9 Big Island Helicopter Tours Worth Flying For

1.Private Kona Coast Helicopter Tour: All Window Seats

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 139 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $240Our pick

Fly privately with up to three people along the Kona Coast from Kona Airport. Your pilot may head south toward Captain Cook or north toward Kua Bay, Kiholo Bay, Hapuna Beach, and Kawaihae. Expect all window seats, local commentary, and possible doors-off flights.

“Had a fun experience with my daughter seeing some of the Kona coast! We chose doors off and Christian, our pilot, was very friendly and pointed out points of interest and landmarks during our flight. Got some beautiful pics too! Would recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $790

Fly from Waikoloa with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters for a two-hour tour over Kohala, Hamakua, Akaka Falls, Kilauea, Mauna Loa, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Your pilot, such as James, Greg, Shane, or Kai, also serves as a certified Hawaii tour guide.

“Outstanding folks at Blue Hawaiian. Greg, our pilot excellent. Saw the volcano eruption up close. Unbelievable views of the rugged terrain Even saw a female humpback whale with her calve.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 110 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $482

Fly from Hilo Airport in a six-seat Airbus Eco-Star over Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea, Mauna Loa, waterfalls, craters, lava flows, and the Hamakua Coast. Your state-certified pilot, using noise-canceling headsets, explains the island as you go.

“Great views and a wonderful commentary from our very knowledgeable pilot. We thoroughly enjoyed it and will remain one of the best memories of our trip to Hawaii Big Island.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Kohala Waterfalls & Valleys Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $460

Fly from Waikoloa over Kohala’s ranch country, steep valleys, waterfalls, cliffs, and coastline. Your State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guide pilot provides commentary through Bose noise-canceling headsets. Flights carry up to six passengers and return to the Waikoloa heliport.

“We recently enjoyed a 45-minute helicopter tour in Hawaii, and it was breathtaking! The staff was professional and friendly, ensuring a smooth and safe experience. The views were unforgettable—lush valleys, waterfalls, and rugged coastlines. The pilot's insights about the islands added a special touch, making it both exciting and educational. The duration was perfect, giving plenty of time to take in the stunning landscapes without feeling rushed. If you want a unique way to experience Hawaii's beauty, this tour is a must!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Exclusive Landing with Spectacular Big Island Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 2 hours 20 minutes (approx.) · from $1,134

See Hawaii Island from above with a certified pilot-guide such as Matt, James, Greg, or Kai. This 2-hour-20-minute Blue Hawaiian flight covers volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, and Kohala ranch country, with a 20 to 25-minute landing beside a 1,200-foot waterfall at Laupāhoehoe Nui.

“Disappointed that we did not flyover the volcanos (due to weather), but the experience was still great and they adjusted the price based on the reduced time & sites on the itinerary. Landing by the waterfall was fantastic.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Kohala Waterfalls with Exclusive Landing Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $804

From Waikoloa, fly above Kohala’s ranch country, valleys, beaches, and waterfalls with a Hawaii-certified pilot. The six-passenger flight lands at Laupāhoehoe Nui, where you get 20 to 25 minutes beside a 1,200-foot waterfall. Pilots such as Matt, Greg, Edmund, and Toshi have helped make past flights memorable.

“Edmund was awesome and it was beautiful! The waterfall stop is a must do. Recommend highly. Felt safe and relaxing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Kona Coast Hualalai Volcano-60Min Helicopter Tour-Door Off or On

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $640

Spend about an hour above the Kona Coast and Hualalai Volcano with Rainbow Helicopters. You’ll see fishponds, coffee farms, Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cook Monument, beaches, and forest reserves. Choose doors on or off, though an open seat may not be beside a door.

“The staff was super friendly, shout out to Wilson, thank you for your kindness to my 78 yr old Aunt. Whom by the way loved the tour with the doors off! Everything was amazing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Kohala Coast Volcano Waterfalls-90 Min Heli Tour-Doors Off or On

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $895

Fly from Kailua-Kona for 90 minutes over Mauna Loa, Hualālai, Kohala, Pololū, Waipiʻo, and remote waterfalls. Choose doors on or off. Pilot Josh and Wilson have been praised for clear briefings and warm service, but cloud cover can limit volcano views.

“No door, no floor, still got (great) service. Really fun, beautiful views, very knowledgeable. Saw whales, saw waterfalls, cliffy things and more water. 10 out of 10 experience. Would recommend if you like wind.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Kona Coastal Sights Unseen – 45Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off/On

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $590

Fly 45 minutes from Kailua-Kona with Rainbow Helicopters over Kaloko Fish Ponds, Kailua Bay, Kona coffee farms, Kealakekua Bay, Hualalai Volcano, Kiholo Bay, and Makalawena Beach. Choose doors on or off. The flight may be narrated by a pilot such as Chris, whose smooth handling and local facts were especially praised.

“Had a great flight today with Chris! He had lots of really interesting and cool facts about the area we were flying in, and was a really smooth flight.”

Check availability →Read our full review