Big Island Full Circle Expedition
2.5 Hours Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Experience the entire Island of Hawaiʻi in one expansive aerial adventure, from the Kona Coast and Ka Lae to the volcanic landscapes of Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, then across the lush Hamakua Coast, towering waterfalls, and the dramatic valleys of Kohala. See volcanoes, sea cliffs, black sand beaches, rainforests, and up to 11 of Earth’s 13 climate zones in a single unforgettable flight. A true full-circle Hawaii helicopter tour designed for breathtaking views, geological contrast, and once-in-a-lifetime aerial photography.
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   |    2.5  hoursÂ
★★★★★–4+ reviews  |    Free cancellation*   |   Free doors off
Experience the entire Island of Hawaiʻi in one expansive helicopter flight from Kona — volcanoes, waterfalls, coastlines, and 11 of Earth’s 13 climate zones in a single journey.
Experience the most expansive helicopter tour on Hawaiʻi Island with this full-island aerial journey from Kona. This popular Big Island helicopter tour 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. Witness the scale, contrast, and geological power that make the Island of Hawaiʻi unlike anywhere else on Earth. Few places on Earth offer this level of geographic contrast within a single continuous route. Flight includes a 30-minute landing to stretch, refresh, and recharge, mid adventure.
During this flight, you may experience dramatic environmental changes visible from the air, including:
- Arid coastal desert
- Volcanic lava desert
- High-elevation volcanic terrain
- Windward rainforest
- Deep valley microclimates
- Dry leeward coastlines
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- Full-island aerial route from Kona
- Mauna Loa volcanic landscapes
- KÄ«lauea region and lava fields (conditions permitting)
- Coastal waterfalls and sea cliffs
- Kohala valleys and Pololū Valley
- Ka Lae (South Point) aerial viewpoint
- Professional pilot narration
- Premium aircraft with expansive viewing windows
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
- Live pilot narration
- 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 hours
Departs: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island
Looking for an unforgettable private experience? Check our Hawaii Island private helicopter tours
“In about two hours we saw volcanoes, waterfalls, coastlines, and valleys we never could have reached on our own. The scenery shifts constantly, and the perspective from the air makes you understand just how vast and diverse the island really is. Smooth flight, excellent pilot, unforgettable views.”
Clarissa • 2026
Reviews ( 4+ )
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.Â
+ 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: Big Island Full Circle Expedition
2.5 Hours Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Experience the entire Island of Hawaiʻi in one expansive aerial adventure, from the Kona Coast and Ka Lae to the volcanic landscapes of Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, then across the lush Hamakua Coast, towering waterfalls, and the dramatic valleys of Kohala. See volcanoes, sea cliffs, black sand beaches, rainforests, and up to 11 of Earth’s 13 climate zones in a single unforgettable flight. A true full-circle Hawaii helicopter tour designed for breathtaking views, geological contrast, and once-in-a-lifetime aerial photography.
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.