Soaring high above the lush landscapes of Hawaii’s Big Island, the Waikoloa: Big Island Helicopter Tour offers an exhilarating aerial adventure that’ll leave you breathless. From the Kilauea volcano‘s dramatic slopes to the stunning Hamakua Coast, this small-group experience immerses you in the island’s natural wonders. Exclusive touches, like a landing at a towering 1200-ft waterfall, ensure an unforgettable journey. But what really sets this tour apart is the expert narration and personalized service – you’ll feel like you’re embarking on a private expedition, with every detail catered to your preferences. So, if you’re seeking an unparalleled way to explore the Big Island’s most captivating sights, this could be the perfect choice.
Good To Know
- Thrilling aerial adventure over Big Island’s volcanic landscapes, including Kilauea volcano and its 2018 eruption impacts.
- Exclusive access to Hamakua Coast rainforests and Kohala Mountains, with a landing at Laupahoehoe Nui to view a 1200-ft waterfall.
- Small group size of up to 6 participants for a personalized experience, with a pilot guide providing expert narration.
- Scenic views of black sand beaches, volcanic badlands, and lush rainforests during the flight.
- Complimentary transportation to and from the heliport, with recommendations for appropriate attire to enhance the overall experience.
Tour Overview
The Waikoloa Helicopter Tour offers an exhilarating aerial adventure over the Big Island’s stunning volcanic landscapes.
Travelers will soar over the continuously erupting Kilauea volcano and witness the dramatic landscapes shaped by the 2018 eruption.
The tour provides exclusive access to the lush rainforests of the Hamakua Coast and the scenic Kohala Mountains valleys.
Guests will even land at Laupahoehoe Nui, where they’ll enjoy 20-25 minutes on the ground to capture the breathtaking 1200-ft waterfall.
With a small group size limited to 6 participants, this tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the Waikoloa Helicopter Tour promises an unforgettable aerial adventure.
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Experience Highlights
Soaring over the continuously erupting Kilauea volcano, guests will witness landscapes shaped by the 2018 eruption.
The aerial views reveal the island’s natural beauty, from black sand beaches to Madame Pele’s volcanic badlands.
Exploring the lush rainforests of the Hamakua Coast and gliding through the Kohala Mountains valleys, the helicopter tour offers a breathtaking experience.
The highlight is the exclusive landing at Laupahoehoe Nui, where guests can admire a stunning 1200-ft waterfall and capture unforgettable photos during the 20-25 minutes on the ground.
The return flight provides final aerial views before landing back in Waikoloa.
Inclusions
Included in the tour are a headset for communication, allowing guests to hear the pilot’s knowledgeable insights throughout the flight.
The pilot guide provides expert narration, sharing their deep understanding of the island’s captivating landscapes.
Transportation to and from the heliport is conveniently included, ensuring a seamless start and end to the adventure.
Select participants and dates can be reserved, allowing travelers to personalize their experience.
With these thoughtful inclusions, the Waikoloa Helicopter Tour offers an immersive and unforgettable aerial exploration of Hawaii’s Big Island, elevating the overall experience for adventurous guests.
Important Information
Guests must arrive at least 60 minutes prior to the tour time, as late arrivals may not be accepted and are non-refundable.
Those over 240 pounds (108 kg) will need to purchase an adjacent empty seat, which is half off the regular price. Plus, infants up to 23 months old can sit on laps free of charge.
- Avoid scuba diving within 24 hours of the tour departure.
- Recommended attire includes dark-colored clothing to minimize reflections in photos.
With exclusive access to Laupahoehoe Nui, guests can enjoy a 20-25 minute ground stop to capture the 1200-ft waterfall.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Feedback
While the overall rating for the Waikoloa Helicopter Tour was 4 out of 5 stars, one customer’s experience stood out.
Celine, a traveler from France, mentioned not seeing the volcano due to weather conditions. She suggested the tour operator inform clients about visibility issues in advance, so they can adjust their expectations accordingly.
The aerial views of the black sand beaches and volcanic badlands are typically breathtaking, but unpredictable weather can impact the experience.
Despite this, the majority of customers seem satisfied with the tour, which offers an exclusive landing at a stunning 1,200-ft waterfall and ample time for photography.
Volcano Viewing Conditions
On clear days, the Waikoloa Helicopter Tour offers unparalleled views of the continuously erupting Kilauea volcano. Passengers can witness the dramatic landscapes shaped by the 2018 eruption, including:
- Fiery red lava flows cascading down the mountainside
- Vast expanses of volcanic badlands, sculpted by Madame Pele’s fury
- Plumes of ash and steam billowing from the crater’s depths
However, unpredictable weather conditions can occasionally obscure the volcano’s awe-inspiring display.
While the tour company strives to provide the best possible experience, they advise guests to be prepared for the possibility of limited visibility.
With a touch of adventure and a bit of luck, the Waikoloa Helicopter Tour promises an unforgettable aerial exploration of the Big Island’s volcanic wonder.
Transportation and Check-in
Complimentary transportation to the heliport whisks adventurers away from the resort, ferrying them swiftly towards the launch site.
Upon arrival, guests must check-in at least 60 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. Late arrivals won’t be accepted and forfeit their reservation without a refund.
Once checked-in, passengers are outfitted with communication headsets to stay connected with the pilot guide during the high-flying journey.
For guests over 240 pounds, an adjacent empty seat is required at an additional charge. Infants travel free, nestled on their parents’ laps.
No scuba diving is allowed within 24 hours of the tour’s departure, ensuring maximum safety for all.
Attire Recommendations
Dark-colored clothing is the recommended attire for the Waikoloa Helicopter Tour. This helps avoid reflections in photos during the aerial journey.
The tour guide suggests wearing:
- Neutral-toned shirts or jackets to blend seamlessly with the volcanic landscapes.
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes for stability and traction during the landing at Laupahoehoe Nui.
- Layers, as the temperatures can fluctuate between the coastal and mountainous regions.
Dressing appropriately enhances the overall experience, allowing you to fully learn about the breathtaking scenery while capturing stunning aerial imagery.
The Waikoloa Helicopter Tour is an adventure not to be missed, so pack your gear wisely and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Upgrade to a Private Helicopter Tour?
Yes, you can upgrade to a private helicopter tour for a more exclusive experience. This allows you to customize the itinerary and have the aircraft all to yourself, soaring over the island’s stunning landscapes at your own pace.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for Less Than 24 Hours?
Unfortunately, there’s no flexibility for last-minute cancellations on this helicopter tour. Guests who cancel less than 24 hours in advance won’t receive a refund. It’s best to plan ahead to avoid any disappointment.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Headset for Communication?
No, you don’t need to bring your own headset for communication. The tour includes a headset for participants to communicate with the pilot guide during the aerial adventure over the Big Island’s stunning volcanic landscapes.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the helicopter tour. However, it’s best to avoid packing anything messy or smelly that could distract the pilot. Enjoying the scenic views with a light snack is perfectly fine.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
The tour doesn’t have any strict age limits, but infants up to 23 months can sit on a parent’s lap for free. Everyone’s welcome to soar over the island’s breathtaking landscapes, from towering waterfalls to volcanic badlands.
The Sum Up
The Waikoloa: Big Island Helicopter Tour transports adventurous travelers on an exhilarating aerial odyssey over Hawaii’s iconic landscapes. From the towering Kilauea volcano to the lush Hamakua Coast, this small-group tour offers a personalized experience with exclusive landings and captivating narration. Soar above black sand beaches, volcanic badlands, and a breathtaking 1200-ft waterfall, enjoying the island’s captivating beauty and history.
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