Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour in Big Island of Hawaii
Big Island of Hawaii, United States

Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour

Outty Ranking 55 4.4 · 123 traveler reviews0.8 hoursFrom $519

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$519
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 123 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour worth booking?

Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour is a 0.8-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $519 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 123 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
55 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (123)
Duration
0.8 hours
From
$519 per person

Experience Kilauea's power! Projecting some of the most unique and cherished cultural landscapes in the world, get a birds-eye-view of the most geologically active environment on earth which has been continuously eruptin

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience Kilauea's power! Projecting some of the most unique and cherished cultural landscapes in the world, get a birds-eye-view of the most geologically active environment on earth which has been continuously erupting since 1983. View the UNESCO World Heritage Site with opportunity to see historic lava flows while learning about the history and culture of Hawai'i. You’ll embark on a breathtaking adventure, seeking out the island’s newly formed volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches, lush rainforest and waterfalls. Volcanic activity varies hourly. Blue Hawaiian’s fleet consists of the best touring helicopters in the industry. Featuring state-of-the-art Airbus Eco-Star helicopters. The custom upgraded VIP interior has all forward-facing seats with 180 degree views & “theater-style” platform in rear seating. The advanced 4-camera in-flight video system capturing pilot narration and cinematic music choreographed to scenery is available for viewing and purchase after your flight.

    What's included

    Included

    • Use of microphones with 2-way communication with pilot
    • Hilo Helicopter Tour
    • Pilot Guide who are also State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guides
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Use of Bose Aviation-grade, electronic noise-cancelling headsets

    Not included

    • USB in-flight video and photo packages available after flight for purchase.
    • Transportation to and from heliport
    • Parking fees at heliport, $10 USD
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hilo

      First inhabitated in 1100AD, get a birds eye view of Hilo Town

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Volcano

      Tour along the shoreline of the volcano area and admire the constantly changing, rugged landscape of the ever-growing Hawaii Island.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Kilauea Volcano

      Seek out the island’s newly formed volcanic landscapes and view historic lava flows.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Big Island of Hawaii

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Blue Hawaiian Helicopters - Hilo

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Heliport and helicopter are wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair lift is available at base to assist boarding.
    • Children 23 months and younger are complimentary and considered a lap child.
    • Check-in is 45 minutes prior to tour time. This allows for guest weight check-in, a safety briefing, and to be escorted and seated on the aircraft to ensure an on-time departure. You will receive confirmation of tour time after booking. Late arrivals will not be accepted and non-refundable. It is the guest responsibility to allow ample travel time to our bases in case of traffic delays.
    • For each guest weighing over 240 pounds (108 kg), an adjacent empty seat is required to safely balance the aircraft. The second seat charge is half off of the regular tour price. Please arrange your additional seat after booking.
    • Tour sights vary depending on weather.
    • No scuba diving within 24-hours of tour departure
    • Gratuity is not included and is left to individual discretion.
    • Bags, large cameras, extending selfie sticks are not allowed in the helicopter.
    • 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

    Photos

    Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 2Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 3Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 4Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 5Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 6Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 123 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    123 verified traveler reviews for Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    95
    4 star
    9
    3 star
    6
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    11
    Sort
    Michael_B · August 2026

    A great experience

    Great fly over of the Kilauea volcano. Lots of time for picture taking from the air.Our pilot Chewy gave us a lot of information and answered all of our questions. We saw the other major volcanoes but focused on Kilauea because of its activity. An excellent excursion and money well spent.

    via Viator

    Mark_E · July 2026

    A must

    It is a fantastic experience, once in a lifetime. Viewing the local farming land, volcanoes and waterfalls was a pleasure. The pilot was humerous and knowledgeable of the island.

    via Viator

    Katrina_H · June 2026

    Blue Hawaiin Helicopter Tour

    Our helicopter tour with David was a fantastic experience! Smooth flight, great commentary, and amazing scenery!

    via Viator

    Srinivas_R · May 2026

    No visit to summit and water falls

    Tour didn’t cover what we expected after paying $2000 for family of 4. We expected to see volcano summit and some water falls and none of that basic stuff was covered.

    via Viator

    Tony_W · May 2026

    Do it 👍

    Very fun, great pilot, great experience. We were able to see where the law flows from recent eruptions were close to the rim of the active crater… It was a very cool way to see the . Thanks Ryan!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    0.8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    43
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 55

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)61
    Review evidence (18% weight)62
    Booking momentum (14% weight)56
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)12
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.

    How much does Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $519 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.

    Is Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 123 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour?

    +

    Around 43 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?

    +

    The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?

    +

    April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Big Island: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour.

    Pick your date