Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour – Tour Recap and Review

What to Expect on This Helicopter Experience

Hey there, Justin here. After years of booking tours for folks in Hawaii, I can tell you that some experiences just stick with you, and the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour is one of them. There’s something incredible about lifting off and seeing the Big Island unfold beneath you. It’s not just about the views, it’s the feeling of seeing earth in the making. From the lush green coast to the stark, beautiful landscapes carved by lava, this flight gives you a perspective that you just can’t get from the ground. The Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour really is the best way to grasp the sheer scale and power of this place.

The town of Hilo itself has a deep history, first settled by Polynesians around 1100 AD, and it has seen everything from the sugar plantation boom to legendary tsunamis that have reshaped its coastline. You’re flying over land that holds centuries of stories. And geologically, you are witnessing one of the most active volcanic zones on the planet. This area is so unique it has served as a backdrop for major films, including parts of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Predators, which used the dense rainforests to create an otherworldly feel. The Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour lets you see this raw, cinematic beauty firsthand.

What I love about the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour is how it connects you to the living, breathing nature of the island. You’re not just a passenger, you’re an explorer witnessing geological history in real time. For me, the true value of the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour is seeing these massive, untouchable landscapes in a way that feels both grand and personal.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Seeing the dramatic craters and steam vents of Kilauea Volcano from above.
• Flying over historic lava flows that have forever changed the island’s shape.
• Getting an amazing bird’s eye view of Hilo town and its beautiful bay.
• Spotting hidden waterfalls cascading down lush green cliffs.

Everything That’s Covered in Your Tour

I always tell people to pay attention to the details because that’s what makes a good tour great. With the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour, you’re set up for a top-notch experience. You get a professional pilot who is also a state-certified guide, which means they know the stories behind the sights. You’ll be using Bose aviation headsets, and trust me, they make a huge difference. The noise-cancellation is fantastic, so you can hear the pilot’s commentary clearly and talk to them with the two-way microphone. All the fees and taxes are included, so there are no surprises. You can even purchase a USB video of your flight afterward, which is a great way to relive the memory.

Sights You’ll See from the Sky

We’ll start with a pass over Hilo, a town with a rich history dating back to early Polynesian settlement. From the air, you can appreciate how the town is nestled between two massive volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. It’s a view that really puts the scale of the island into perspective.

Then, we head towards the main event, Kilauea Volcano. This is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and it’s considered the home of the volcano goddess Pele in Hawaiian tradition. Seeing its vast caldera and the patterns of past lava flows from the sky is genuinely humbling. The name Kilauea means “spewing” or “much spreading” in Hawaiian, which makes perfect sense when you see how its flows have shaped the land. The Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour gives you a front-row seat to this incredible force of nature.

The flight path of the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour is designed to show you the most dramatic and beautiful spots that are completely inaccessible by car. You get to see the stunning coastline, the volcanic landscapes, and the historic town all in one incredible 50 minute flight. It’s an amazing value when you consider how much ground you cover and the unique perspective you get.

Photo Gallery: Best Helicopter Tour Views from Hilo

Need-to-Know Info Before You Fly

I want to make sure your trip is smooth and safe, so here are a few things to keep in mind. For safety and comfort, each passenger should weigh no more than 240 pounds. If you are over the weight limit, you will need to purchase an additional seat, which is standard practice for helicopter tours. Little ones under two years old can fly for free as a lap child. The helicopter is wheelchair accessible and they have a lift to help with boarding, which is great. Just remember, you can’t bring bags, large cameras, or those long selfie sticks on board. Also, a very important safety tip, please do not go scuba diving within 24 hours before your flight.

Booking Flexibility & Refund Policy

I know plans can change, so we keep it simple. You can cancel your Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour for a full refund as long as you do it at least 24 hours in advance. It’s stress free. Now, let’s talk about Hilo’s weather. Hilo is on the windward side of the island, which means it gets a lot of rain. In fact, it’s one of the wettest cities in the United States. This is what makes the area so lush and green with stunning waterfalls. However, heavy rain or low cloud cover can sometimes affect flight paths. The driest month is typically June, while November is the wettest. Don’t worry too much though, as a lot of the rain falls overnight or in brief showers. If the weather is not suitable for flying, the tour operators are excellent at rescheduling and will work with you to find another time.

