Is this tour safe for first-time helicopter riders?
Yes. The Airbus EC-130 EcoStar is specifically designed for sightseeing tours and is one of the most stable and safest helicopter models in operation. Blue Hawaiian has an excellent safety record, and Toshi and his crew are experienced guides who brief passengers before takeoff.
At a glance
Length
26 min
Channel
Wind, Surf, & Sun
Video from
Sep 2022
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Volcano enthusiasts and first-time helicopter riders wanting to see active lava and remote waterfalls
What this video answers
Is this tour safe for first-time helicopter riders?
What happens if volcanic activity is not visible that day?
How long is the entire experience, including briefing and landing?
Can you bring bags or cameras on the helicopter?
What is the best time of year to book this tour?
Reads the guide aloud in your browser — free, no account.
What to Expect from the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour
The Big Island Spectacular tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours is an approximately 60-minute aerial adventure that covers some of Hawaii's most dramatic natural features. Flying in an Airbus EC-130 EcoStar helicopter piloted by Toshi (nicknamed "Iceman"), you'll depart from the Waikoloa base near Kona and traverse the entire Big Island—from its tallest volcanoes to its deepest valleys and highest waterfalls. This is not a standard sightseeing loop; the route takes you directly over active volcanic calderas, lush jungle terrain, and geological formations that tell the story of how these islands were born.
This experience suits adventure travelers, geology enthusiasts, and anyone who's dreamed of seeing an active volcano from above. Unlike ground-based volcano tours, you'll gain a perspective that reveals the scale of Kilauea's ongoing activity and the raw power of nature. The pilot provides educational commentary throughout, explaining volcanic processes and pointing out features you'd miss from the ground—making this both thrilling and informative.
Key Moments
Key Highlights of This Flying Route
Flyby of Mauna Kea, the world's tallest volcano by elevation (13,802 feet), which appears snow-free due to its high altitude
Close-range view of Mauna Loa, a much younger and more recently active volcano with sparse vegetation on its lower slopes
Direct passage over Kilauea's caldera with views of an active lava lake approximately 1,200 feet deep and reaching temperatures around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
Flight past the famous Pu'u 'Ō'ō vent, one of the longest-erupting vents in recorded history, which has been active for 35 years
Passage through the lush Kohala valleys with views of waterfalls, including the 14th-tallest waterfall in the world at 2,400 feet
Landing beside one of the massive Kohala waterfalls for a brief ground experience before return to base
What You Need to Know Before Booking
The helicopter travels at approximately 110 miles per hour (90 knots), allowing for both close-up viewing and wide-angle perspectives
The full tour operates year-round, though volcanic activity visibility can change minute-by-minute; the pilot will adjust routing based on current conditions
A waterfall landing is included, requiring you to step out onto the ground near massive cascading water
The aircraft is equipped with intercoms so you can hear and communicate with the pilot and other passengers throughout the flight
Book well in advance, as spots with Blue Hawaiian fill up quickly due to the popularity of this specific route
Wear comfortable, secure clothing; the helicopter has headsets and microphones built in, and the ride can be bumpy over volcanic terrain
Bring a camera or ensure your phone battery is full—this tour generates once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities
Common Questions About the Big Island Spectacular Flight
Is this tour safe for first-time helicopter riders?
Yes. The Airbus EC-130 EcoStar is specifically designed for sightseeing tours and is one of the most stable and safest helicopter models in operation. Blue Hawaiian has an excellent safety record, and Toshi and his crew are experienced guides who brief passengers before takeoff. The intercom system also allows you to ask questions and feel connected to the pilot throughout the flight.
What happens if volcanic activity is not visible that day?
The pilot will still show you the calderas, vents, and lava fields, and you'll gain a full understanding of Kilauea's geology and recent eruption history. The video demonstrates that even when lava activity varies, the sheer scale and power of the volcanic landscape is awe-inspiring. Cloud cover or shifting eruption cycles may affect what you see, but the tour is always worth the flight.
How long is the entire experience, including briefing and landing?
