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The best way to get a good overview of the Big Island is to see it from the air. Everyone loves the window seats on airplanes that allow us to look out during those brief few minutes at the features below during take-off and landing. That is what a helicopter tour offers over some of the most beautiful areas of the planet.
Helicopter pilots have a lot of flexibility within the general route, so every guest onboard will get great views of the major highlight areas of the island. In addition, these skilled navigators will do circles, S-turns, and even turn the whole aircraft around so everyone can get great photos!
We start in Waikoloa (options to fly out of Kona are also available) and take about 50 to 55 minutes to explore the Kohala volcano and coastline. Once over 9000 feet tall, this mountain now stands at just over 5000′ due to a colossal tsunami thousands of years ago and is the oldest of five volcanoes on the Big Island. Its age means it has had a lot more time for erosion to shape it and massive geological events over millennia to create this stunning part of the island. Deep-cut emerald green valleys, tall double and triple waterfalls, and amazing native rainforest covering miles of coastline. You won’t find that same landscape on Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, or Kilauea volcanoes because they are geologically much younger.
Even though the routes on their maps may say they go in a circular direction, that usually is not the case. When in the air, I want to maximize my viewing experience. I want to be viewing the most amazing spots you can see from the sky – from both directions if possible! With all our pilot’s skilled movements into the deep gulches of Kohala, the flight path would be like a curved arm with a bunch of long fingers. It gave everyone a great view of all the waterfalls, cliffs, and tiny homes tucked out of sight from almost everyone.
Outside of the amazing rainforest, ocean cliffs, black sand beaches and hundreds of waterfalls, this flight will take you over Parker Ranch and various other small ranches, communities, and homes. These are places where people have lived for over 1000 years. Ancient walls, heiaus (temples), and hales (houses) are visible in the now drier areas of the mountainside.
Returning along the coast, you can see the lava flows and their impact right down to the sea. It helps you appreciate this force of nature a little bit more, especially when you witness it actively at work in Volcanoes National Park. Next, take a different helicopter flight to see the southern part of the island where the active volcano Kilauea resides or choose a more extended, more complete island helicopter tour that usually lasts about 90 minutes.
Wearing dark clothing (no white) will help reduce reflection and give you a more clear view.
There are different types of helicopters that provide comfort, stability, views, and seating. The more expensive options tend to be faster, more comfortable helicopters so you see more and have better windows for viewing. The 4-passenger helicopters (3-guest max) give the most flexibility for seating and often can fly doors-off. These tend to be slower, so you will see less of the landscape below during the same flight time. They are also a bit rougher, so you will vibrate a bit more.
Some of the companies offer a video of your flight. It’s worth getting as it does capture a lot of stuff that you might not see at all. It’s something you can directly relate to and people will love to watch with you.
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