Discover Kilauea: Top 5 Hawaii Volcano Helicopter Tours
Have you ever hovered above molten lava, gazing down on landscapes sculpted by fire and time?
Let’s face it—nothing quite compares to the excitement of exploring Hawaii’s famous Kilauea volcano from the sky.
As someone who’s felt the heat of Kilauea underfoot and watched lava flow just inches away, I thought I’d experienced the volcano’s full intensity. But seeing it from above? That’s an entirely different level of awe.
Kilauea volcano helicopter tours offer an unmatched perspective, capturing the island’s rugged beauty, fiery lava lakes, lush rainforests, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
To help you choose your perfect adventure, I’ve carefully selected and reviewed the five best helicopter tours of Kilauea volcano—each guaranteed to take your breath away.
Top 3 Kilauea Helicopter Tours Comparison Table
| 1. Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour | 2. Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour | 3. Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo Active Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Start: Hilo Airport | Start: Waikoloa | Start: Honolulu Airport |
| Time: Multiple daily flights | Time: 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM | Time: 5:00 AM (full day) |
| Duration: 50 minutes | Duration: 2 hours | Duration: 12 hours |
| Highlights: Stunning aerial views of active lava flows & lush rainforests. | Highlights: Covers Kilauea, Kohala mountains, lush valleys, waterfalls & coastline. | Highlights: Full-day experience, flight from Oahu, exploring Kilauea and lava flows. |
| Reserve Your Spot Today | Reserve Your Spot Today | Reserve Your Spot Today |
Tour 1: Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour
Tour 2: Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour
Tour 3: Volcano Adventure Full-Day Helicopter Flyaway
Tour 4: Exclusive Landing & Spectacular Big Island Helicopter Tour
Tour 5: Big Island Hawaii Volcano Adventure
Best 5 Kilauea Helicopter Tours: Descriptions & What to Expect
Tour 1: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour
Start: Hilo Airport
Times: Multiple daily flights (50 minutes)
Why Take This Tour? Witness Kilauea’s volcanic activity up-close in an exciting and breathtaking aerial adventure.
What to Expect: From the moment our helicopter lifted from Hilo Airport, my heart began to race. Instantly, the vibrant greenery gave way to surreal landscapes shaped by Kilauea’s fiery power.
The Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour vividly showcases why it’s one of the top Kilauea volcano helicopter tours, offering incredible perspectives of lava lakes, steaming vents, and dramatic volcanic terrain.
As we soared above the active caldera, the pilot’s commentary vividly brought the geology and Hawaiian myths to life, adding depth and color to an already mesmerizing view.
Flying above lush rainforests and waterfalls juxtaposed with fresh lava flows was genuinely awe-inspiring. The contrast was something straight out of a movie—lush jungle meeting raw volcanic rock. The flight is comfortably paced, allowing plenty of photo opportunities to capture this unique experience.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just chasing unforgettable memories, this tour perfectly blends excitement, education, and natural beauty, providing one of the best aerial views of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape.
For anyone who dreams of seeing nature’s raw beauty from the sky, this tour delivers an unforgettable adventure.
Tour 2: Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour
Start: Waikoloa
Times: 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM (2 hours)
Why Take This Tour? Explore Kilauea’s volcanic wonders along with the lush beauty of Hawaii’s coastline and waterfalls.
What to Expect: The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour lives up to its name, offering an expansive two-hour aerial journey. Departing from Waikoloa, the experience felt nothing short of cinematic.
As we flew toward the mighty Kilauea volcano, the diverse landscape unfolded beneath us—deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, dense rainforests, and jagged volcanic formations. It’s undoubtedly among the top volcano helicopter tours Hawaii has to offer, blending thrilling views of Kilauea’s active lava fields with breathtaking coastal scenery.
Our pilot skillfully narrated fascinating details of volcanic history, island legends, and ecological facts, enriching the entire flight. Hovering near towering waterfalls tucked into lush valleys added extra magic. The sheer scale of Mauna Loa and the stark beauty of volcanic deserts from above were simply astonishing.
Comfortable seating, large viewing windows, and plenty of time for capturing stunning images made this tour a personal favorite. For anyone dreaming of experiencing Hawaii’s volcanic grandeur coupled with diverse natural landscapes, this tour stands out remarkably.
It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that perfectly combines awe-inspiring natural sights with expertly guided narration.
Tour 3: Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo Active Volcanoes & Helicopter Tour
Start: Honolulu Airport
Times: 5:00 AM (12 hours)
Why Take This Tour? A comprehensive full-day experience blending aerial sightseeing with in-depth volcano exploration.
What to Expect: If you’re on Oahu and dreaming of a thrilling day exploring Hawaii’s volcanic wonders, this Volcano Adventure Full-Day Helicopter Flyaway is your ultimate choice.
Our early-morning departure from Honolulu Airport quickly transformed into an epic adventure, whisking us directly to Kilauea volcano’s magnificent landscapes.
One of the best helicopter tours Kilauea volcano provides, this tour allowed ample time for aerial exploration and ground-level discoveries, including lush jungles, volcanic craters, and mesmerizing coastal cliffs.
Touching down on the Big Island, we also enjoyed guided hikes, learning detailed stories behind recent volcanic activity and local culture. Every moment felt vividly alive, from the steamy volcanic trails to scenic panoramic vistas.
The combination of helicopter sightseeing and immersive ground experiences makes this one of the richest, most memorable volcano tours available.
Perfect for adventurous souls and nature lovers, this comprehensive day out promises extraordinary memories and an unmatched connection to Hawaii’s volcanic heart.
With expertly planned logistics and unforgettable sights, this full-day tour stands apart as a genuinely immersive Hawaiian adventure.
Tour 4: Exclusive Landing Big Island Helicopter Tour
Start: Waikoloa
Times: Flexible (2.5 hours)
Why Take This Tour? Experience an exclusive helicopter landing offering unparalleled up-close views of volcanic features.
What to Expect: Taking off from Waikoloa, this unique helicopter tour quickly became an unforgettable adventure. Unlike typical aerial tours, we had the exclusive opportunity to land near some of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes on the Big Island.
The feeling of stepping out onto terrain shaped by centuries of volcanic activity was profoundly moving. Our knowledgeable pilot guided us through spectacular sights, vividly describing the geology, mythology, and recent volcanic history of Kilauea.
Standing close to cooled lava formations, we felt a direct connection with nature’s powerful creativity. After exploring on foot, we re-boarded the helicopter for a stunning aerial journey above lush valleys, sparkling waterfalls, and the rugged coastline, contrasting dramatically with the volcanic terrain.
This tour beautifully combines air and ground exploration, making it one of the most remarkable helicopter tours Kilauea volcano has available. It’s a must for those seeking a deeply immersive volcanic adventure.
Tour 5: Big Island Hawaii Volcano Adventure
Start: Hilo
Times: 8:00 AM (9.5 hours)
Why Take This Tour? Combine an aerial volcano tour with immersive ground-level exploration for the ultimate Kilauea adventure.
What to Expect: This extraordinary 9.5-hour tour perfectly blends aerial sightseeing with extensive ground exploration of Kilauea volcano, creating an unparalleled adventure. Departing from Hilo, we first experienced breathtaking aerial views, soaring above active volcanic craters, lava flows, and lush rainforests.
The expert pilot’s commentary illuminated the volcano’s history and ongoing geological activity, making the experience both thrilling and educational.
After landing, our adventure continued with an engaging ground tour through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, guided by a passionate and knowledgeable local expert.
Walking the iconic Crater Rim Drive allowed us to witness awe-inspiring views of volcanic craters, steaming vents, and panoramic landscapes.
We explored the mysterious Thurston Lava Tube, an ancient volcanic conduit providing a surreal underground journey, and paused at multiple scenic lookouts offering unforgettable photo opportunities.
Throughout the day, the guide enriched our exploration with intriguing stories about Hawaiian mythology and detailed explanations of the area’s unique ecosystems shaped by volcanic activity.
The tour’s thoughtful combination of air and ground perspectives delivered a comprehensive and deeply memorable encounter with Kilauea, making this one of the most immersive volcano adventures available in Hawaii.
Dancing on a Volcano – The Thrill of Kilauea Volcano Helicopter Tours
Standing atop Kilauea volcano, it felt surreal to repeatedly lift my feet, checking the soles of my hiking boots every few moments to ensure they weren’t melting. Yet, there’s nothing ordinary about exploring an active volcano. Imagine the excitement of hovering directly above such dramatic terrain—this is the unique thrill of Kilauea volcano helicopter tours.
