Experience the Big Island’s volcanic power and lush rainforest up close on a helicopter tour that includes an exclusive landing by a 1,200-foot waterfall. Soar across lava flows, black sand beaches, and cascading valleys for an unforgettable journey into Hawaii’s dynamic landscape.
Experience the Big Island’s volcanic power and lush rainforest up close on a helicopter tour that includes an exclusive landing by a 1,200-foot waterfall. Soar across lava flows, black sand beaches, and cascading valleys for an unforgettable journey into Hawaii’s dynamic landscape.
Hovering above the vast expanse of Hawaii’s Big Island, the landscape shifts dramatically beneath the rotors of your Eco-Star helicopter. Lava fields, raw and blackened from decades of volcanic fury, extend across the terrain like a living map of geological upheaval. Since 1983, Kīlauea’s molten heart has carved a story of creation and destruction, daring visitors to witness its relentless transformation from a safe distance.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters - Waikoloa · Hilo, Hawaii
Hovering above the vast expanse of Hawaii’s Big Island, the landscape shifts dramatically beneath the rotors of your Eco-Star helicopter. Lava fields, raw and blackened from decades of volcanic fury, extend across the terrain like a living map of geological upheaval. Since 1983, Kīlauea’s molten heart has carved a story of creation and destruction, daring visitors to witness its relentless transformation from a safe distance.
Your pilot guides you along the island’s diverse contours, tracing the jagged Hamakua Coast where the Pacific’s restless waves crash against towering cliffs. Descending from the sky, the helicopter alights on an exclusive grassy ledge, perched 1,200 feet above sea level and accessible only by air. Here, the rainforest exhales its mist as a thundering waterfall spills into a freshwater pool, inviting you to experience the island’s vibrancy up close.
Beyond this rare landing, the journey continues over the Kohala Mountains, veins of water cascading in dozens of waterfalls, carving lush valleys from volcanic rock and soil. The interplay of ecosystem and geology frames a vivid portrait of Hawaii’s complex natural heritage.
Understanding this island requires admiring the power of Madame Pele, the volcano goddess whose domain is ever-shifting earth and flame. The Big Island is the youngest in the Hawaiian chain, a geological dynamo continually reshaped by the underlying hotspot. Nearby towns like Waimea, where King Kamehameha once roamed, reflect a culture interwoven with these elemental forces, blending ranching heritage with indigenous lore.
The helicopter tour requires practical preparation: arrive one hour early for a safety briefing and weight check to ensure balanced flight. Dark clothing is recommended to minimize reflections in photos, and large cameras or bags are restricted aboard. Weather can alter flight paths, so remain flexible. The landing offers roughly 20 minutes to absorb the waterfall’s roar and the forest’s scent—an opportunity rare even in Hawaii’s tourist landscape.
This adventure suits travelers of all fitness levels—its physical demand is riding the currents of air with the pilot who crafts every moment for awe and safety. Bringing a light jacket against the mountain breeze and sturdy shoes for the short ground stop enhances comfort.
From volcanic vistas to emerald valleys and the cascade’s edge, this helicopter tour offers not merely a flight but an immersion into a living island’s pulse. It’s a practical chance to witness Hawaii’s elemental drama from a perspective few earn, blending natural history with active exploration.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels; no strenuous activity required.
Yes, children as young as 23 months are welcome, but they must sit on an adult's lap during the flight.
Yes, the tour includes an exclusive 20-25 minute landing by a remote waterfall accessible only by helicopter.
Dark, comfortable clothing is advised to minimize window reflections; bring a light jacket for cooler mountain air.
No, large cameras, bags, and selfie sticks are prohibited for safety reasons during the flight.
Check-in is one hour before departure and is strictly enforced; late arrivals may not be accepted and are non-refundable.
No, gratuity is not included and is left to the discretion of each guest.
The Big Island’s Kohala region was an important area for Hawaiian royalty and ranching, hosting King Kamehameha’s final years.
The tour operates with noise-cancelling headsets and low-impact landings to create minimal disturbance to fragile rainforest environments.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters - Waikoloa operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Hovering above the vast expanse of Hawaii’s Big Island, the landscape shifts dramatically beneath the rotors of your Eco-Star helicopter. Lava fields, raw and blackened from decades of volcanic fury, extend across the terrain like a living map of geological upheaval. Since 1983, Kīlauea’s molten heart has carved a story of creation and destruction, daring visitors to witness its relentless transformation from a safe distance.
Hovering above the vast expanse of Hawaii’s Big Island, the landscape shifts dramatically beneath the rotors of your Eco-Star helicopter. Lava fields, raw and blackened from decades of volcanic fury, extend across the terrain like a living map of geological upheaval. Since 1983, Kīlauea’s molten heart has carved a story of creation and destruction, daring visitors to witness its relentless transformation from a safe distance.
Your pilot guides you along the island’s diverse contours, tracing the jagged Hamakua Coast where the Pacific’s restless waves crash against towering cliffs. Descending from the sky, the helicopter alights on an exclusive grassy ledge, perched 1,200 feet above sea level and accessible only by air. Here, the rainforest exhales its mist as a thundering waterfall spills into a freshwater pool, inviting you to experience the island’s vibrancy up close.
Beyond this rare landing, the journey continues over the Kohala Mountains, veins of water cascading in dozens of waterfalls, carving lush valleys from volcanic rock and soil. The interplay of ecosystem and geology frames a vivid portrait of Hawaii’s complex natural heritage.
Understanding this island requires admiring the power of Madame Pele, the volcano goddess whose domain is ever-shifting earth and flame. The Big Island is the youngest in the Hawaiian chain, a geological dynamo continually reshaped by the underlying hotspot. Nearby towns like Waimea, where King Kamehameha once roamed, reflect a culture interwoven with these elemental forces, blending ranching heritage with indigenous lore.
The helicopter tour requires practical preparation: arrive one hour early for a safety briefing and weight check to ensure balanced flight. Dark clothing is recommended to minimize reflections in photos, and large cameras or bags are restricted aboard. Weather can alter flight paths, so remain flexible. The landing offers roughly 20 minutes to absorb the waterfall’s roar and the forest’s scent—an opportunity rare even in Hawaii’s tourist landscape.
This adventure suits travelers of all fitness levels—its physical demand is riding the currents of air with the pilot who crafts every moment for awe and safety. Bringing a light jacket against the mountain breeze and sturdy shoes for the short ground stop enhances comfort.
From volcanic vistas to emerald valleys and the cascade’s edge, this helicopter tour offers not merely a flight but an immersion into a living island’s pulse. It’s a practical chance to witness Hawaii’s elemental drama from a perspective few earn, blending natural history with active exploration.