If you’re looking to see Hawaii from a different perspective, why not opt for a Hawaii helicopter tour?
We took a Hawaiian cruise on Grand Princess and pre-planned a helicopter tour as an independent shore excursion for our stop on Hawaii, also know as the Big Island.
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Which Hawaiian island is best for a helicopter tour?
If you’re looking for a mix of beautiful scenery and the chance to fly over a volcano, the Big Island is a great choice. You can expect to see lava fields and a volcano. The helicopter will fly over rainforest and you have the opportunity to see natural waterfalls from a bird’s eye view.
Each island in Hawaii is beautiful and has different characteristics. If you’re looking at exploring other islands on a cruise, check out these ideas of things to do in Maui.
Getting There
The cruise port of Hilo is close to Hilo International Airport where Paradise Helicopters is based. This is a short 10-minute taxi ride away and taxis can be picked up in front of the cruise terminal.
Once you arrive at the small airport, the Paradise Helicopters check-in desk is on the left of you as you walk into the main entrance. Check-in is one hour before the flight.
‘Feel the Heat’ Hawaii Helicopter Tour
Before the cruise, a Hawaii helicopter tour had been recommended to us and after a bit of research we came across a special helicopter tour by Paradise Helicopters called ‘Feel the Heat’. The unique experience involved the doors of the helicopter being removed so that you could do exactly that: feel the heat of the volcano as you fly over!
We were a bit worried initially but how could we pass up an opportunity like this? It’s one thing to see a volcano from the air but this way we could also experience it. We decided to book the 40-minute Doors Off Lava and Waterfalls tour with Paradise Helicopters. At around $250 per person it was an expensive excursion but we decided that it was something we’d regret if we didn’t do.
Helicopter Tour Preparations
We were advised to wear closed toe shoes and bring a lightweight jumper or cardigan because despite the promise of ‘feeling the heat’ from the volcano, it could get a little chilly. Sunglasses were also recommended.
When we arrived at the check-in desk at Hilo International Airport, we were greeted and were able to settle our balance. We were told that there was another couple who would be joining us for our flight. We were weighed individually as this determined where we would sit in the helicopter. As it was only half way through the cruise I was relieved that I wasn’t carrying too much ‘excess baggage’ (so to speak).
There was a little time to wait so we took a stroll around the airport and browsed some of the shops. There was one kiosk that sold beautiful fresh flowers that could be custom made into Hawaiian Leis.
When it was time for our flight, we had a short safety briefing and were fitted with personal floatation devices around our waists, ear defenders and a microphone headset. We were able to take our camera and Go Pro with us because they had wrist straps. You don’t want to be dropping your camera in a helicopter with no doors!
Things were getting real and as we were escorted out to the tarmac. We were surprised at how small the helicopter looked. Fortunately, we had been allocated the front two seats, whereas the couple who we were sharing the flight were in the rear seats. We watched as the doors on the front of the helicopter were literally removed right in front of our eyes – there was no going back now!
Take Off
As were clambered into the helicopter, we were introduced to our pilot, Rob. I sat in the centre seat next to the pilot and Craig sat next to me, adjacent to the open door. These were excellent seats as we had an almost 180 degree view. This also gave us the opportunity to see up close how the helicopter is controlled. There were lots of dials and buttons in front of me, which I was very conscious of. The last thing I wanted to do was accidentally nudge a button!
Once were were buckled in, Pilot Rob explained exactly what was going to happen and the route we’d be taking. What was so surprising, was how smoothly we set off and how quickly we reached height without even noticing. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel scared at all despite being quite high above the ground and the doors missing.
The pilot was really helpful at explaining where we were and things to look out for. He’d been a helicopter pilot for quite a while, which put my mind at ease. I was so engrossed with the breathtaking views, the thought of being so high didn’t bother me at all.
Hawaii Lava Fields
We soon came across the lava fields. We saw trees and patches of land that had been engulfed and cut off by the lava. The lava was graphite grey in colour, smooth in appearance. Metallic slicks of newer lava flow rested on the top in places.
As we crossed over the vast lava fields, we spotted a few plumes of smoke where the lava was still hot and slowly spreading to new areas. It was clear that there was still fresh lava in these parts.
This is when we started feeling warm air and it was quite a comfortable temperature.
Hawaii helicopter tour over a volcano
We spotted the volcano up ahead and made our way over and around it. Rob, the pilot, took plenty of time to circle the volcano. This gave us all a chance to see the volcano from different angles. It felt quite surreal that we were this close to a volcano and able to see the constant plumes of smoke emanating from it’s crater. We had a unique view inside the volcano as we flew directly over it.
We flew a figure of eight around the volcano to get a great experience of the volcano from every side.
Once we’d left the volcano behind us we certainly noticed a drop in temperature. That’s when we really appreciated how much heat was coming from the volcano.
We headed over a lush, green rainforest area, which was a stark contrast to the lava fields. It looked dense and untouched; showing a different side to Hawaii. This was Wailuku River State Park.
