Oahu to Big Island : Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Hilo 1 Day Tour

The "Oahu to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Hilo 1 Day Tour" offers travelers an extraordinary chance to experience the natural wonders of Hawaii’s diverse landscapes. With a helicopter flight over Hilo’s captivating volcanoes and a comprehensive ground tour of the Hilo region, this tour promises an immersive adventure that showcases the island’s geological marvels. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled aerial perspective or an in-depth exploration of the area’s iconic attractions, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that’s worth considering.

This experience made our article of The 15 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours In Oahu.

Key Points

• This tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a 45-minute helicopter flight over Hilo’s volcanoes and a 4-hour ground tour of key attractions in Hilo.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from Oahu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and various stops such as Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls.
• All entrance fees, bottled water, fuel surcharge, and gratuities are included in the starting price of £1,208.20 per person.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but allows strollers, and infants must sit on laps; it is not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
• Customer reviews highlight both positive and negative aspects, such as knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and potential communication and organization issues, as well as weather-related cancellations.

Tour Overview

The tour is called "Oahu to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Hilo 1 Day Tour", and it takes place on the island of Oahu, USA.

It has a total of 10 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5. The price starts from £1,208.20 per person.

The tour schedule begins at 6:00 am and includes round-trip transportation from Waimea or Waikoloa.

Activities include a 45-minute helicopter flight over Hilo’s volcanoes and a 4-hour tour of Hilo, visiting several attractions like Akatsuka Orchid Nursery and Volcanoes National Park.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour offers a diverse itinerary, kicking off with a 45-minute helicopter flight over Hilo‘s breathtaking volcanoes.

The ground portion includes a 4-hour tour of Hilo, visiting the Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, Richardson Blacksand Beach, Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Kilauea Iki Crater, Thurston Lava Tube, and Volcanoes National Park.

The ground portion includes a 4-hour tour of Hilo, visiting natural wonders and cultural attractions, providing an immersive experience.

All entrance fees, bottled water, fuel surcharge, and gratuities are included.

This comprehensive itinerary offers a well-rounded exploration of Hilo’s natural wonders and cultural attractions, providing an immersive experience for visitors.

Transportation and Accessibility

Round-trip transportation from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu is included in the tour package.

Pickup and drop-off locations are at the airport. The transportation is by air-conditioned van or bus.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed. Infants must sit on laps.

The tour is also not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 14 participants.

Important Information

Booking the tour requires a minimum of 2 people per reservation, and confirmation is received within 48 hours.

Unfortunately, the tour is non-refundable. Travelers should also take note of the weight policy – those over 240 pounds must purchase an extra comfort seat for an additional $225.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 14 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible. Infants must sit on laps.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Careful consideration of these important details will ensure a smooth booking process.

Customer Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Big Island tour has received both positive and negative feedback. Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides, such as Karen, Todd, and Lance, and have appreciated the scenic views and informative stops. However, some customers have experienced issues with communication and organization, such as pickup delays and last-minute changes in tour operators. Plus, weather-related cancellations of helicopter flights have led to disappointment for some. Some travelers also felt rushed at stops and wished for more detailed itineraries and meal planning.

| Positive Experiences | Negative Experiences |

|———————|———————|

| Knowledgeable guides | Communication and organization issues |

| Scenic views and informative stops | Weather-related cancellations |

| | Feeling rushed at stops |

| | Lack of detailed itineraries and meal planning |

Helicopter Flight Over Hilo’s Volcanoes

One of the highlights of the Big Island tour is the 45-minute helicopter flight over Hilo’s volcanoes.

Soaring above the rugged terrain, travelers are treated to a bird’s-eye view of the region’s volcanic activity.

The experience offers several key benefits:

1. Unparalleled Vistas: Passengers enjoy panoramic views of steaming craters, lava flows, and the stunning Hamakua Coast.

2. Expert Narration: Pilots provide informative commentary, sharing insights into the islands’ geological history and ongoing volcanic processes.

3. Thrill of Flight: The helicopter ride adds an adventurous element, allowing guests to experience the power and grandeur of the islands from the air.

4. Photo Opportunities: Travelers can capture stunning aerial shots to commemorate their Big Island adventure.

Exploring the Hilo Region

After the exhilarating helicopter ride over Hilo’s volcanoes, the tour explores the diverse attractions of the region.

Visitors start at the Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, where they can admire the vibrant blooms. Next, they tour the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory to learn about the production process.

The itinerary also includes stops at Richardson Blacksand Beach, Liliuokalani Gardens, and the iconic Rainbow Falls.

The tour then ventures into Volcanoes National Park, where travelers can hike through the Thurston Lava Tube and peer into the Kilauea Iki Crater.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, enhancing the overall experience.

Making the Most of Your Tour

To make the most of this comprehensive tour, travelers should arrive well-rested and prepared for a full day of exploration.

Travelers should arrive well-rested and prepared for a full day of exploration to make the most of this comprehensive tour.

The tour’s packed itinerary offers numerous highlights, so travelers should prioritize must-see sights and plan accordingly.

Key tips include:

1. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection for outdoor activities.

2. Stay hydrated and pack snacks to keep energy levels up.

3. Be flexible and adaptable, as weather can impact helicopter flights.

4. Engage with the knowledgeable guides to enhance the learning experience.

The Sum Up

The "Oahu to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Hilo 1 Day Tour" offers an exhilarating experience, showcasing the stunning volcanoes of Hilo from the air and exploring the region’s top attractions on the ground. While some guests have noted communication and organization challenges, this tour provides a comprehensive way to experience the Big Island’s natural wonders, with convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides to enhance the overall adventure.