Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour - Tour Recap and Review

Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour – Tour Recap and Review

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What to Expect on This Helicopter Experience

Hey there, Justin here. After years of booking helicopter tours for folks in Hawaii, I’ve seen them all, and I always tell people that the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour is something truly special. This isn’t just a quick flight over a volcano. It’s a full-blown aerial journey across an entire island that feels like multiple worlds in one. The moment you lift off, you get this incredible sense of scale that you just can’t grasp from the ground. The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour delivers an experience that connects you to the raw power and beauty of Hawaii.

The Big Island is a place of immense historical and cultural weight. This is the island where King Kamehameha I began his journey to unite the Hawaiian islands, and you can feel that history as you fly over the Kona coast. It’s also a filmmaker’s dream, with its dramatic landscapes making appearances in movies, but honestly, the real story is the island itself. Seeing Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, from above is a humbling experience that connects you to the very creation of the land. The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour isn’t just a sightseeing trip. it’s a way to witness geology, history, and nature all at once.

I’ve had guests come back with tears in their eyes because the beauty is just that overwhelming. The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour is the only way to truly appreciate the island’s contrasts. One minute you’re over black, hardened lava fields that look like another planet, and the next you’re soaring over deep green rainforests and waterfalls that are impossible to reach on foot. It’s a perspective-changing flight, and it’s the one I recommend for anyone who wants to see the very best of Hawaii in one trip.

Here’s a quick look at what makes the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour a guest favorite:

  • You’ll see the an active volcano, Kilauea, and the massive Mauna Loa, which is the largest active volcano on Earth.
  • The tour covers the entire island, from the dry Kona coast to the wet and wild rainforests of the Hamakua Coast.
  • You get to see dozens of waterfalls, including the towering Akaka Falls, hidden in lush valleys.
  • It’s a huge time-saver. you see things in two hours that would take days of driving and hiking to even get close to.

Everything That’s Covered in Your Tour

I always make sure the tours I recommend are comfortable and professional, and the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour is top-notch. You’re not just paying for a flight. you’re getting a full experience. You’ll have high-quality Bose headsets that cancel out the engine noise, so you can hear the pilot clearly and listen to the perfectly timed soundtrack. Plus, your pilot is also a state-certified guide, which means they really know their stuff and can answer all your questions. It’s like having a local expert showing you their home from the best seat in the house. All the fees and taxes are included, so the price you see is the price you pay, which I know is important for planning your trip budget.

Sights You’ll See from the Sky

One of the best things about the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour is how much ground it covers. It gives you a true sense of the island’s incredible diversity.

We start by passing over Waikoloa, which was once a center for ancient Hawaiians and is known for its historic fishponds and petroglyph fields carved into the lava rock. Seeing the modern resorts next to these ancient sites from the air is a really cool contrast.

Then it’s on to Kailua-Kona, a place with deep royal history. This was the place King Kamehameha I called home in his final years, and it was once the capital of the entire Kingdom of Hawaii. You’ll see the historic village and Ali’i Drive from a totally new angle.

You can’t talk about the Big Island without mentioning the volcanoes, and Mauna Loa is a giant. It’s the largest active volcano on the planet, covering more than half the island. Its gentle slopes are deceiving from the ground, but from the air, you understand its immense scale. Kilauea Volcano is the star of the show for many. It has been erupting for decades, constantly reshaping the land, and seeing its craters and vents from above is just awe-inspiring. We’ll also fly over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Pu’u ‘O’o Vent, which was the source of a lava flow that lasted for 35 years.

Over on the other side of the island, you’ll see Hilo, a city with a history shaped by its lush surroundings and the tsunamis that have hit its bay. Nearby, we fly over Akaka Falls State Park. Akaka Falls is one of the most famous on the island, plunging 442 feet into a gorge. You just can’t appreciate that kind of drop until you see it from the sky.

The Hamakua Coast is my favorite part of the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour. It’s a rugged, 50-mile stretch of coastline with deep, green valleys and countless waterfalls. In the 19th and 20th centuries, this area was the heart of the island’s sugar industry, and the cliffs made it incredibly difficult to transport goods.

Finally, we’ll pass Waimea, which is Hawaii’s cowboy country. Back in the 1830s, King Kamehameha III brought Mexican vaqueros to the island to manage wild cattle, and their legacy lives on in the paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, culture you find here today. The rolling green pastures look like a different country compared to the volcanic landscapes.

Being able to see all of these incredible, diverse places in a single trip is what makes the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour such an amazing value. You’d spend a week in a car trying to see all this, and even then, you wouldn’t get the same breathtaking perspective.

Photo Gallery: Best Helicopter Tour Views from Big Island

Need-to-Know Info Before You Fly

I want to make sure your flight on the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour is perfect, so here are a few things to keep in mind. We do have to weigh each passenger to make sure the helicopter is balanced safely, so we ask that you check in an hour before your flight. For safety, the maximum weight per person is 240 pounds, but if you’re over that, you can just purchase an extra seat at a discount. It’s all about making sure the flight is safe and comfortable for everyone.

A couple of pro tips I always share. wear dark clothing. It really cuts down on the glare when you’re taking photos through the windows. Also, things like hats, bags, and selfie sticks aren’t allowed on board for safety reasons, so it’s best to leave those in your car. We want you to focus on the amazing views without any distractions. The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour is accessible for everyone, and we have a lift available for guests who use wheelchairs.

Booking Flexibility & Refund Policy

I know that plans can change, especially on vacation. That’s why we have a straightforward 24-hour cancellation policy for the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour. As long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your flight, you’ll get a full refund, no stress.

