What to Expect on This Helicopter Experience
Hey there, I’m Justin! After years of helping cruise passengers find the perfect shore excursions in Hawaii, I can tell you that nothing compares to seeing the Big Island from above. The Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour is one of those experiences that genuinely changes how you see this incredible island — and trust me, I’ve seen a lot of helicopter tours come and go during my time as Shore Excursion Manager on the Pride of America.
Safety & Operator Credentials: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters – Hilo
As Hawaii’s largest helicopter tour operator with over three decades of experience, Blue Hawaiian has safely flown millions of passengers across the islands. Their combination of state-of-the-art aircraft, expert pilots, and unwavering commitment to safety makes them a trusted choice for Big Island aerial adventures.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters operates under FAA Part 135 certification, maintaining full compliance with all federal aviation safety regulations.
The company maintains an exemplary safety record with rigorous maintenance protocols and safety standards that exceed industry requirements.
Blue Hawaiian operates a modern fleet of Airbus EC130 Eco-Star helicopters, known for their spacious cabins, panoramic windows, and quiet operation.
All pilots are highly experienced aviators with extensive flight hours, thorough training in Hawaiian terrain, and deep knowledge of local geography and culture.
Blue Hawaiian has received numerous industry accolades and maintains excellent ratings on travel platforms including Viator and TripAdvisor.
📅 Check Availability for Your Dates
Tours sell out fast — especially on weekends and during peak season. Enter your travel dates on Viator to see what’s available before it’s gone.
This 50-minute aerial adventure operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters – Hilo takes you straight into the heart of what makes Hawaii’s Big Island so extraordinary: the raw, untamed power of Kilauea volcano. We’re talking about one of the most geologically active environments on Earth, a place that’s been continuously erupting since 1983. You’ll witness UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic lava flows, black-sand beaches carved by molten rock, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls that you simply cannot access any other way.
What really sets this tour apart as one of the best Big Island of Hawaii helicopter tour options is the combination of geological wonder and cultural storytelling. Your pilot isn’t just flying — they’re certified Hawaii State Tour Guides who weave the rich history of these islands into every sweeping vista. If you’re ready for an unforgettable journey, book this Big Island of Hawaii helicopter tour on Viator and prepare to have your breath taken away.
Everything That’s Covered in Your Tour
When you book this helicopter tour, you’re getting a premium experience that includes everything you need for an incredible flight. Here’s what Blue Hawaiian Helicopters – Hilo provides:
Is This Tour Right for You? ✅
- Bose Aviation-grade noise-cancelling headsets — These aren’t your standard headphones. You’ll hear crystal-clear narration without the rotor noise drowning out your pilot’s fascinating commentary
- Two-way communication microphones — Got a question mid-flight? You can actually talk to your pilot and get answers in real-time
- State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guide pilot — Your pilot has undergone rigorous certification beyond standard flight training, ensuring you get authentic cultural and historical insights
- All fees and taxes included — No surprise charges at the helipad. What you see is what you pay
Helicopter Tour Tip
Blue Hawaiian flies the state-of-the-art Airbus Eco-Star helicopters with a custom VIP interior. Every seat faces forward with 180-degree views, and the “theater-style” platform seating in the rear means even back-row passengers get phenomenal sightlines.
One thing I always tell folks in this helicopter tour review: the in-flight video system is worth considering. Their advanced 4-camera setup captures your entire journey with pilot narration and cinematic music choreographed to the scenery — it’s available for purchase after your flight and makes an incredible keepsake.
Sights You’ll See from the Sky
Let me walk you through exactly what you’ll experience during this Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour Review — and believe me, each stop will leave you speechless.
Historic Hilo Town from Above
Your adventure begins with a bird’s-eye view of Hilo Town, a place first inhabited around 1100 AD. From your helicopter, you’ll see this charming Hawaiian town spread out below, with its historic buildings, bay waters, and the community that’s thrived here for nearly a thousand years. It’s a perspective that connects you immediately to Hawaii’s deep cultural roots.
The Volcanic Shoreline
As you tour along the shoreline of the volcano area, you’ll witness one of nature’s most dramatic ongoing transformations. The rugged coastline here isn’t just beautiful — it’s constantly changing. Lava flows have sculpted these cliffs, created new land, and produced the famous black-sand beaches that draw visitors from around the world. Watching this ever-growing landscape from above gives you an understanding of geological time that photos simply can’t capture.
If witnessing active volcanic landscapes sounds incredible to you, check availability and pricing here before prime flight times fill up.
Active Volcanic Landscapes & Historic Lava Flows
The highlight of this best Big Island of Hawaii helicopter tour experience is seeking out the newly formed volcanic landscapes and viewing historic lava flows. Your pilot will guide you over the Kilauea volcano region, pointing out areas where fresh lava has recently flowed, older flows that have hardened into fascinating formations, and the constantly evolving terrain that makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site so remarkable.