On my first visit, if I’d had a stick handy, I would have poked the glowing lava flowing less than a meter from my feet. Of course, the stick would have ignited instantly. We had been carefully instructed to stay clear of nearby trees—they could spontaneously burst into flames due to intense underground heat. The solitude, surrounded only by stark volcanic landscape, was unforgettable.
Why Choose Helicopter Tours Kilauea Volcano?
Exploring Kilauea on foot offers remarkable moments, but experiencing it from above on a Hawaii volcano helicopter tour elevates the adventure to an entirely different level. Helicopter tours provide unmatched aerial views of Kilauea’s erupting craters, steaming vents, and rivers of molten lava.
Each helicopter tour uniquely highlights the raw power and mesmerizing beauty of this dynamic volcanic landscape, turning every flight into a lifetime highlight.
The Beauty of Volcano Helicopter Tours Hawaii
Kilauea helicopter tours aren’t just thrilling; they’re visually stunning. As you soar through the air, lush rainforests abruptly transition into stark fields of cooled lava. From the helicopter’s vantage point, you can clearly observe the dramatic contrast between thriving green jungles and stark black volcanic plains.
The spectacular waterfalls cascading through verdant valleys add even more awe-inspiring elements to these volcano helicopter tours. Each twist and turn reveals another breathtaking view, firmly imprinting lasting memories.
What to Expect on a Kilauea Helicopter Tour
Taking a Kilauea helicopter tour, expect your heart to race with excitement from the moment of takeoff. Knowledgeable pilots narrate fascinating tales of Hawaiian mythology and geological history as you glide above the volcanic terrain.
These stories deepen the experience, making the sights even more captivating. Whether it’s the fiery glow of fresh lava or the emerald beauty of rainforest canopies, the views from above are genuinely spellbinding. Each tour perfectly blends educational commentary, adrenaline-pumping excitement, and serene moments of appreciation.
Making the Most of Your Hawaii Volcano Helicopter Tour
Selecting the right helicopter tour enhances your visit tremendously. Whether choosing a quick aerial exploration or combining flight with guided ground tours, each helicopter adventure provides unique insights into Kilauea’s volcanic majesty.
For instance, tours that offer exclusive landings provide unparalleled opportunities to stand directly atop volcanic terrain, feeling the intense energy of the earth beneath your feet. Whichever you choose, these helicopter tours ensure your Hawaii volcanic adventure becomes an unforgettable highlight, leaving you with vivid stories and cherished memories long after returning home.
FAQs: The Thrill of Kilauea Volcano Helicopter Tours
- Are Kilauea volcano helicopter tours safe?
Yes, Kilauea volcano helicopter tours are extremely safe. Pilots are highly experienced, and helicopters undergo regular, rigorous safety checks. Companies adhere strictly to aviation regulations, ensuring you can comfortably enjoy the extraordinary aerial views and thrilling volcanic sights without any concerns for safety. - What should I wear on a Kilauea helicopter tour?
Wear comfortable clothing, ideally layered due to varying temperatures. Dark colors reduce window reflections for clearer photos. Avoid loose accessories like hats or scarves, and wear sturdy footwear for landing tours. Sunglasses and cameras are recommended to capture the stunning volcanic landscapes from above. - Can children join volcano helicopter tours in Hawaii?
Yes, children are typically welcome on volcano helicopter tours in Hawaii, though age and weight restrictions may apply depending on the tour operator. These aerial adventures are educational and thrilling experiences for families, providing memories that both children and adults will cherish for years. - How long do helicopter tours of Kilauea volcano usually last?
Most helicopter tours over Kilauea volcano last between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the package selected. Full-day tours combining helicopter sightseeing with ground exploration are also available, offering a comprehensive experience of Kilauea’s incredible volcanic landscape and surrounding natural beauty. - What’s the best time of day for helicopter tours of Kilauea?
Morning tours often provide clearer skies and calmer conditions, ideal for photography and visibility. Late afternoon flights offer spectacular lighting, casting dramatic shadows and highlighting lava flows beautifully. Either time promises unforgettable views, ensuring your helicopter tour is an exceptional adventure whenever you choose to fly.
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At 501 Places, we carefully vet each tour and product based on quality, authenticity, traveler feedback, expert insights, and ethical standards. We ensure every recommended experience enriches your travels and creates lasting memories.
