistent conditions. We recommend checking our current eruption status page before booking to see the latest activity levels.
Q: Is the Kilauea volcano helicopter tour suitable for children?
Yes — children are welcome on this tour. All guests regardless of age must meet weight requirements and wear a seatbelt for the duration of the flight. For specific questions about children’s accommodations, contact us before booking.
Q: Is it safe to fly over an active volcano?
Yes — our pilots are highly experienced in volcanic terrain and work within strict FAA safety guidelines. Flight paths are adjusted in real time based on wind direction, volcanic gas levels, and visibility conditions. Your safety is our first priority on every Kilauea volcano helicopter tour.
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.
Flight Details
Duration: 105 min.
Departs: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island
Looking for an unforgettable private experience? Check our Hawaii Island private helicopter tours
EDWARD • 2026
Reviews ( 17+ )
Recent reviews
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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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!
Ken –
Damm, that was fun !
Ken Randall –
My family greatly enjoyed our trip with Chris who gave an excellent narrative on a volcano tour. I was impressed with how many cones are on the island, something you can only see from the air. We flew by the volcano, still steaming from an eruption three days earlier. It was a wonderful way to end our trip to Hawaii!
Eric Rosenbaum –
With a great time with Jeff, our pilot, doing a helicopter tour of the volcano. It was beautiful way to see the island and also the volcano. I highly recommend it.
Ms Tracey Nixon –
A great informative 2 hour tour over the Big Island. We enjoyed it so much, my sister immediately booked another tour on the next island we travelled to.
Mrs Jensen –
We had to cancel our flight and the crew were so great to answer many questions throughout the planning and organising of the flight then to process the refund when we couldn’t go. (We did have refund insurance)
Shawndra –
Taking the helicopter tour over Kilauea was one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment we took off, the views were incredible, but nothing prepared me for what it would feel like to hover above an active volcano.
Seeing molten lava slowly moving down the slopes, glowing bright orange against the dark rock, was surreal. The steam rising from vents made the whole scene feel like something out of another world. You hear about how powerful nature can be, but seeing it from the air like that really puts it into perspective.
It’s hard to describe just how impressive it was—you really have to see it for yourself. Photos don’t come close. I’d recommend this to anyone visiting the Big Island. It’s worth every second.
Lee’o Whisenant –
We had a great time. Weather was perfect. The flight was calm and relaxing. Highly recommend.
Harrison Irons –
Amazing time! We did our best to see the erupting volcano but the weather didn’t cooperate unfortunately. The rest of the tour was amazing as well!
David Thompson –
Everything was very professional and enjoyable. Unfortunately mother nature did not allow us to see the volcano. Would have been a 5 star rating for sure if that was possible.
Kent Wood –
A most amazing Kilauea eruption flight with Rainbow Helicopters! Kilauea was not performing that day, but getting such a perspective on the island as a whole … Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa,, as well the dramatic Hamakua coastline, certainly made it all worthwhile. Jeff our pilot, was perfect. His confidence and knowledge of areas and lava flow history, added a fantastic angle to the whole experience. There is nothing like a rotary wing (helicopter) experience and Jeff clearly loves what he does and giving passengers a taste of airborne maneuverability fit to stimulate one’s interest.
Thank you Jeff!
Satish –
amazing trip. Jeff our pilot was so knowledgeable ,smart ,funny and with his flying ability made it a memorable trip Best way for me to spend my 75th birthday
Jenny –
Our pilot, Ida, was AMAZING!!! She was very educated on the parts of the Big Island and the volcanic activity. She was very personable and professional. She far exceeded my expectations of the Big Island and volcano tour. Thank you for helping us make lasting memories with our small children that will last a lifetime!
Talia G. –
This was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. Seeing Kīlauea actively erupting from a helicopter completely changes your understanding of Hawaii’s volcanoes. We flew over glowing lava, massive craters, steam vents, and landscapes that honestly looked like another planet. The pilot was incredible — informative without talking too much — and made sure everyone had time to take in the views. The scale of the eruption from the air is impossible to appreciate from the ground. Absolutely unforgettable.
Jeremy T. –
Rainbow Helicopters delivered one of the most epic experiences we’ve ever had in Hawaii. Watching lava fountains and volcanic steam rise from Halemaʻumaʻu crater from above felt like witnessing the Earth being created in real time. The helicopter was comfortable, the staff was fantastic, and the flight path gave us incredible views of Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, and the dramatic coastline near Kona. We added the photo package and are so glad we did — these are memories we’ll keep forever.