Overview of This Kilauea Helicopter and Big Island Day Tour
This helicopter tour review follows a full-day excursion that departs from Oahu, flying participants to the Big Island of Hawaii for an aerial and ground-based exploration of Kilauea Volcano and surrounding natural attractions. The experience begins with a scenic flight from Hilo airport to a helipad, where visitors board a three-seat helicopter with priority front-row seating. From there, the tour combines helicopter views of the volcano's crater and lava fields with guided ground stops at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, a black sand beach, and cultural sites—making it an all-inclusive package that arranges transportation, the flight itself, park admission, and a dedicated tour guide.
This tour suits adventure travelers willing to invest significantly in a single highlight experience, couples seeking a memorable milestone activity, and anyone fascinated by volcanic geology and dramatic landscapes. The January timing shown in the video reveals sparse crowds at the national park, though visitors should expect variable volcanic activity (the video crew arrived a week after an eruption and a week before the next one). It's ideal for those with a full day to spare and a budget that can accommodate what the video describes as "easily the most expensive part" of a Hawaii trip.
Key Moments
Highlights of the Kilauea and Big Island Experience
- Helicopter flight over Kilauea's massive crater, where the pilot hovers on both sides of the aircraft so all passengers can see the volcanic crater and solidified lava fields
- Close-up views of lava tubes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park—large underground passages 6–8 feet in diameter where ancient lava once flowed
- Rainbow Falls, an 78-foot waterfall whose mist creates visible rainbows, with a stop in historic Old Town Hilo for lunch and shave ice
- Black sand beach exploration, where crushed pumice and lava rock create the distinctive dark shoreline, with opportunities to spot humpback whales from coastal rock outcroppings
- Volcano House lodge overlook, where visitors photograph the crater from the back porch of this historic property with minimal crowds
- Big Island Candy Factory viewing area, where visitors observe chocolate-making and can purchase treats
What to Know Before Booking This Big Island Volcano Tour
- The package is all-inclusive: shuttles to and from the airport, the helicopter flight, park admissions, and a tour guide are covered; only meals require separate purchase
- Helicopter seating is limited, and the video travelers were fortunate to secure front-row seats—front positions offer superior views and should be requested when booking
- The flight itself was reported as very smooth with no motion sickness despite the wife's typical sensitivity, but individual experiences vary
- Volcanic activity is unpredictable; the video crew saw smoke and crater features but not active eruption, so set expectations around geological observation rather than guaranteed lava displays
- January visits coincide with humpback whale migration season, and visitors may spot whales from the helicopter or from coastal areas, though sightings are not guaranteed
- Plan for a full day of ground touring after the helicopter flight; the itinerary includes multiple stops with walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection
- Weather can create haze from volcanic smoke, which may affect photo clarity even on otherwise nice days
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilauea Helicopter Tours
How long does the entire tour last?
The video does not specify the total duration, but the itinerary includes a helicopter flight, multiple ground stops at Volcano National Park, Rainbow Falls, a black sand beach, and two commercial sites, indicating a full-day commitment from morning airport pickup to evening return.
What if the volcano isn't actively erupting?
You will still see the massive crater, solidified lava fields, smoke plumes, and geological features that reveal the volcano's power and structure. The video demonstrates that even without active lava flows, the experience remains worthwhile for understanding volcanic landscapes and geology.
Is the helicopter ride suitable for people with motion sickness?
The video notes the flight was very smooth, and the passenger who typically experiences motion sickness had no issues. However, individual tolerance varies, and factors like weather and seat position can affect comfort.
Can you really see humpback whales on this tour?
Humpback whales migrate near Hawaii's coast during winter months, and the tour includes both helicopter time over the ocean and ground stops at coastal rocks where whales may be spotted. The video crew did see whales at the black sand beach, though sightings depend on migration timing and luck.
What's included in the all-inclusive package price?
The package covers airport shuttles (from Hilo), the helicopter flight, the helicopter tour guide, admissions to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and ground transportation throughout the day. Meals and any shopping or optional activities are separate expenses.