The helicopter made a special trip over the waterfalls for a fantastic perspective of them. Rainbow Falls is 80 feet high but it looked so tiny from our helicopter. It cascades over a lava cave.
A little further on we were able to spot our cruise ship in the distance.
Is a Hawaii helicopter tour worth the money?
Our Hawaii helicopter tour was an incredible experience that we will never forget. It was my first time in a helicopter, which made it even more exciting. The opportunity to see the island from above was a brilliant way to see so much in a short space of time so it’s a good choice if you’re on a cruise and have limited time.
The helicopter tour was the most expensive excursion we took on our trip but I don’t regret spending the money for one moment. I would have regretted it more if we’d decided not to book the helicopter tour. To see the volcano from above was definitely a wow moment. Having the doors off enabled us to feel the warmth rising from the crater but it wasn’t unbearable. There is no need to worry that things may get too hot!
How much should you tip for a Hawaii helicopter tour?
It’s recommended that you tip around $20 per person for a Hawaii helicopter tour.
Are helicopter tour dangerous?
You have to understand that with all modes of transport there’s always a certain degree of risk. Some helicopter accidents have occurred due to difficult weather conditions. It’s always best to look at the helicopter tour company’s reputation and reviews when researching your excursion.
Paradise Helicopters state on its website that their helicopter pilots must complete annual training and all have passed the F.A.A. flight test. In 2018, Paradise Helicopters became the only helicopter tour operator in Hawaii to have earned the highest level of registration available from the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO™).
“Throughout our more than two decades in operation, Paradise has been committed to ensuring the highest safety and operational standards in the world. IS-BAO Stage Three registration includes requirements that surpass both Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.”
Calvin Dorn, CEO of Paradise Helicopters.
Despite being sat in a helicopter with no doors I felt completely safe. We we securely fastened into our seats, we had an experienced and knowledgeable pilot and the process was reassuringly organised in a safe manner.
WOW – To see all those sights from above especially the volcano, must be totally amazing. I’d be worried about my “excess baggage” also as the endless food on cruise ships is so hard to resist. The next time I go to Hawaii I am definitely going to try to schedule one of these helicopter tours.
Author
Yes our weight determined where we sat in the helicopter so we were glad the excesses of the cruise hadn’t took effect! Glad I was able to tempt you to take a helicopter ride in Hawaii – it’s an experience you won’t regret.
We just did a helicopter tour over Sedona Valley. And it was awesome. So I definitely would want to do a helicopter ride over a volcano in Hawaii. Good to know that the Big Island is a great place for a helicopter tour. I would definitely want to sit beside the open door. I can see why circling over the volcano felt surreal. So fun that you got to see a waterfall too.
Author
Yes I was away from the open door and although I could still ‘feel the heat’ I was not right on the edge. My partner was and he was a bit apprehensive but enjoyed it so much.
What a great experience to be flying over volcanoes, waterfalls and rainforest in Hawaii! It is definitely expensive but by looking at your photos and descriptions the helicopter tour is totally worth every single cents!
I have always wanted to take a helicopter tour but can’t decide where because there are so many beautiful places but I might actually do it over Hawaii!
Author
Yes the mix of scenery definitely made it worth doing. The volcano was incredible!
I did a helicopter tour on Kauai and it was the best money I have ever spent. My mom is wanting to go to the Big Island, I have visited before and wasn’t super excited about it. I am now! I would love to see the lava flow and waterfalls are always a winner.
Author
Kauai is a beautiful green island. I’m sure it was breathtaking!
A helicopter ride is definitely a one-of-kind experience. Partner it with amazing views and or exploration and it will be unforgettable.This is how I see your Hawaii Helicopter Tour. I won’t regret spending money as well on an experience that is incredibly amazing.
Author
Yes, I agree, I think I would have regretted choosing not to do the helicopter ride because of the cost. The experience is a unique one.
Wow! Looks so much fun! I think I might be a bit scared. We have been to Big Island twice but it does look totally different from the sky I see. Amazing to see all the lava flows and how they moved around.
Author
I was definitely nervous before we took off but as soon as we were in the air I was surprisingly fine and enjoyed the flight.
Even though I am not vey comfortable with helicopter rides but the sheer beauty and the stunning views would make me do it. This is a great way to see the island and as you have pointed Big Island is the perfect one. Great tip on the right kind of clothing as I would have never thought of this aspect. The visuals really add life to your post and speak for themselves. Hawaii by itself is a treat but a tour by helicopter would just add the icing on the cake. Thanks.
Author
Thank you, I took this trip before I started blogging so I was glad I found enough photos to show this incredible experience!
Some things are worth spending hard-earned money on. I would rate this as one of the experiences I would not forego. Hawaii is just beautiful and seeing it from the air adds another dimension to the views. Thanks for sharing your experiences and the photos. I’ll know what not to miss when visiting the Big Island.