Oahu to Big Island Volcano Helicopter Combo

Overview

This full-day adventure gives you the rare chance to leave Waikīkī or your Maui resort behind and experience the volcanic wonders of the Big Island in a single unforgettable day. You’ll take an early inter-island flight, explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and end your journey with a spectacular helicopter tour soaring above some of the island’s most dramatic landscapes.

Duration

10 Hours

Meeting Point

Transportation to and from Hilo Airport is included.

Age

2+

Activity Details

If you’ve been dreaming of seeing Hawai‘i’s volcanoes up close, this tour is the perfect escape. Your day begins with a morning flight to the Big Island, where you’ll dive straight into a scenic journey through one of the world’s most remarkable volcanic regions. After exploring the national park’s signature sights, your adventure continues with an exhilarating helicopter experience in the afternoon. It’s a day packed with awe-inspiring views and meaningful encounters with nature.

Your exploration spans from mauka to makai—the mountains to the sea. Upon arrival, you’ll visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a natural treasure that offers a window into Earth’s raw geological power. Enjoy breakfast on your own at the iconic Volcano House, where panoramic views of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater create a stunning start to the morning. Afterwards, a stop at the Kīlauea Visitor Center provides insight into the science and stories behind the island’s volcanic activity.

From there, you’ll walk to the steam vents, where warm vapor rises from the ground, creating an eerie and captivating atmosphere. The sweeping vistas across lava fields help you appreciate the immense scale of this ever-changing landscape.

To balance your day of exploration, we pause for a short stop to enjoy locally made treats and flavors unique to the island (purchased on your own). Then we head to Rainbow Falls, a picturesque twin waterfall known for the colorful mist that forms when sunlight hits the water just right. A leisurely drive through historic Hilo town brings a charming look at local culture and history.

Your experience concludes with a breathtaking 45-minute helicopter flight, offering aerial views of volcanic formations, lush valleys, black sand shorelines, and other hidden gems. It’s the perfect finale to a day that blends adventure, discovery, and relaxation in true Hawaiian fashion.

What’s Included

Enter and explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Round-trip inter-island flights from O‘ahu to Hilo
45-minute helicopter tour departing from Hilo Airport
Visit to Kīlauea Visitor Center
Views of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater overlook
Walk through Thurston Lava Tube
Stop at volcanic steam vents
Time for local snacks and treats (purchased separately)
Stop at Volcano House
Visit to Rainbow Falls State Park

What’s Not Included

Meals are not included. Guests may choose their own breakfast and lunch during scheduled stops.

Itinerary

4:30 am – Flight from Honolulu
7:15 am – Meet your guide at Hilo Airport
8:00 am – 45-minute helicopter tour
9:00 am – Hilo town sightseeing drive
9:15 am – Rainbow Falls
10:00 am – Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens
10:30 am – Richardson Black Sand Beach
11:20 am – Lunch break in Hilo (purchased on your own)
12:40 pm – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Visitor Center, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, Thurston Lava Tube, Steam Vents, Chain of Craters Road
3:30 pm – Macadamia Nut Farm or Big Island Candies
4:30 pm – Return to Hilo area
6:00 pm – Flight to Honolulu
7:30 pm – Return to your Waikīkī accommodations

Highlights

In this extraordinary national park, you’ll explore Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, the volcanic steam vents, the educational Kīlauea Visitor Center, the Thurston Lava Tube, and Volcano House—each offering striking views and unique insights into the island’s volcanic landscape.

Kīlauea Iki Crater showcases one of the park’s most remarkable volcanic features, giving visitors a deeper look into Hawai‘i’s eruptive history.

At Kealakomo Overlook, you’ll take in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the expansive lava fields that once covered the ancient village of Kealakomo.

Your 45-minute helicopter adventure provides an unforgettable aerial perspective, revealing the Big Island’s mountains, rugged lava formations, and hidden geological wonders.

As you make your way toward Hilo, you’ll also enjoy a view of the iconic Rainbow Falls, where sunlight paints the mist in brilliant colors around the twin 80-foot cascades.

Check-in Details

Please reconfirm your pickup time and meeting location 24–48 hours before your scheduled tour. This ensures a smooth check-in process and allows us to provide the most accurate updates for your travel day.

What to Bring

We recommend wearing dark clothing during the helicopter portion of the tour, as it helps reduce window glare and improves visibility for photos and sightseeing.

Special Requirements

All guests will be weighed prior to boarding the helicopter. Individuals weighing over 240 lbs may incur an additional fee of up to $250. Please note that car seats are no longer provided for children on our Big Island tours. Families traveling with young children must bring their own approved car seats.

Restrictions

Groups larger than six people or parties with a combined weight exceeding 1,000 lbs may be split between multiple aircraft. Accurate body weights are essential when booking, as they directly affect our ability to operate the tour safely and efficiently.

Disclaimers

Neighbor-island day trips are non-refundable once booked. Changes made within 72 hours of the tour may be subject to additional fees.

Prices

The tour offers several seating and fare options to accommodate different ages and preferences. Adult tickets are priced at US$989 for guests ages 12 and older. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 may join the tour at a rate of US$979.

For guests seeking an upgraded experience, First Class seating is available for US$1,139. This option is open to passengers ages 2 and up, with a combined total weight limit of 470 lbs for the first-class row. Children ages 2–15 must be seated with an accompanying adult. Please note that this option is not available for guests who require assistance boarding the helicopter.

Planning on Cancelling or Rescheduling

To process a cancellation, we must provide written or verbal confirmation directly to you. Leaving a voicemail does not complete a cancellation request. All cancellation requests must be submitted by emailing our team at [email protected], speaking with a live agent via chat, or calling us directly.

Cancellation requests must be made outside the standard 72-hour window, or within the specific timeframe listed on each tour’s page. Larger groups—typically parties of more than five—may have extended cancellation periods.

Please note that tours including airline tickets are subject to airline policies. To receive a refund, guests must purchase refund insurance and submit their cancellation outside of the applicable cancellation period.

Tours Without Flights

If you cancel more than 72 hours before your tour, you will receive a full cash refund. No refunds can be issued for cancellations made within 72 hours of the tour start time.

Tours With Flights

Inter-island tours or Oʻahu tours departing from Maui, the Big Island, or Kauaʻi may incur airline change fees of up to US$100 per person for modifications to the original booking—though airlines are currently waiving these fees. Cancellation requests made more than 72 hours in advance will receive full credit toward a future tour.

A cash refund is available for tours with flights only when travel insurance is purchased during booking. No refunds can be issued for cancellations made within 72 hours of the tour start time.

Vacation Packages

Our 4-, 7-, 9-, and 12-night Hawaiian vacation packages now include cancellation insurance with every booking. Guests may receive a full refund minus the cost of the insurance policy, as listed on the package page. To qualify, cancellations must occur at least 72 hours before departure. Groups of six or more must cancel at least seven days in advance.

Groups of 6 People or More

Large parties may have additional fees or extended cancellation windows beyond the standard 72-hour policy. These details vary by tour and will be noted on the individual tour page. If you are booking multiple tours or have questions about your group’s cancellation terms, please contact us so we can clarify your specific policy.