The actual flight is roughly 60 minutes. You should plan for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours total when accounting for check-in, safety briefing, boarding, the flight itself, and post-flight procedures at the Waikoloa base.
Can you bring bags or cameras on the helicopter?
The video shows passengers using handheld cameras and phones throughout the flight. Weight restrictions apply, so check with Blue Hawaiian before your booking about what personal items you can bring. A secure camera strap or a phone tether is recommended given the open nature of helicopter photography.
What is the best time of year to book this tour?
The tour operates year-round, but clear skies and better visibility typically occur during the dry season (May through September). That said, volcanic activity can be more or less visible depending on the eruption cycle rather than the season. Book as far in advance as possible regardless of season, as availability is limited and spots fill up fast.
This video is invaluable for anyone seriously considering a helicopter tour review because it doesn't just show pretty aerial footage—it walks you through the actual experience, the safety briefing, the speed and terrain you'll cover, and candid reactions to each major sight. Toshi's expertise and personality also give you a sense of the guides you'll work with, which matters as much as the scenery when booking a costly adventure.
What impressed me most was how the video captures both the geological education (explaining why some volcanoes have vegetation and others don't, how lava builds islands over millennia) and the raw human wonder of actually witnessing an active volcanic caldera from a helicopter. If you've dreamed of seeing Hawaiian volcanoes and waterfalls from the air, this documentary-style tour record removes all doubt about whether it's worth booking—it absolutely is.
Years on the front lines of helicopter tour coordination — not as a travel blogger, but as the person responsible for making every guest experience go right. Managed 2,000+ cruise guests weekly as Shore Excursions staff aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii
Personally coordinated with helicopter tour operators to confirm age, weight, and safety requirements.
Join me on this thrilling adventure as we take to the skies on the big island of Hawaii! On this episode we'll be flying with Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours and doing the "Big Island Spectacular" tour. Together we'll get a whole new perspective of the Big Island from above! Our amazing pilot Toshi aka "Iceman" will fly us through lush jungle valleys, over the top of active volcanoes, and land us right next to an enormous waterfall! So buckle up and prepare yourself because this adventure will take you right into the Danger Zone!
===============Social Media Link===============
https://linktr.ee/JordanRaven
00:00 Introduction
01:17 Takeoff from Blue Hawaiian Waikoloa Base
03:12 Mauna Kea Flyby
06:16 Mauna Loa Flyby
09:31 Kilauea Volcano
14:11 The Slopes of Kilauea
17:57 The Valleys of Kohala
20:30 Waterfall Landing
21:46 Landing at Blue Hawaiian Waikoloa base
24:10 Patreon
25:02 Next Episode Sneak Peak
Video transcript for “Volcanoes, Waterfalls, And More! Aboard The Best Helicopter Tour On The Big Island Of Hawaii!” Accessibility
A full written transcript of this video, provided for accessibility. Select any timestamp to jump the video to that moment.
Aloha my name is Jordan Raven and welcome to windsurf and sun on this very special episode of windsurf and sun we'll be exploring the big island of Hawaii together we'll travel to the Caldera of Kilauea volcano and see hot lava Lane up yeah I see you see it oh my goodness soar through the Lush valleys of Kohala
and land right next to an enormous waterfall [Music] but we're not going to be writing in any old vehicle all that and more here at windsurf and sun
[Music] before we take off please be sure to like subscribe and follow for more updates it would mean a lot to me and it drives me to travel more and give you guys the content that you all deserve Mahalo Nui Loa and without further ado let's fly We Begin our adventure aboard our Airbus
ec-130 EcoStar at the Blue Hawaiian waikoa base in Kona there our amazing pilot Toshi AKA Iceman prepared our heli for takeoff all right here we go AC is off and music is playing right how is the volume not
too loud all the good well guys once again Aloha and welcome nice to see you buddy you don't know how eyes I mean how how stoked I am today I've been waiting for this day for a long time all right well she said we can take off I am ready how about you co-pilot let's do it
just as we were taking off Toshi surprised us with the most perfect takeoff song I'll give you a little hint of what it was and a cocoa pilot Jordan this is for you [Music] all right here we go guys coming up and before we knew it we were on the highway to the danger zone