Now, let’s talk about weather, because it’s a big factor here in Hawaii. The Big Island is famous for its microclimates. you can have hot sun in Kona and rainy weather in Hilo at the same time. Helicopter tours can be affected by heavy rain, low clouds, or strong winds. Safety is always our number one priority, so if the pilot decides the conditions aren’t right, we’ll reschedule your tour. From my experience, the dry season from April to October generally offers the clearest skies, but the waterfalls are often more powerful during the wetter months from November to March. No matter when you book, we’ll work with you to find the best and safest day for your flight.

Insider Tips from Justin

Justin Johnston giving local helicopter tour tips

After your flight on the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour, you’ll be buzzing with energy. If you’re looking for a great place to eat nearby, I always recommend the restaurants at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. There are some great options there, from casual bites to fine dining. Another tip is to head to the coast to watch the sunset. The sky over the lava fields can be absolutely stunning. A lot of people don’t realize how big the island is, so after seeing it from the air, take some time to explore one area you loved on the ground, like the historic town of Kailua-Kona or the paniolo town of Waimea.

When you’re packing for your trip, there are a couple of small things that can make your Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour even better. I’d recommend a Lightweight Windbreaker Jacket (VIEW ON AMAZON). It can get a bit cool at higher altitudes, and having a light jacket means you’ll stay comfortable. Also, to keep your hands free for taking photos, a Neck Strap Phone Holder (VIEW ON AMAZON), is a great idea. You can find some affordable options online, and it’s one less thing to worry about during your flight.

Helicopter Tour Tip

Wear dark clothing. It dramatically reduces the glare on the helicopter windows, which makes a huge difference for taking clear, reflection-free photos of the volcanoes and waterfalls.

The Best Times to Book

I get asked this all the time. when is the best time to take the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour? Honestly, any time is incredible, but morning flights between 8 AM and 11 AM are usually the best. The winds are typically calmer, there’s less cloud cover, and the light is fantastic for photos. Afternoon flights can still be amazing, and sometimes the cloud formations create really dramatic scenery over the valleys.

Seasonally, the Big Island is a year-round destination. The dry season, from about April to October, often means clearer skies and better visibility over the entire island. However, if you’re coming during the winter months, from November to March, the island is greener and the waterfalls are much more spectacular. Plus, if you’re flying during whale season (December to April), you might get the added bonus of spotting humpback whales off the coast. The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour offers a unique experience in every season.

Why This Helicopter Tour Gets Incredible Reviews

It’s always great to hear back from guests after they’ve taken the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour. People are consistently blown away by the experience. I’ve had so many people tell me it was the highlight of their entire trip to Hawaii and that the views were so powerful it was an emotional experience. They talk about seeing the raw power of the Kilauea volcano and the dramatic beauty of the waterfalls, saying that the aerial view gave them a perspective they never could have imagined. Some even cancel other ground tours because this one covers so much.

The feedback on the pilots is always fantastic too. They aren’t just skilled pilots. they are passionate guides who know the island inside and out. Guests love how they share stories about the history and geology of the places you are flying over. When you put it all together, it’s easy to see why the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour gets such amazing reviews.

Rating: 4.9 out of 5. This rating is outstanding because it comes from over a hundred reviews, showing consistent quality and an exceptional experience that very few tours can match.

Price: From $790.90 per person. When you consider that this tour covers the entire island and sights that are unreachable by land, the value is incredible. It’s an investment in a once in a lifetime memory.

Book Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour before it’s too late!

The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour is truly the most efficient and breathtaking way to see this incredible island. The sheer diversity of landscapes, from active volcanoes and black sand beaches to lush rainforests and rolling ranchlands, is something that stays with you forever. I’ve been doing this for years, and I can tell you that seeing the island from the air will give you a new appreciation for its beauty and power. You can see more photos, read reviews from other travelers, and check for available dates by clicking the button below. I highly recommend booking as far in advance as you can. these tours are incredibly popular and often sell out six months ahead of time, so secure your spot for the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour today.

Book This Helicopter Tour Now

Helicopter Tour FAQ’s

Question: How safe is the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour?

Answer: Very safe. Safety is the number one priority. All helicopters undergo rigorous and regular maintenance, and the pilots are highly trained professionals with thousands of hours of flight time.

Question: Can I bring my phone or camera on the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour?

Answer: Yes, you can absolutely bring your phone and a small camera. However, large camera bags, lenses, and selfie sticks are not permitted for safety reasons.

Question: What happens if I get motion sickness?

Answer: The flight is generally very smooth, but if you are prone to motion sickness, you might consider taking a non-drowsy motion sickness medication before the flight. You can also talk to the pilot about your concerns.

Question: Is this tour okay for kids?

Answer: Yes, the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour is great for families. Children under 24 months can fly for free on an adult’s lap. It’s an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Question: Will I definitely see lava?

Answer: The Big Island’s volcanoes are active, but surface lava flows are not always visible. You will see the craters, steam vents, and vast lava fields of Kilauea, which are spectacular sights. The volcanic activity is constantly changing.

Question: How long are we actually in the air?

Answer: The total duration is about 2 hours, with approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes of flight time on the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour.

Question: What should I wear for the tour?

Answer: It’s best to wear dark-colored clothing to minimize reflections in your photos. It can also be a bit cooler at higher elevations, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.

Question: Do I need to book the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour in advance?

Answer: Yes, I highly recommend it. This is a very popular tour and it often sells out weeks or even months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Author: Justin

Justin is the founder of helicopterstour.com and a former Shore Excursion Manager who worked for years on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America in Hawaii. After helping thousands of guests plan their dream vacations, he’s now focused on helping travelers find the best tours worldwide. From all the excursions he’s experienced, helicopter tours remain his top recommendation for unforgettable views and lasting memories.

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