HELICOPTER

Big Island Helicopter

Helicopter tours on the Big Island of Hawaii offer an unparalleled way to explore the
island's volcanic landscapes, including the iconic volcanoes of Kilauea, Mauna Loa,
Mauna Kea, and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These tours are often regarded as
the most spectacular in Hawaii, making them a top priority for many visitors.

Departure Points and Routes:
Helicopter tours typically depart from both Hilo and Waikoloa, catering to visitors
staying along the Kona or Waikoloa coastlines. These departure points are convenient,
especially for those wanting to see the active volcanoes without a long drive. The flights
from these locations often include breathtaking views of Mount Kilauea and the
surrounding volcanic areas within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanic Activity and Sights:
One of the most captivating aspects of these helicopter tours is the chance to witness
the raw power of the Earth's volcanic activity. Kilauea, in particular, is known for its
continuous eruption, with magma pushing to the Earth's surface through vents, or "pu'u,"
and creating spectacular lava flows. These flows often travel through lava tubes and
pour into the ocean, creating massive steam plumes and a mesmerizing display that is
best viewed from the air.

Tour Considerations:
Given the size of the Big Island, driving from Kona to Hilo can be time-consuming,
making helicopter tours from either side of the island a convenient option. While
shorter, budget-friendly tours are available from Hilo, longer tours from Kona cover a
more extensive range, including the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, as well as the
Kohala Coastline.

For those interested in photography, wearing dark-colored clothing is recommended to
reduce reflections on the helicopter windows. Morning flights are particularly popular
due to typically clearer weather conditions, making it essential to book early, especially
during peak travel times. These tours offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the
Big Island's volcanic activity up close, making the expense well worth it for many
visitors.

Types of Helicopters:

• A-Star: Known as the "gold standard" for helicopter tours, offering 180-degree
  visibility with no visual obstructions and elevated back seats for optimal viewing,
  making it ideal for photography.
• Eco-Star or Whisper-Star: An upgraded version of the A-Star, often described as
  the "Cadillac" of touring helicopters. It offers wider, bucket seats for added
  comfort, 20% more viewing capacity, and reduced external noise.
• Hughes 500: A smaller, faster, and more maneuverable option, seating only four
  passengers, ensuring a window seat for everyone. Often flown with the doors off
  for spectacular, unobstructed photos.
• Bell Jet Ranger: Slightly larger than the Hughes but smaller than the A-Star, this
  helicopter seats four passengers and provides a good balance between size and
  maneuverability.

No matter which helicopter you choose, a tour over the Big Island's dynamic volcanic
landscapes is bound to be a highlight of your Hawaiian adventure.