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shortly after takeoff we fly our way East to Mauna Kea so far [Music] that's it okay that's it what do you think I don't really know you don't really know that's what you came to see Uncle Toshi I will show you
I will share with you guys I mean how amazing this island is today and probably from next time you say ah Maui bye bye you end up coming to see me all the time okay [Music] I never seen him that quiet I'm kind of worried about him you know I'm okay you're okay no I was wondering
how fast are we traveling from one to the other like yeah speed wise yes let me ask my body called pirate co-pilot can you tell my friend Credo how slow how fast we are going right now by not how many knots 90 knots which is equals to 100 about 110 miles per hour
going fast look at this look at that you know you see those are big mountain guys this is the tallest volcano number one that's the second tallest number two please tell me the name of the old candles and that one I don't know
over there see that's why he's my co-pilot but I caring about yeah but this is how I you know Falls over the pilots are smart but not this one you know I don't have much memory like Credo you know thought I told you that volcano Jordan is just a little bit lower right a little bit Lord
foreign [Music] [Music] feet what do you think what's your guess as tall as Mount Fuji much taller than Fuji I know that 50 000 feet right it's about
to have a half the size of rubbers uh when he was starting last night she had too many Tequilas I can't tell that no no no it's 14. Korea you should you got a microphone why are you playing like Shy Boy I'm shy come on
after our flyby of Mauna Kea we flew next door to the equally stunning Mauna Loa and noticed a notable difference between the two volcanoes so guys did you notice this [Music] right vegetation how about our Lower Side not a lot right why Mauna care has plans
but not man at all right why is that [Music] maybe hi elevation this is [Music] ah here we go h of the volcano so Credo I know you don't have much brain left
you know create a rich motor channel is younger you erupted recent years so that's not what I ask you which one is younger [Music] this one younger [Music] I don't think about this
[Music] time so plants already growing up top [Music] is much much younger right kids okay found our law is not just active Kenny this volcano is way over to no joke way over you for the next one it could have
started any minutes maybe right now maybe tomorrow maybe three months who knows but she's way over there right now the next eruption and here you guys I want you guys to look really carefully at the edge of lava flow can you see
build up right you see if I drop to you guys off right next to those powerful it is a big wall [Music] here maybe 10 feet 15 feet you know those one 10 15 feet maybe you know but that's nothing sometimes father can build 50 60 feet in one Club
[Music] okay guys this is one important message I want you guys to input to your brain [Music] When lava comes out from the volcano that means volcano is growing getting bigger or taller right
another always built please remember that one okay at least can you remember one thing today right at least one flying to the lava fields we see something in the distance a massive hole in the ground with white smoke billowing From Below the volcanic gas stretching across the island for miles and miles we need to go
find it the most active golden candy in the world erupting volcano [Music] in the world Monica oh my gosh
are you dumb we already passed that one Direction I don't know oh you don't know started with K like you buddy Keela [Music] actually he's not my friend okay forget about that story I don't know about that dumb guy yes anybody know but go ahead you will know this name though
Kilauea [Music] now ever since I was a kid I have always been fascinated by volcanoes while the other kids watch SpongeBob I watched movies like this
or this oh my God even this
the sheer power that nature can display amazed me as a kid and it kept me wanting to learn more about the Earth for even though nature can be extremely destructive it can also create the islands of Hawaii are an excellent example which is why as we flew closer to Kilauea my heart raced
seeing lava and an active volcano has been a dream of mine for many many years [Music] [Music] Toshi took us over the edge of the Caldera and there it was [Music]
after dreaming and wishing to see lava as a kid it's finally there in front of me or should I say below [Music] do you see the bubbling up yeah I see you see it oh my goodness so guys this eruption started about one year ago that time
there wasn't any Lava Lake here this hold was twice as deep like this it was so deep but now lava is just filling up later by a little lava lake is already 1200 feet deep and it just keep God eventually yes it could happen this
entire cold air could have filled up and it could over fall to the side you know what do you think it's really cool or hot [Music] thank you you know how hot that liquid is what is the temperature of that lava I don't know anybody any guess
