# Best Helicopter Tours on Big Island Hawaii
There's something transformative about rising above the Big Island and witnessing the raw beauty of Hawaiʻi from the sky—active lava fields, cascading waterfalls, and emerald valleys that disappear into the clouds.
The Big Island offers some of the most spectacular aerial views in the world, and the helicopter tour industry here has matured into a range of excellent, well-established operators. Whether you're chasing volcanic drama, photographing the Kohala Coast, or simply want a different perspective on Hawaiʻi's size and scale, the best helicopter tours on the Big Island deliver unforgettable moments while respecting both safety standards and Hawaiian culture.
Why Take a Helicopter Tour on the Big Island?
The Big Island is massive—roughly 76 miles long and 50 miles wide—but much of its most dramatic geography is difficult or impossible to access by car. From the ground, you might spend an entire day trying to see a fraction of what you can witness in an hour from the air.
A helicopter tour gives you perspectives you simply cannot get any other way. You'll see the scale of Kīlauea volcano and understand why it shaped Hawaiian culture for centuries. You'll peer into Waipio Valley—the "Valley of the Kings"—and grasp why ancient alī'i (chiefs) chose it as their seat of power. You'll witness the Kohala Coast's white-sand beaches and turquoise coves from directly above.
Photography enthusiasts especially find helicopter tours transformative. The aerial perspective reveals patterns in the landscape—lava flows, ocean currents, geological formations—that reveal the island's story in ways ground-level photography simply can't match. Per person, most tours run $350–$1,200 depending on length and operator, but many visitors say it's the single best use of their vacation budget.
Top Helicopter Tour Operators
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: The Established Leader
Departures: Hilo Airport and Waikoloa Heliport
Price Range: $419–$1,009 per person
Blue Hawaiian operates the largest fleet on the island, and there's a reason they're still here after decades: consistency, safety, and multiple departure options. Their signature aircraft, the Airbus EC130 Eco-Star, is incredibly quiet (especially important when you want to hear your pilot's narration and enjoy the experience without ear fatigue).
Their "Big Island Spectacular" (1 hour 45 minutes, $719 from Waikoloa) is the most comprehensive tour available, covering Kohala's windswept north tip, green Waipio Valley, Hamakua Coast waterfalls, and the Hilo side's lush landscape.
Best for first-timers who want a premium, established operator with proven safety records and flexibility in departure locations.
Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours: Affordable Private Tours
Departures: Kona Airport
Price Range: $229–$639 per person
Here's the secret many visitors don't know: Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours offers private helicopter tours at price points that rival group tours elsewhere. Every single tour here is private—just you, your group, and the pilot—yet their rates start at just $229 per person for a 20–30 minute Kona Coast scenic flight.
The longer "Private Big Island Experience" (100–120 minutes, $639 per person) gives you dedicated flight time over active lava fields, waterfalls, and volcanic formations without sharing the helicopter with strangers.
If budget-conscious travelers want to upgrade from a group experience to private luxury, this is the gap-closer. Best for those seeking a private, personalized experience.
Rainbow Helicopters: Doors-Off Adventures
Departures: Kona Airport
Price Range: $540–$1,180 per person
Rainbow Helicopters operates the newest fleet on the island and pioneered the "FREE doors-off" experience for all their tours—not an upsell, but the standard. Doors-off flying isn't for everyone, but if you're a photographer or thrill-seeker, it's transformative. You get unobstructed 360-degree views, no window reflections, and the visceral connection of being so close to the landscape.
They also offer a "pilot experience" option where you can actually fly the helicopter under supervision—incredibly popular with aviation enthusiasts. Tours range from $540 (30 minutes, Kona Coast Scenic) to $1,180 (105 minutes, Kīlauea Volcano Eruption tour).
Best for adventure seekers and photographers who want that unfiltered connection to the landscape.
Safari Helicopters: Budget-Friendly Hilo-Based Option
Departures: Hilo Airport
Price Range: $349–$2,100
If you're based on the Hilo side or simply want the lowest prices, Safari Helicopters delivers. Their "Volcanoes National Park Safari" is just $349 with promotional code (regular $379, 55 minutes), and they offer private versions for larger groups.
Because they depart from Hilo—much closer to Kīlauea and the volcano national park—you get more airtime actually flying over volcanic features rather than traveling to get there. Best for budget-conscious travelers, especially those staying in Hilo or Waimea.
Doors-Off vs. Doors-On: Which Experience Is Right for You?
Doors-On Tours
- Completely enclosed and secure
- Excellent for first-timers nervous about heights
- Windows may create reflections and distortion
- Usually $50-$150 less per person
Doors-Off Tours
- Unobstructed 360-degree views
- Perfect for photographers
- Thrilling and immersive experience
- Crystal-clear shots with no window reflections
- Often the same price or included for free
If you're a photographer, do doors-off. If you have any hesitation about heights or motion sickness, start with doors-on.
Which Departure Location Is Best for You?
Kona-Based Departures (West Side)
Operators: Mauna Loa, Rainbow, Big Island Helicopter Tours
Best if you're staying in Kona, Waikoloa, or anywhere on the west side. Convenient—just a short drive to the airport.
What you'll see: Kona Coast and its volcanic history, Kohala Coast, lush valleys on the north and east sides.
Hilo-Based Departures (East Side)
Operators: Blue Hawaiian (Hilo Airport), Safari Helicopters
Best if you're staying in Hilo, Volcano (village), or anywhere on the east side. You get more airtime over volcanic features and waterfalls.
More flight time over Kīlauea volcano and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Shorter travel distances to spectacular sites.
Conclusion
No matter which operator or departure location you choose, a helicopter tour on the Big Island offers an unmatched perspective on this remarkable island's natural wonders. Book in advance, choose based on your priorities (budget, photography, adventure level), and prepare for an experience that will stay with you long after you leave Hawaiʻi.