Insider Tips from Justin

After your flight, you’ll probably be hungry. A great local spot not far from the airport is Ken’s House of Pancakes, a Hilo institution that’s open 24/7. For something a bit different, check out the Hilo Farmers Market, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays, for amazing local produce and crafts. Another tip, after your morning flight, take a drive along the Hamakua Coast to see stunning botanical gardens and waterfalls up close. The Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour gives you the big picture, and a drive afterward fills in the details.

When you’re packing for your trip, there are a couple of small things that can make your Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour even better. I always recommend a Lightweight Windbreaker Jacket (VIEW ON AMAZON) because it can get a bit cool at higher altitudes, especially with the vents providing air circulation. It’s also a good idea to bring Compact Travel Binoculars (VIEW ON AMAZON). While the views are already huge, binoculars let you zoom in on details you might otherwise miss, like the texture of a lava flow or a hidden waterfall.

The Best Times to Book

I get asked this a lot. For the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour, morning flights are often your best bet. The weather in Hilo is typically clearer in the mornings, with clouds sometimes building up in the afternoon. The morning light is also fantastic for photography, making the green cliffs and dark lava fields really pop. As for the time of year, it’s great to fly anytime, but the waterfalls are often more powerful during the wetter months from November to March. No matter when you go, the volcanic landscape is always spectacular. From my experience helping guests, booking a flight earlier in your trip schedule is always a good idea, as it gives you flexibility to reschedule in case of weather.

Why This Helicopter Tour Gets Incredible Reviews

It’s always amazing for me to see the feedback from people who have taken the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour. They often say it was the highlight of their entire trip to Hawaii. The pilots get so much praise for being incredibly knowledgeable and making everyone feel safe and excited. People talk about seeing things they never could from the ground, like the sheer scale of the craters and the intricate patterns of the lava flows. It’s that unique aerial view that really makes the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour so special.

When you look at the details, you can see why it gets such high marks.

• Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 103 reviews. That’s a solid track record of happy customers.
• Price: $482.90. When you consider you’re seeing active volcanoes, coastlines, and waterfalls in a 50 minute flight, the value is incredible. You are getting an experience that is truly priceless.

Book Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour before it’s too late!

The Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gives you a perspective on the Big Island that you will never forget. It’s the most efficient and awe-inspiring way to see the power and beauty of an active volcanic landscape. You can view reviews for the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour, see more photos from the air, and check for available dates by clicking the button below. I highly recommend booking as soon as you know your travel dates. These tours are incredibly popular and often fill up months in advance, so locking in your spot early is the best way to go.

Helicopter Tour FAQ’s

Question: How safe is the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour?

Answer: Very safe. The helicopters are meticulously maintained, and the pilots are highly experienced professionals with excellent safety records. Safety is always the number one priority.

Question: Can I bring my phone or camera on the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour?

Answer: Yes, you can bring your phone and a small camera. However, large professional cameras with detachable lenses and selfie sticks are not allowed for safety reasons.

Question: What should I wear for the flight?

Answer: It’s best to wear dark clothing to reduce glare on the helicopter windows for better photos. I also recommend wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Question: What if I get motion sick?

Answer: Helicopter flights are generally very smooth. If you are prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to take medication beforehand and let the ground crew know. They can try to seat you where you’ll be most comfortable.

Question: Is the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour suitable for children?

Answer: Absolutely. It’s an amazing experience for all ages. Children under two can fly for free on a parent’s lap. It’s a memory your family will share forever.

Question: Will I definitely see flowing lava?

Answer: Seeing red, flowing lava depends on the current volcanic activity, which changes daily. While Kilauea is very active, visible surface flows are not always guaranteed. However, you will always see incredible volcanic landscapes, craters, and historic lava fields.

Question: Is there a bathroom at the heliport?

Answer: Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the heliport for you to use before your flight.

Question: How many people will be in the helicopter?

Answer: The helicopter seats up to six passengers, plus the pilot. This ensures a more personal experience and good viewing opportunities for everyone.

Question: Can I choose my seat?

Answer: Seating is determined by the ground crew based on the weight and balance of all passengers to ensure the helicopter is safe for flight.

Question: Is there commentary during the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour?

Answer: Yes, your pilot provides expert commentary throughout the flight through high-quality, noise-canceling headsets. You can also ask questions using the two-way microphone.

Question: What happens if my flight is canceled due to weather?

Answer: If the flight is canceled due to weather, the tour operator will do their best to reschedule you for another time during your trip. If that’s not possible, you will receive a full refund.

Question: Do I need to bring ID for the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour?

Answer: Yes, all passengers are required to bring a valid, government-issued photo ID for check-in.