Hawaii Volcano Safari Helicopter Tour *Big Island*
At a glance
- Length
- 7 min
- Channel
- Cody Smith
- Video from
- Aug 2023
- Rating
- ⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
- Best for
- Travelers planning a Big Island vacation who want to see volcanoes and geological features efficiently
Summary of This Big Island Helicopter Safari Tour Experience
Cody Smith takes his grandmother on a Big Island helicopter tour departing from Hilo, showcasing the volcanic landscape and natural features of Hawaii's largest island. The video captures their experience with a tour company that operates scenic flights across multiple landmarks, giving viewers a firsthand look at what passengers encounter during such an adventure.
Throughout the flight, the video documents several geographic and geological attractions visible from the air. The tour passes over active volcanoes, various cinder cones formed by past volcanic activity, expanses of previous lava flows in different stages of weathering, and agricultural areas including macadamia nut farms. The crew conducting the tour receives positive remarks for their professionalism and hospitality toward passengers.
What You'll See on This Volcano Safari Flight
- Active volcanic features and ongoing geothermal activity on the Big Island
- Multiple cinder cones, which are small volcanic formations created by past eruptions
- Historical lava flows from various years, showing different colors and vegetation recovery stages
- Macadamia farms and other agricultural operations visible from above
- Aerial views of the landscape and terrain that ground-level visits cannot provide
- Professional crew and tour company operations for a comfortable passenger experience

Why Big Island Volcanic Tours Matter to Travelers
Hawaii's Big Island is geologically unique because of its active volcanic systems and relatively young lava fields that remain visible on the landscape. Helicopter tours allow visitors to safely view these natural wonders from a vantage point impossible to achieve on foot, covering vast distances and seeing areas that may be difficult or dangerous to access by ground. For travelers interested in geology, natural history, or simply experiencing Hawaii's most dramatic landscapes, aerial tours provide educational and memorable perspectives that ground-based tourism cannot match. The video demonstrates that such experiences are accessible at a moderate price point, making them feasible for a wider range of visitors including families and senior travelers.
Common Questions About Big Island Helicopter Volcano Tours
How much does a Big Island helicopter tour typically cost?
According to the video, tours from this company run only a couple hundred dollars, positioning them as a reasonably priced activity for most travelers visiting Hawaii.
What is a cinder cone, and why are they visible on these tours?
Cinder cones are small volcanic mountains formed when lava and volcanic debris erupt from a single vent. The Big Island has many of these formations from past volcanic activity, making them a natural feature of helicopter sightseeing routes.
Can older adults participate in these helicopter tours?
Yes—the video features Cody's grandmother as a passenger, demonstrating that seniors can enjoy these experiences. Physical ability and comfort with helicopter flight are the main considerations.
Where do these tours depart from?
This particular tour operates out of Hilo, located on the eastern side of the Big Island, placing the departure point convenient to many accommodations and attractions on that side of the island.
What makes Big Island volcanic tours different from other Hawaii helicopter experiences?
The Big Island offers unique access to active volcanoes, young lava fields, and extensive cinder cone systems. While other Hawaiian islands have beautiful scenery, the Big Island's ongoing geothermal activity and visible recent geological history set it apart for volcano-focused aerial tours.

Key Terms
- Cinder cone
- A small conical volcano built up by erupted lava fragments and ash from a single volcanic vent.
- Lava flow
- Molten rock that has erupted from a volcano and spread across the landscape, eventually cooling and solidifying.
- Active volcano
- A volcano that is currently erupting or showing signs of geothermal activity such as steam or volcanic gases.
- Macadamia farms
- Agricultural areas where macadamia nut trees are grown and harvested as a commercial crop.
Sources: Cinder cone · Lava flow · Active volcano · Macadamia farms — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia
Video by Cody Smith on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.
Description
March 11, 2023 - Safari Helicopter Tour out of Hilo! What a great view and crew! My grandmother and I went on a tour with this company and it was awesome! We seen cinder-cones, active volcanos, previous years of lava flows, macadamias farms and a whole lot more! Watch the video and if you like it, go to the big island and check them out! Only a couple hundred dollars but it’s worth it!
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