Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour

Imagine soaring above Hawaii’s most active volcanic landscapes, witnessing glowing lava, waterfalls, and rugged coastlines—all from the comfort of a helicopter. That’s what the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour promises. While we haven’t personally flown in this chopper, the detailed reviews and tour info paint a picture of an experience that offers a unique bird’s-eye view of some of the Big Island’s most dramatic scenery.

What we love most about this tour is its focus on personalized service—a maximum of 6 travelers ensures you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd. Plus, the chance to see Kilauea and Mauna Loa, volcanoes that are largely inaccessible by land, makes it a rare opportunity. On the flip side, potential travelers should consider the weather dependency and the cost, as at almost $500 per person, it’s a premium experience. But if you’re craving an authentic adventure with knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas, this helicopter tour could be a highlight of your Big Island trip.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience suits travelers who are comfortable with a bit of adventure and eager to see the island’s volcanic activity up close. It’s ideal for those who value intimate group sizes, expert commentary, and the thrill of seeing Hawaii’s natural fires and waterfalls from above. Families with children over 23 months, and individuals interested in geology or photography, will find this tour especially rewarding.

Key Points

• Limited group size (max 6) for a more personal experience
• Extensive views of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, inaccessible by vehicle
• Flight time around 50 minutes, balancing depth with comfort
• Pilot commentary with noise-canceling headsets enhances understanding
• Weather affects visibility; tours are canceled or rebooked in poor conditions
• Cost is around $482.90, which is a premium but includes all fees and taxes
• Additional costs for photos or videos after the flight
• Suitable for most travelers, with specific restrictions on weight and age
• The tour starts at Blue Hawaiian Helicopters in Hilo, with check-in 45 minutes prior

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Start at Hilo’s Heliport: Your adventure begins at Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, where check-in is 45 minutes before departure. This allows enough time for a quick safety briefing, weight check, and getting familiar with the noise-canceling headsets. It’s worth arriving early—there’s limited parking and public transit options nearby, so plan accordingly.

Bird’s-Eye View of Hilo Town: The first part of the flight offers a sweeping perspective of Hilo, a historic town that’s been inhabited since 1100 AD. You’ll see the shoreline and perhaps spot the lush, ever-changing landscape that has shaped the island’s development. Several reviews highlight this as a highlight—”We had a beautiful almost clear day to fly over Hilo Bay and surrounding volcanos,” notes one happy traveler.

Volcanic Landscapes and Lava Flows: Next, your pilot will guide you along the rugged coastline of the volcano area. Here, you’ll witness the land’s constant evolution—craters, lava fields, and fresh volcanic formations. According to reviews, this is particularly exciting when eruptions are active, making the scenery even more dramatic. As one guest put it, “Your team adapted to the eruptions, and it made our tour that much more exciting.”

Seeking Out Recent Eruptions: The tour’s real star is the chance to glimpse the fiery glow of Kilauea’s lava. While weather and volcanic activity can influence what’s visible, many visitors report seeing glowing lava or new volcanic formations. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Earth’s fiery heart, often inaccessible by other means.

The Flight: What You Will Experience

The Helicopter Itself: You’ll be flying in a helicopter with a maximum of 6 passengers, making the ride more intimate and allowing for better views and interaction. The aircraft is equipped with Bose aviation-grade noise-canceling headsets, so communication with your pilot is clear and informative. “The pilot was quite knowledgeable and provided a lot of information,” shares one reviewer, emphasizing how this personal touch enhances the experience.

Views and Commentary: Expect to see waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, volcanic craters, rugged coastlines, and possibly whales or seabirds depending on the season. The pilot’s commentary—delivered through the headsets—adds context, making the sights educational as well as awe-inspiring.

Weather and Visibility: Weather plays a significant role in what you’ll see. If clouds obscure the volcanoes, the tour might be canceled or rebooked, with full refunds offered. As some travelers noted, “The weather that day brought low clouds, and the pilot said he couldn’t promise views,” but others were fortunate enough to witness spectacular sights.

