Maui to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter & Bus Tour

Embark on an exhilarating journey from Maui to the Big Island, where a helicopter tour and guided exploration of Volcanoes National Park await. Soar above the dramatic lava flows of Kilauea, then explore the park’s stunning landscapes, learning about Hawaii’s captivating history and culture along the way. This 11-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience, blending aerial vistas with a deep dive into the heart of the island’s volcanic wonders.

This experience made our article of Kahului’s 3 Top Helicopter Flights & Tours (With Prices).

Key Points

• This 11-hour tour from Maui to the Big Island includes a 45-50 minute helicopter ride over the Kilauea Volcano and its volcanic landscapes.

• The tour provides a ground exploration of Volcanoes National Park, allowing visitors to experience the dynamic volcanic environment.

• Participants will gain insights into Hawaiian history, culture, and the legends of the fire goddess Pele during the tour.

• The tour is guided by an English-speaking guide and has a maximum of 15 participants.

• Visitors must check-in 90 minutes prior to departure and bring appropriate attire and identification documents.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Maui to Big Island Volcano Helicopter & Bus Tour offers an exhilarating 11-hour experience that takes adventurers from the island of Maui to the rugged landscapes of the Big Island.

Priced from €1,197.62 per person, this non-refundable tour accommodates a maximum of 15 participants, all accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Highlights include a 45-50 minute helicopter ride over volcanic activity, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, as well as a ground tour of Volcanoes National Park.

Travelers will explore Kilauea Iki Crater, learn about Hawaiian history and culture, and witness the captivating power of Pele, the goddess of fire.

Highlights of the Helicopter Tour

Soaring high above the Big Island, the helicopter tour offers a captivating bird’s-eye view of the region’s volcanic wonders.

Gliding over the Kilauea Volcano, passengers witness the raw power of nature as molten lava oozes from the earth’s core.

The tour showcases:

• Dramatic lava flows cascading down the mountainside

• Verdant rainforests cloaking the island’s interior

• Towering waterfalls plunging into crystalline pools

• The vast, lunar-like landscapes of Volcanoes National Park

This aerial exploration provides an unparalleled perspective, allowing guests to fully appreciate the Big Island’s geological dynamism and natural beauty.

Exploring Volcanoes National Park

After the breathtaking aerial tour, the ground-based exploration of Volcanoes National Park offers a captivating perspective on the island’s volcanic landscape.

The tour guides visitors through the Kilauea Iki Crater, where they can witness the eerie steam vents and imagine the fiery past. Along the Chain of Craters Road, guests marvel at the otherworldly lava flows and the unique geological formations.

The Kilauea Iki Crater offers a glimpse into the park’s fiery past, while the Chain of Craters Road showcases its otherworldly geology.

At the iconic Goddess Pele’s Crown and Profile, they learn about Hawaiian mythology and the cultural significance of these landmarks.

The immersive park experience provides a deeper understanding of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of this volcanic wonderland.

Learning About Hawaiian History and Culture

As visitors explore Volcanoes National Park, they also explore the rich tapestry of Hawaiian history and culture. The tour guide provides fascinating insights, bringing to life the legends of the fire goddess Pele and the islands’ volcanic origins.

Guests learn about:

• The significance of traditional Hawaiian chants and hula dances in honoring the land and its spiritual traditions.

• The role of taro farming and fishing in sustaining native Hawaiian communities for centuries.

• The impact of Western contact and colonization on the island’s indigenous populations.

• The resilience and adaptability of Hawaiian culture, which continues to thrive today.

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Meeting and Check-in Information

Guests must check in 90 minutes prior to their departure flight to the Big Island. This allows time to obtain return boarding passes at check-in.

Upon arrival in Hilo, guests will meet their tour guide at the bus pickup area near baggage claim D. Foreign citizens must bring their passports, while U.S. residents require a government-issued photo ID.

The tour provider recommends wearing covered shoes and warm clothing, as the volcano tour can be cool. Guests over 250 lbs should contact the tour provider to purchase an additional seat for comfort and safety.

Packing Recommendations

The tour provider recommends wearing covered shoes and warm clothing for the volcano tour, as the conditions can be cool.

Wear covered shoes and warm clothing for the volcano tour, as the conditions can be cool, advises the tour provider.

Other packing essentials include:

• Lightweight, breathable layers that can be added or removed as needed

• Rain jacket or poncho, as the weather can be unpredictable in the national park

• Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to shield against the strong Hawaiian sun

• Small backpack or daypack to carry personal items and any purchases made during the tour

These recommendations will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience exploring the stunning volcanic landscapes of the Big Island.

Considerations for Guests Over 250 Lbs

For guests weighing over 250 lbs, the tour provider has specific accommodations. To ensure comfort and safety, guests exceeding 250 lbs must purchase an additional seat. This policy allows for ample space and prevents discomfort during the flight and ground transportation. The tour provider’s guidelines are as follows:

| Weight (lbs) | Additional Seat Required | Price |

| — | — | — |

| 251-275 | 1 | €1,197.62 + €1,197.62 |

| 276-300 | 1 | €1,197.62 + €1,197.62 |

| 301-325 | 2 | €1,197.62 + €1,197.62 + €1,197.62 |

| 326-350 | 2 | €1,197.62 + €1,197.62 + €1,197.62 |

| 351+ | Contact tour provider | Contact tour provider |

Guests are advised to contact the tour provider after booking to ensure proper accommodations.

Non-refundable Cancellation Policy

Although the Maui to Big Island Tour offers an unforgettable experience, the cancellation policy is non-refundable. This means that once you book your spot, you’re committed to the tour, regardless of any changes in your plans.

The non-refundable policy applies to:

• Cancellations made at any time before the tour

• No-shows on the day of the tour

• Modifications to the reservation, such as date or passenger changes

This strict policy ensures the tour operator can adequately plan and prepare for each excursion.

While it may seem inflexible, it helps maintain the overall quality and reliability of the tour experience.

The Sum Up

The Maui to Big Island Volcano Helicopter & Bus Tour offers an unforgettable adventure that combines breathtaking aerial views of Kilauea Volcano with an immersive exploration of Volcanoes National Park. From the exhilarating helicopter ride to the informative guided tour, this tour promises a memorable experience for participants who don’t mind dressing warmly and adhering to the non-refundable cancellation policy.

You can check availability for your dates here: