Helicopter tours on the Big Island (also known as the Hawaii Island) take off from Kailua-Kona, Hilo, and Waimea.
Since it offers better weather, beaches, snorkeling, the latest resorts, and more nightlife, most tourists prefer to stay in Kailua-Kona.
As a result, most of the helicopter tours on the Big Island take off from Kona and nearby areas.
This article covers everything you need to know before booking a helicopter tour in Kona, Hawaii.
Top Tickets
# Big Island Experience
# Kona Coast Helicopter TourIt’s highly recommended to book your Kona helicopter tour tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
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The Big Island Experience
You get treated like a VIP on this tour because it is a private two-hour helicopter tour of the Big Island from Kona.
Departing from Kona International Airport, take your Hawaii vacation to the sky.
Your pilot narrates the terrain below, including valleys, waterfalls, coastline, and—of course—an active volcano.
You will head straight to Kilauea via the saddle running between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, Hawaii’s tallest mountains
Cost of the tour (7+ years): US$672 per person
Volcano and Kohala Landing Helicopter Tour
Experience the breathtaking scenery of Hawaii’s Big Island from the air, the way it was designed to be seen.
On this fantastic 3-hour helicopter trip, soar over the Big Island’s rocky coastline, active volcanoes, and gushing waterfalls.
While soaking up stunning airborne views of the smoldering Kilauea Volcano and the magnificent mountains and sea cliffs of the Kohala Coast, listen to expert narration from your pilot.
Land on a remote rarely visited section of the island and explore the quiet tropical paradise.
After you have had your fill, climb back aboard the helicopter to continue your flying tour of Hawaii’s natural landmarks.
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$799 per person
Book This TourRecommended
Kona Coast Helicopter Tour
This 30-minute trip is the best helicopter tour to explore Kona Coast from the air.
You will fly from Kona Airport (Southbound) past Honokohau Bay, Kona Town, Keauhou to the famous Captain Cook or (Northbound) to the famous Kua Bay, Kiholo Bay, Hapuna Beach, and Kawaihae.
This heli tour gets even more popular during the whale season because you get to spot whales from the top.
Cost of the tour (7+ years): US$240 per person
Book This TourRecommended
Circle Island Experience from Kona
The Circle Island Helicopter tour is an excellent way to see Big Island from the air if you stay in or around Kailua-Kona.
On this deluxe, two-hour helicopter tour of the Big Island, you’ll take off from Kona and fly above newly created black sand beaches, spectacular waterfalls along the coastline, and over the Waipio and Waimanu valleys.
You will also soar above rainforests, macadamia nut orchards, and live volcanoes.
The Bell 407 helicopter has executive seating and sliding windows, making snapping pictures of flowing lava and secret waterfalls much easier.
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$749 per person
Book This TourKnow before you go!
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Experience Kona’s coastline and volcanoes from the skies
Magical Waterfall Tour from Kona
Big Island is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in all of Hawaii.
Upon departing from Kona International Airport, the tour first takes you to the seven windward valleys of Kohala.
Over the next one hour and 15 minutes, you will see all of the best waterfalls on the island.
Tour will conclude with a beautiful coastline flight over sparkling ocean waters, ancient lava flows, and spectacular luxury resorts.
Cost of the tour (7+ years): US$450 per person
Book This TourRecommended
Flight Departure and Return
The helicopter rides in Kona depart from the Kona International Airport.
Address: 73-341 Uu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA. Get directions
The heliport is near public transportation.
The tours end back at the meeting point.
There are multiple take-offs daily, and you are sure to get your preferred timing if you book early.
Timings of the tours
Most Kona heli rides are operational throughout the week.
The Big Island Experience and the Kona Coast Helicopter Tour do not run on Sundays.
Depending on the tour you have selected, the first batch of heli rides in Kona starts take-offs as early as 8.30 am.
The tours may continue departures in slots up to 5.30 pm.
Exclusions of the air tours
Kon helicopter tours do not include hotel transfers and food and drinks.
Your ticket price also excludes gratuities, parking fees, and personal expenses.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable Kona heli tours.
Passengers exceeding the weight limit may not be allowed onboard or can be asked to purchase an additional seat.
A minimum and maximum number of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, they will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
Some helicopter tours in Kona are not wheelchair accessible.
A seat upgrade is not guaranteed. If you purchase a co-pilot and/or window seat upgrade, tour operators try their best to seat you in your purchased location. If a seat upgrade cannot be accommodated due to weight and balance requirements for your flight (or for any other reason), your upgrade purchase will be refunded at check-in.
A valid passport is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
Check-in at least 30 minutes early.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Accessibility to the tours
The Big Island Experience, Kona Coast Helicopter Tour, and Magical Waterfall Tour from Kona are completely accessible to guests with disabilities.
The aircraft, transportation, and surfaces are completely wheelchair accessible, preventing any inconvenience for the guests.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