The Practicalities: What to Know Before Booking

Cost and Value: At $482.90, this tour is definitely a splurge. But considering the exclusive views, expert guides, and the chance to see volcanoes from an angle no land vehicle can offer, many feel it’s worth the expense. Several reviews call it “worth every penny,” citing the knowledge and friendliness of the pilots as adding value.

Group Size and Personal Experience: With only six passengers, this isn’t a busy commercial flight. It’s more like a private adventure, enhancing the overall experience. Some reviews mention the “warm and amiable staff” and the pilot’s kindness, making the flight enjoyable and comfortable.

Timing and Logistics: Tours are available in both morning and afternoon, allowing flexibility in your schedule. Check-in is 45 minutes early, so plan to arrive well before your booked time—traffic or cruise ship schedules can be tight.

Weight and Child Policies: Each passenger must not exceed 240 lbs. Children under 23 months fly free as lap children. This ensures safety and comfort for all.

Additional Costs: Photos and videos taken during the flight are available for purchase afterward — a tempting souvenir but an extra cost to consider. Parking at the heliport costs $10, and transportation isn’t included, so budget accordingly.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Many reviewers highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. One describes the pilot as “fantastic and very informative,” adding that the experience “made our trip extra special.” Conversely, a few mention less favorable moments—such as helicopter vibrations or noise issues—which underscores that weather and aircraft maintenance can influence the ride quality. Importantly, safety remains a priority for the staff, and cancellations due to weather are handled professionally, with options to rebook or refund.

Value for Money

While nearly $500 per person might seem steep, the combination of private group size, expert commentary, and the extraordinary scenery makes it a compelling choice for those seeking an authentic, immersive glimpse of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. For avid photographers or geology buffs, the opportunity to witness recent lava flows or eruptions from above is unmatched.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This helicopter adventure is best suited for travelers who:

• Are eager to see volcanoes and lava flows from a close, unique vantage point
• Appreciate small-group, personalized tours
• Don’t mind paying a premium for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
• Are comfortable with heights and aircraft noise
• Want to learn from knowledgeable guides with real expertise
• Have flexible schedules and are prepared for weather-dependent cancellations

If you’re after a highly visual, educational, and intimate adventure that reveals Hawaii’s fiery core, this tour is likely to deliver.

Final Thoughts

The Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour impresses with its blend of expert guidance, exclusive access to volcanic sights, and small group intimacy. It’s a premium experience that offers unforgettable views of Kilauea, Mauna Loa, waterfalls, and volcanic craters, all narrated by knowledgeable guides. While the weather can influence what’s visible, many guests have reported awe-inspiring sights, making it a highlight of their Big Island visit.

For those with a taste for adventure and an appreciation for natural spectacle, this tour presents a rare opportunity to witness the island’s volcanic activity from a perspective few get to see. It’s an experience that combines thrill, education, and breathtaking scenery—well worth considering if your Hawaii itinerary includes Hilo and you’re ready for a memorable aerial journey.

FAQ

• How long is the helicopter tour?
  The flight lasts approximately 50 minutes, offering a well-paced viewing experience without feeling rushed.

• What is included in the price?
  The tour fee covers the helicopter flight, expert pilot guides who are also certified tour guides, use of noise-canceling headsets, and all fees and taxes.

• Can I buy photos or videos after the flight?
  Yes, in-flight photo and video packages are available for purchase after the tour.

• What should I do if the weather is poor?
  Tours depend on good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• Are there any age restrictions?
  Children 23 months and younger fly for free as lap children. Most travelers can participate, but check weight limits—each passenger must weigh no more than 240 lbs.

• Is transportation to the heliport included?
  No, you are responsible for getting to the Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Hilo location. Parking costs $10.

• How far in advance should I book?
  On average, this tour is booked about 39 days ahead, so plan early to secure your preferred date.

• What is the group size?
  The maximum is 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and less crowded experience.

• What do I need to bring?
  Bring your camera (though large cameras and selfie sticks are not allowed onboard), and dress comfortably for the weather. A hat and sunscreen are advisable for the waiting periods before and after the flight.

In the end, if you’re looking for a small-group, knowledge-rich, and visually captivating way to explore Hawaii’s volcanic heart, this helicopter tour offers a compelling choice. It’s a mix of adventure, education, and stunning scenery that will likely be remembered long after you leave the island.