Big Island of Hawaii
Rainforest and Volcanoes Helicopter Flight from Hilo

Hilo: Helicopter Lava and Rainforests Adventure

Big Island of Hawaii, USA
  • 55 minutes to 1 hour (approx.)
  • Flight time: 1 hour
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

A must-do for adrenaline junkies, this aerial adventure takes you over the island’s volcanic landscape, so you can peer into craters and spot lava. Plus enjoy views of waterfalls and other natural features of the Big Island while aboard.
  • Big Island helicopter flight from Hilo
  • Soar above Hawaii's volcanic landscape
  • Admire the island's forests and tropical waterfalls from above
  • Choose between three departure times
  • Upgrade seating is available (additional fee)

What's Included

  • Two-way headset communication with your pilot
  • Live commentary on board
  • Food
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Uncle Miles Kitchen
    2450 Kekuanaoa St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

    Terminal 2

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Select your departure time, one of three choices available for your convenience, and jump into your helicopter. If you like you have the option to upgrade your seat at an additional cost.

Put on your headset that allows two-way communication with your pilot. Next, start to soar above the volcanic landscape of the Big Island, peering into craters and catching glimpses of fiery lava. Then, get a view of tropical waterfalls and lush forests. Enjoy live commentary from your pilot throughout the journey.

Pass by Wao Kele, the tropical rainforests of Puna, the city of Hilo, and the waterfalls of North Hilo before touching down on land. Be dropped of at your departure point, conveniently located near public transportation.

Wao Kele (Pass By)

Hilo (Pass By)

Wai'ale falls (Pass By)

Rainbow Falls (Pass By)

Pe'epe'e Falls (Pass By)

