Adventure Collective
Helicopter Volcano Tour from Oahu to Hilo in Hawaii - Honolulu

Helicopter Volcano Tour from Oahu to Hilo in Hawaii

Honolulumoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

5–6 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in moderate physical shape to handle transfers and outdoor walking near steam vents.

Overview

Fly from Oahu to Hilo for an unforgettable helicopter tour over Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Discover active lava flows and waterfalls in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Air Activities
Honolulu, Hawaii

Oahu to Hilo: Helicopter & Volcano Adventure Tour (H2 HELI-1D)

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About This Adventure

Experience the thrill of island hopping from Oahu to Hilo on a unique tour that combines breathtaking helicopter views and an immersive exploration of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Discover active volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and ancient lava tubes, all while enjoying included airfare, transportation, and a delicious lunch.

Fly From Oahu to Hilo - Helicopter + Airfare Included!

Active Volcanoes from Land & Air

Escape to another Hawaiian island for a day on this all-inclusive, island-hopping tour. Indulge on your vacation and leave the planning to us! Interisland roundtrip airfare from Oahu to Hilo on Hawai’i Island (locally known as the Big Island), roundtrip transportation from the Hilo Airport (ITO) and a sightseeing land tour with lunch and exciting helicopter tour is included.

Discover the source of the creation of the Hawaiian Islands at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park! Explore cascading waterfalls, craters and more on this comprehensive volcano adventure tour. Gaze at massive active volcano, Mauna Loa that erupted in 2023 and peer into the depths of Kilauea’s Halema’uma’u Crater which has remarkably doubled in size after the 2018 eruption.

Watch steam clouds form as ground water seeps onto hot volcanic rock at the famous Steam Vents and stroll through ancient lava tube Nahuku (formerly known as Thurston Lava Tube). Gaze at sweeping coastal views at Kealakomo Overlook where older lava flows melted into the ocean and take a leisurely drive down scenic Chain of Craters Road. Enjoy an included “to go” lunch in the park. Take a leisurely hike around the perimeter of Akaka Falls.

We’ll take you to the heliport near Hilo Airport at 2:45 PM for the required 45 minute safety briefing. Your 45 minute helicopter flight is scheduled for 3:30 PM with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. After your helicopter flight, please make your way to the Hilo Airport for your return flight to Oahu.

Tour Highlights:

  • Interisland flight from Oahu to Hilo
  • Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
  • Kilauea / Halema’uma’u Crater
  • Mauna Loa
  • Steam Vents
  • Nahuku Lava Tube
  • Kealakomo Overlook
  • Chain of Craters Road
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Akaka Falls
  • Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour (45 minutes)

Departure 5:00 AM – arrive on your own at Honolulu International Airport (HNL). The airlines change their flight schedules frequently and at the last minute so please ensure that you check flight status on your own. At the Honolulu Airport, check-in on your own at the Hawaiian Airlines self-service kiosk or at the ticket counter for both flight segments to and from Hilo. Please follow the instructions on your confirmation for where to meet your tour driver at Hilo Airport.

Return 9:00 PM – approximate return to Oahu from Hilo.

Please Note: Flight times are subject to change

Price Includes

  • Round-Trip Interisland Airfare
  • 45 Minute Helicopter Tour
  • Expert, Live Narration
  • Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
  • Pick-up and Drop-off at the Hilo Airport
  • Lunch

Important Flight Information:

To meet aviation security requirements, guest’s name, birth date and gender is required when booking reservations along with weight and height for the helicopter tour. Names must exactly match the name and birth date on government-issued photo ID and/or passport for airline check-in. Passengers must clear TSA at the Honolulu Airport, so please bring a passport or valid government-issued photo ID.

Helicopter Terms & Conditions:

All passengers will be weighed during check-in at the heliport, in compliance with FAA requirements which ensures the accurate aircraft weight and balance. Passengers over 240 pounds will be allotted two seats and will be responsible for the additional cost of 50% for a second seat. Guests are advised to not bring large or heavy bags on the flight. For best picture-taking and views during the helicopter ride, wear darker colors to reduce window reflection.

Cancellation Policy:

168 HOURS (7 DAYS) NOTICE OF CANCELLATION, prior to airport meeting time for 1 Day tours is required for a full refund; no-shows will incur a full charge. Fees assessed by the airline for name or date changes and any overage fees will be the responsibility of the guest. Refunds or partial refunds for tours, activities, flights, or venues that are cancelled due to reasons outside of our control (weather, force majeure, etc.) as well as refunds for extenuating circumstances will not be honored.

In the event the helicopter tour must be cancelled for any reason, guests will be refunded for the helicopter tour and welcomed on an extended sightseeing land tour which includes a drive through Hilo town and a stop at Rainbow Falls. If guests wish to return to Honolulu earlier than their scheduled flight and/or decide not to continue on the land tour, a refund of helicopter portion (only) will be provided and additional taxi, airline change fees, or other other expenses will be the responsibility of the guest.

Adventure Tips

Reserve Early

Book your helicopter seats well in advance to secure the best departure times and window seats for views.

Dress in Layers

Weather changes quickly at elevation; bring a windproof layer to stay comfortable during the flight.

Bring Camera with Zoom

A camera with a good zoom lens is vital to capture distant craters and waterfalls clearly from the air.

Listen to Pilot Briefings

The pilot’s narration offers crucial info about volcanic activity and geology—pay close attention for a richer experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Hawaiian hawk (ʻIo)
  • Nene goose, Hawaii’s state bird

History

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916 to protect two of the world’s most active volcanoes and preserve native Hawaiian culture tied to Pele, the volcano goddess.

Conservation

The park implements strict rules to minimize visitor impact on fragile volcanic landscapes and endemic species, encouraging sustainable tourism practices.

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Adventure Hotspots in Honolulu

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Windbreaker Jacket

Essential

Protects against chilling winds during elevated helicopter flights.

Sunglasses

Essential

Reduces glare from ocean and volcanic rock surfaces during the flight.

summer specific

Camera with Zoom Lens

Essential

Captures detailed aerial views of volcanoes and waterfalls.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Necessary for brief walks in volcanic park terrain near landing zones.