Overview
Discover Hawaiʻi’s most dramatic landscapes by land and by air on this full-day, interisland volcano adventure from Oʻahu to Hilo. This all-inclusive experience combines round-trip flights, a guided sightseeing tour of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, visits to two famous waterfalls, and a thrilling 45-minute Circle of Fire helicopter tour over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. From steaming craters and ancient lava tubes to lush valleys and towering falls, you’ll see firsthand how fire, rock, and water continue to shape the Big Island.
Duration
16 hours
Meeting point
Self-check-in at Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
You will check in on your own at the Hawaiian Airlines self-service kiosk or ticket counter for both your outbound and return flights.
Cancellations
A minimum of 168 hours (7 days) notice is required for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made within 7 days of departure, as well as no-shows, are subject to the full tour charge.
Accessibility
For helicopter safety and comfort, guests over 240 lbs (109 kg) will be charged for an additional seat.
Activity details
Begin your day before sunrise on Oʻahu and fly to Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, locally known as the Big Island. After landing, your driver-guide will meet you at Hilo Airport and start your land-based exploration of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
You’ll travel through lush rainforest and otherworldly lava fields while learning how eruptions have reshaped the island—most recently Mauna Loa’s 2023 activity and the dramatic expansion of Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu Crater after the 2018 events. Watch steam rise from the ground at the Steam Vents, walk through the ancient lava passage of Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), and soak in sweeping coastal vistas at Kealakomo Overlook along the scenic Chain of Craters Road, where old lava flows meet the Pacific.
A “to-go” lunch is included and enjoyed in or near the park so you can maximize your time outdoors. The journey continues with visits to Rainbow Falls and ʻAkaka Falls, where you’ll stroll around the rim of the gorge and admire one of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic waterfalls framed by tropical forest.
In the afternoon, you’ll head to the heliport near Hilo Airport for a 45-minute safety briefing followed by your 45-minute Circle of Fire helicopter flight. From the air, you’ll gain a completely different perspective of Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, craters, lava fields, and collapsed calderas—seeing the scale of Hawaiʻi’s volcanic power in a way that’s impossible from the ground alone.
After your helicopter experience, you’ll make your way back to Hilo Airport for your evening return flight to Oʻahu.
Tour Highlights
Interisland flight from Oʻahu to Hilo – Convenient round-trip airfare included
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park – Explore one of the world’s most geologically active regions
Kīlauea / Halemaʻumaʻu Crater – View the dramatically enlarged summit crater created by recent eruptions
Mauna Loa – See the massive shield volcano that last erupted in 2023
Steam Vents – Watch plumes of steam rise where groundwater meets hot rock
Nāhuku Lava Tube – Walk through a historic lava tube formed by flowing magma
Kealakomo Overlook – Take in sweeping views where lava once spilled into the ocean
Chain of Craters Road – Travel a scenic stretch of road cut through old lava flows
Rainbow Falls – Visit Hilo’s classic 80-foot waterfall framed by lush greenery
ʻAkaka Falls – Enjoy a leisurely loop walk around this spectacular 442-foot waterfall
Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour (45 minutes) – Soar above Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for an unforgettable aerial view of Hawaiʻi’s volcanic heart
Departure
5:00 AM – Arrive on your own at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) for check-in.
Airline schedules may change without notice; please confirm flight times directly with the airline.
Follow the instructions in your confirmation for where to meet your tour driver upon arrival at Hilo Airport.
Return
Approximately 9:00 PM – Arrive back on Oʻahu from Hilo.
Flight times and routing are subject to change based on airline operations.
What’s included
Round-trip interisland airfare from Oʻahu to Hilo
45-minute Circle of Fire helicopter tour
Expert live narration during the land-based tour
Admission to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Round-trip ground transportation from Hilo Airport
Lunch (to-go style)
What’s not included
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Personal purchases (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
Airline fees associated with name or date changes
Itinerary
Morning flight from Oʻahu to Hilo
Ground tour through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Kīlauea Crater and Halemaʻumaʻu
Views of Mauna Loa
Steam Vents
Nāhuku Lava Tube
Kealakomo Overlook and Chain of Craters Road
Visit Rainbow Falls
Visit ʻAkaka Falls and perimeter hike around the gorge
Afternoon 45-minute Circle of Fire helicopter tour over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa
Evening return flight from Hilo to Oʻahu
Highlights
Experience two active volcanoes—Kīlauea and Mauna Loa—from both land and air
Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Walk through Nāhuku Lava Tube and admire dramatic crater and coastal viewpoints
Visit two iconic waterfalls, Rainbow Falls and ʻAkaka Falls
Enjoy a fully coordinated, all-inclusive day trip with interisland flights, land touring, helicopter experience, park admission, and lunch all arranged for you