1000 degrees Fahrenheit twice yeah two thousands all right I mean guys lucky you got some Mama to me I'm not joking when I come back here for the next flight you know that could be all black lava those activities change like minutes by minutes just never know what you're gonna get it you know
as we left the Caldera of Kilauea we flew to the many vents that line the volcano knowing that we only saw a fraction of what the big island has to offer and that the Thrills have only just begun now if you haven't already please be sure to like subscribe and follow on social media for more crazy
content like this mahalo what's up guys now you know Xiao is baby right baby small that's why this volcano is really tiny but I think you all agree on this one though baby has to grow up that's why she's the most active Volcan in the world makes sense that's why lava keep coming out from this other channel so
she can grow right is only four thousand feet short but eventually remember a lot of bills eventually this baby will become like 14.50 pretty awesome isn't it
and guys I'm gonna take you guys to this famous event he wrapped it for 35 years usual events only last like a couple of months maybe two years but he's spawning lasted for 35 years and I want to take you guys right over the top okay
foreign [Music] [Music]
guys that have been one shot 1500 feet price let's think about this one for a second it is is a slope of killaria volcano this is down slope of flower and as you can see you know so many people I mean thousands of thousands of people lives
on a slope of a killer which means when you come back here next time this could be old black lava right it's gonna be all the black lava you may not be able to see any of those homes when you come back here next time
right it happened already that doesn't surprise me at all that doesn't surprise them at all you know why guys just remember this one okay we chose to live with baby baby she didn't pick me she didn't force
us to live with her did she we chose what are you gonna expect [Applause] obviously guys this place doesn't belong to us doesn't it this doesn't belong to us [Music] as Toshi follows the coastline past Hilo
the massive Sea Cliffs of Kohala with its deep valleys and cascading waterfalls can be seen on the horizon [Music] this is white Hill it is beautiful Valley don't take me wrong it is beautiful Valley but this is not the best one everybody know Waipio Valley is famous why because you can drive everybody
knows wipe your mouth I don't want to waste your time where you can Thrive I need to take you that you can't drive let me take you guys to the next one white button Valley and we're gonna apply through the next Valley this place is pretty awesome beautiful I know your
Smiley's gonna get bigger I need a chance but this place may bring some tears to your eyes [Music] without water for three steps
1500 500 meters but of course Julia she said and that's too small she said that waterfalls too small here we go Julia checked his son yeah check those one out those are the 14th tallest waterfall in the world 2400 feet
[Music] foreign [Music] [Music] [Music]
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[Music] foreign as we landed and took our first steps off the heli was speechless [Music] right next to that waterfall and oh my god
look how amazing this is to be standing here next to this extraordinary display of nature was truly humbling foreign [Music]
and as we took off we were treated to one less look of the awe-inspiring waterfalls that line Kohala before we headed back to Waikoloa base foreign [Music] [Applause] [Music]
10 out of 10. all right are they good [Music] approaching Waikoloa base we knew that our flight was coming to an end I want to take the time to thank our co-pilot Lian our amazing pilot Toshi AKA Iceman and Guido and his family for joining me on this once in a lifetime Adventure
this adventure completed so many childhood dreams for me and I couldn't think blue Hawaiian helicopter tours and Toshi enough foreign [Music]
[Music] foreign
I guess I made it I mean it wasn't too much for my second day wasn't it before I end this episode here I have something important to announce as you know travel ain't cheap going to amazing destinations and filming awesome videos for all of you to enjoy has been a dream come true making
content that you all deserve I want to make that my full-time job but I need your support that's why I'm starting a brand new patreon subscribing to my patreon gives you access to bonus footage of Adventures your name at the end of every new episode and full unedited recordings of excursions much
like the helicopter tour you just saw now and much more all proceeds will go to better camera gear better excursions for filming and of course travel so if you like my channel and if you want to see more please consider subscribing to my patreon for bigger and better content for all of you to enjoy Mahalo Nui Loa
and let's take a sneak peek of The Next Episode [Music] [Music] thank you
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