Rainforests & Waterfalls
Beyond the volcanic drama, this tour reveals the lush rainforest that blankets much of the Big Island’s eastern slopes. You’ll soar past cascading waterfalls that plunge hundreds of feet into valleys so remote, they’re impossible to reach on foot. The contrast between the stark volcanic landscapes and these verdant green valleys showcases why Hawaii truly has every climate and terrain imaginable.
Need-to-Know Info Before You Fly
Before you book this helicopter tour review experience, here’s the practical information you’ll need:
| Tour Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tour Name | Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour |
| Operator | Blue Hawaiian Helicopters – Hilo |
| Duration | 50 minutes |
| Price | From $483 |
| Rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Reviews | 121 verified reviews |
| Helicopter Type | Airbus Eco-Star |
| Door Configuration | Doors On |
| Cancellation | Full refund if cancelled 24+ hours before |
Weight & Seating Considerations: While specific weight limits aren’t listed, helicopter tour operators typically have combined weight requirements for balance and safety. Be prepared to share your weight during booking — it’s standard practice and nothing to worry about.
What to Wear: I always recommend dark, non-reflective clothing to minimize glare in your photos and videos. Skip the white shirts! Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are best, and layers are smart since helicopter cabins can vary in temperature.
Important Note: Volcanic activity varies hourly. While your pilots know exactly where to find the best views on any given day, the specific volcanic features visible will depend on current conditions.
Booking Flexibility & Refund Policy
One thing I appreciate about Blue Hawaiian Helicopters – Hilo is their straightforward cancellation policy. You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. This flexibility is especially valuable given Hawaii’s changeable weather.
Speaking of weather — if conditions aren’t suitable for flying, the operator will work with you to reschedule or refund your booking. Safety always comes first with reputable helicopter companies, and Blue Hawaiian has an exceptional safety record.
The Best Times to Book
For this Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour Review, I have specific timing recommendations based on my years of Hawaii experience:
Morning Flights: Generally offer the clearest skies and best visibility. The Hilo side of the island tends to get afternoon clouds and rain, so booking an early departure maximizes your chances of perfect conditions.
Seasonality: While this tour operates year-round, winter months (December-February) can bring more precipitation to the Hilo area. That said, the volcanic landscapes are spectacular in any weather, and rainforests are called rainforests for a reason!
Weekday vs. Weekend: Weekday flights tend to be less crowded, both at the helipad and in terms of airspace over popular volcanic viewing areas.
Insider Tips from Justin
Hey everyone, Justin here. After helping thousands of travelers find their perfect Hawaii helicopter experience, here are my top tips for making the most of this best Big Island of Hawaii helicopter tour:
- Book early in your trip — I learned this the hard way watching disappointed cruise passengers. If weather cancels your flight, an early booking gives you time to reschedule. Last-day bookings leave no room for backup plans, so secure your spot on Viator before it sells out as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
- Charge your devices the night before — While Blue Hawaiian offers their professional video system, you’ll also want your phone or camera ready. There’s no charging at the helipad, and you won’t want to miss a single shot of that volcanic landscape.
- Take motion sickness medication if you’re prone to it — Even experienced flyers can feel queasy during helicopter maneuvers. Take medication 30-60 minutes before your flight, and you’ll be comfortable throughout.
- Sit back and trust your pilot — Your pilot is not only an expert aviator but a certified Hawaii tour guide. They know exactly where to position the helicopter for the best views and will share insights you won’t find in any guidebook.
- Consider the video package — I know it’s an additional purchase, but the 4-camera system captures angles you simply cannot get yourself while you’re busy experiencing the moment. Many travelers tell me it’s their most treasured Hawaii souvenir.
Why This Helicopter Tour Gets Incredible Reviews
Breathtaking Volcanic Views
Visitors are amazed by the incredible aerial views of Kilauea’s active lava flows and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Knowledgeable Pilots
Guests appreciate pilots who share fascinating insights about Hawaiian history, culture, and the island’s geology.
Unique Natural Beauty
Travellers love seeing black-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and newly formed landscapes from a stunning aerial perspective.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Reviewers describe this helicopter tour as an unforgettable bucket-list adventure over the Big Island.
This helicopter tour review wouldn’t be complete without discussing why 121 travelers have given the Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour consistently strong ratings:
- Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
- Total Reviews: 121 verified traveler reviews
- Starting Price: From $483 per person
What makes reviewers consistently praise this experience? The combination of Blue Hawaiian’s industry-leading Airbus Eco-Star helicopters, certified tour guide pilots, and access to one of Earth’s most active volcanic regions creates an unmatched aerial adventure.
