Helicopter Tour on Big Island, Hawaii - Kīlauea Volcano and Waterfalls

Flight Over Kīlauea Volcano and the Waterfalls of Big Island, Hawaii

This helicopter tour departing from Hilo Airport focuses on the eastern part of Big Island, with a flight centered on Kīlauea Volcano and the landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. The flight takes place in an AStar helicopter with an audio headset, in a narrated format from beginning to end by the pilot to discover the richness of the island and its landscapes.

What you see during the flight above Hilo and Kīlauea

The route heads toward the Kīlauea area and the zones transformed by the 2018 eruption. On this rain-exposed side, the volcanic landscape has been carved over time into basins, rivers, and waterfalls, with Wai‘nuenue Falls among the landmarks mentioned, and it is one of the highlights of the flight.

How the flight works and aircraft used

The flight, about 55 minutes long, takes place on an AStar, a helicopter model often chosen for sightseeing because of its floor-to-ceiling windows and outstanding view from every seat. The pilot provides commentary through the headset and places the locations flown over in the context of the island’s history, local volcanism, and Hawaiian traditions. It is a continuous scenic flight with return to the departure base at Hilo Airport after the flight.

Participation conditions and organization

No experience is required to take part in the flight, only passengers weighing 250 lbs or more must purchase a “comfort” seat with fees to be paid on site. For bookings for two, the combined weight must not exceed 420 lbs. Passengers are weighed at check-in in accordance with FAA rules.