Kilauea Volcano (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Total weight per passenger: 269 lbs
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 12 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
  • Due to safety concerns, customers are not allowed to bring any personal items on the flight
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own caregiver
  • All pilots and aircraft are FAA-certified
  • Seating is assigned based on weight and balance following guidelines which have been approved by the FAA. We cannot guarantee seats as the weight of guests must be balanced within the aircraft.
  • Near public transportation
  • A seat upgrade is not a guarantee; however, if you purchase a co-pilot and/or window seat upgrades, we will do our best to seat you in your purchased location. If we cannot accomodate a seat upgrade due to weight and balance requirements for your flight (or for any other reason), we will refund your upgrade purchase at check-in.
  • All guests weighing 270 lbs or more when weighed at check-in, will be required to purchase an additional empty seat less 15% before fuel surcharge to safely balance the aircraft. They will be guaranteed a window seat.
  • This option is for Doors-On. For doors off, please book our Doors-Off tour.
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.5
192 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 192 reviews
Unforgettable!
Chris_L, May 2024
We had an amazing time on our door's open helicopter trip. Our pilot Alan was awesome. Even though the weather was not good for us to go the volcano, he made sure we got our money's worth of coastline and waterfalls. Absolutely stunning views! And Alan's knowledge of the island was so enlightening. Overall, the entire experience from ground crew to the pilot, was outstanding and unforgettable! They worked with us to fulfill our bucket list item! Thank you so much! We highly recommend!!!
Must do!! Beautiful and unbelievable sights!
Heather_P, Aug 2023
On the day of our tour it was raining and cloud cover made it so we wouldn’t be able to see the craters. I was so impressed because rather than canceling, we were given the option to see waterfalls and the Kohala coast instead. It was SO beautiful!!! Chance of a lifetime! Our guide was great and so knowledgeable. He told us stories about the places we saw. Definitely want to go again!
It was an amazing time ....
Michael_L, May 2023
It was an amazing time . Flying over the Caldera and seeing steam come off the bottom was unreal. The waterfalls were fantastic.
Fantastic ride!
Stephen_R, Apr 2023
What an amazing trip! The scenery is incredible: volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests... Allen was a great tour guide and pilot. Would absolutely recommend this to everyone!
V bad experience with Paradise Helicopters
Balraju_G, Dec 2022
We couldn’t take the ride as they messed up with our schedule and didn’t help to rebook for other time And I was told even the money will not be refunded
The ride was great!...
Jaycie_D, Oct 2022
The ride was great! Awesome views and the pilot was very descriptive. We wod definitely go again next time.
Viator makes many mistakes!
Eugene_H, Sep 2022
The trip was fine, but I would not use Viator ever again. You had the time wrong and the type of flight. We bought doors off. When we checked in, the operator said Viator is known for mistakes. I may post on social media to beware of Viator. And when I called customer service at Viator to confirm time and type, your agent was cluless
a wasted day of vacation, not recommended!
jordi_j, Jun 2022
we had booked a helicopter flight with open door. once on arrival found out the flight was closed door. we should have moved the flight to another day and then we had to pay an extra 100 dollars. it was a wasted day of our vacation. I ended up hanging up on the phone with viator for another 40 minutes but no solution was found and finally the phone hung up.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Aloha jordi_j, Mahalo for taking the time to provide your feedback on your recent experience with Paradise Helicopters. We appreciate all comments as we continually strive to provide the highest levels of customer service and improve our experience. We will take a look at our listings to see how we can be more clear on add-ons such as doors-off and doors-on. If you have further questions or concerns, please email socialmedia@paradisecopters.com. Mahalo, Paradise Ohana
Phenomenal !!
Joseph_T, Apr 2022
Our pilot was awesome, very informative, and friendly. Made sure that everyone both sides of the helicopter got to see everything.
Misses the volcano
theresa_w, Apr 2022
Pilot was ok not very friendly and only answered questions curtly. Also unable to see the volcano which was a disappointment
Amazing views of the volcano!
Meghan_R, Apr 2022
Amazing views of the island, especially over the volcano! We did see some waterfalls but they were second seat to the volcanos as you do not get very close due to noise regulations from the neighborhoods surrounding. Blink and you’ll almost miss them! The pilot was super informative, knowledgeable, and friendly.
Adventure in the Air
Richard_M, Mar 2022
Nice way to see the island. Personable pilot who gave a great tour mixed with history and stories of the island as he answered questions. Great views, but be prepared that 2 seats face backwards. Photos taken with an iPhone.
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Aloha Richard, Mahalo nui loa for taking the time to review your experience with us! We absolutely love hearing about our guests experience and are always happy to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us. We hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Hawaii! Mahalo, Tiffany
Allen was an amazing...
Kevin_D, Mar 2022
Allen was an amazing pilot and tour guide, very calming sense of humor and had wonderful stories to share of the island, would definitely do it again and glad to see the whole island on my first full day in Hawaii!
Hot lava!
Holly_B, Feb 2022
We loved our helicopter tour of the Big Island, the active volcano and waterfalls. We had great views of the island and volcano and were able to see some active, hot flowing lava. Thrilling! The pilot was very good and the flight was very smooth.
Great time/ experience
Susan_S, Feb 2022
It was a great team from start to end. Very professional and courteous. The pilot was very attentive to us and all the passengers
Experience
Amita_G, Feb 2022
It’s pity amazing and gentle ride to the volcano and through rain forest. Staff were wonderful. Good crew
No window seat in middle
Jayesh_P, Feb 2022
This helicopter has middle seat. They put my wife in middle seat She is short in height she can’t see anything because she’s was seated between to big and taller. It’s unfair to her compared to other fives rider. They didn’t disclose seating arrangements or map or criteria to any of their portal or web site. Lowest weight and low height person on middle seat. They care for money only. Very disappointed.
Very disappointed
Katie_H, Jan 2022
Pre-paid. Were sitting and waiting to find they cancelled our flight. Weather was great. They stated a mechanical issue( helicopter in air returning with previous guests. Didn't offer latter time, just a reschedule (we leaving next day. Only on island 3 days just for helicopter tour) or refund. Very disappointing.
This was an amazing trip!...
MahmoudAlchamaa, Jan 2022
This was an amazing trip! I proposed to my girlfriend in the helicopter 🚁 the pilot stopped in air for us by a water fall and jt was the most amazing thing in my life. We are very thankful and really recommend it
Great Customer Experience
Steve_E, Dec 2021
The flight was cancelled due to weather; however, the team from Paradise were very nice and helpful. They followed up with a telephone call and text after we left to see about rescheduling or cancelling. When we said we needed to cancel, they contacted Viator directly to request the cancellation and refund our money. Paradise seems to be very focused on customer service and I would easily try them again on a next trip.
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