Travelers rave about the 180-degree forward-facing views from every seat, the clarity of communication through Bose headsets, and the sheer drama of watching volcanic landscapes unfold beneath them. The 50-minute duration hits the sweet spot — long enough to see everything important, comfortable enough that even nervous flyers stay relaxed.
Book Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour before it’s too late!
Here’s something I see constantly: visitors to Hawaii underestimate how quickly popular helicopter tours book up. With only a limited number of flights per day and strict weight-balance requirements affecting seat availability, the Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour fills up fast — especially during peak travel seasons.
Don’t be the traveler standing at the helipad wishing they’d booked earlier. This best Big Island of Hawaii helicopter tour experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on Kilauea’s power, Hawaii’s rich cultural history, and landscapes you literally cannot see any other way.
From $483, you’re investing in memories that will stay with you forever. The volcanic landscapes. The cascading waterfalls. The thousand-year story of Hawaiian civilization unfolding beneath you.
Spots Fill Fast – Reserve Your Flight Before It’s Gone!
Top-rated helicopter tours often sell out weeks in advance. Book now to lock in your spot before peak dates disappear.
Things to Do Near Your Helicopter Tour
While you’re in the area, make the most of your trip! Here are some top things to do near Big Island of Hawaii — from beaches and local eats to landmarks worth exploring.
One of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
30 min drive from Kona
Home to two active volcanoes including Kilauea, offering hiking trails and stunning volcanic landscapes.
45 min drive from Hilo
A bucket-list experience where you swim with majestic manta rays attracted by lights after dark.
15 min drive from Kona
Famous beach featuring jet-black volcanic sand and frequent Hawaiian green sea turtle sightings.
1 hour drive from Hilo
Iconic waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and tropical cocktails with ocean views.
5 min drive from downtown Kona
Breathtaking 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and scenic walking paths.
15 min drive from Hilo
Helicopter Tour FAQ’s
Question: How long is the Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour?
Answer: This tour lasts approximately 50 minutes of flight time, which is the perfect duration to see all major volcanic and natural attractions without feeling rushed or uncomfortable.
Question: What type of helicopter does Blue Hawaiian use for this tour?
Answer: Blue Hawaiian operates state-of-the-art Airbus Eco-Star helicopters featuring custom VIP interiors with all forward-facing seats, 180-degree views, and theater-style platform seating in the rear.
Question: Is this a doors-on or doors-off helicopter tour?
Answer: This is a doors-on tour, making it comfortable for all passengers regardless of their comfort level with heights. The large windows still provide exceptional visibility and photography opportunities.
Question: What is the cancellation policy for this helicopter tour?
Answer: You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time, giving you excellent booking flexibility.
Question: Will I definitely see active lava on this tour?
Answer: Volcanic activity varies hourly, and specific visible features depend on current conditions. Your pilot will navigate to the best viewing areas available on your flight day, but active surface lava cannot be guaranteed.
Question: What’s included in the tour price?
Answer: Your tour includes Bose Aviation-grade noise-cancelling headsets, two-way communication with your pilot, a State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guide pilot, and all fees and taxes.
Question: Can I purchase video footage of my flight?
Answer: Yes! Blue Hawaiian operates an advanced 4-camera in-flight video system that captures pilot narration and cinematic music choreographed to the scenery. This is available for viewing and purchase after your flight.
Question: What should I wear on this helicopter tour?
Answer: Wear dark, non-reflective clothing to minimize glare in photos. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended, and consider bringing a light layer as helicopter cabins can vary in temperature.
Question: How early should I arrive for my helicopter tour?
Answer: Most helicopter operators request you arrive 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure for check-in, safety briefings, and weight verification.
Question: Is this tour suitable for nervous flyers?
Answer: Absolutely. The Airbus Eco-Star is known for smooth, stable flight characteristics, and your experienced pilot maintains constant communication throughout the journey. Many nervous first-time flyers report feeling completely at ease.
Question: What makes this one of the best Big Island helicopter tours?
Answer: The combination of UNESCO World Heritage volcanic landscapes, certified tour guide pilots, premium Airbus Eco-Star helicopters, and the unique perspective of seeing continuously erupting Kilauea from above makes this an exceptional experience.
Question: Can I bring my camera on the helicopter tour?
Answer: Yes, cameras and phones are welcome. The large windows provide excellent photography opportunities, though be aware that reflections can occur. Polarizing filters help reduce glare.
Ready to experience the Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour for yourself? This is truly one of those bucket-list Hawaii experiences that delivers exactly what it promises — and then some. Don’t wait until you’re standing at the rim of Kilauea wishing you could see more. Get up there and witness the power of creation itself from the best seat in the house. Book your Big Island of Hawaii helicopter tour today and prepare for an adventure you’ll never forget!
