One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life so far was a helicopter ride over Hawaii’s volcanoes during our trip to the Big Island. Let me share my honest review!

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My Review of Hawaii Volcano Helicopter Ride

What is Hawaii unique for?

Hawaii’s flora and fauna have evolved in unique ways due to its isolated location. As a result, 90% of all species in Hawaii are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else on the planet. Each island in the Hawaiian archipelago is known for its unparalleled natural wonders, so you should plan at least a 3-week Hawaii itinerary to fully enjoy the archipelago.

Kauai has the largest number of native bird species. Maui is one of the best places to see humpback whales migrating from Alaska (ever since I went on a whale-watching tour in Iceland, I’ve been dreaming of experiencing it again). In Waipio Valley on the Big Island, you can even see wild horses. The Big Island is also famous for its iconic lava-watching experiences, as it is home to the world’s most active volcano, the mighty Kilauea.

Is it worth going to the Big Island in Hawaii?

The Big Island of Hawaii is absolutely worth visiting. While choosing a Hawaiian island for our honeymoon, we were hesitating between Kauai and the Big Island, but we finally decided to visit the latter because of its volcano. Visiting Hawaii has been a longtime dream of mine. If you had asked me 10 years ago to choose one place on a map I’d love to visit the most, it would have been Hawaii without a doubt. Our time on the Big Island felt so adventurous that I haven’t regretted choosing it. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and diverse experiences, from exploring active volcanoes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to relaxing on stunning beaches with both white and black sand.

The island is also rich in culture, and its history is fascinating. The Big Island is famous for its incredibly varied ecosystems, from lush rainforests and black sand beaches to deserts and snow-capped peaks. So far, Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the most beautiful natural settings I have seen anywhere in the world, along with Iceland, New Zealand, the Canary Islands, and the Pyrenees of Spain.

What is the #1 thing to do on the Big Island of Hawaii?

The biggest highlight of our trip was the Hawaii volcano helicopter ride. For me, the #1 thing to do on the Big Island of Hawaii is visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. It is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Kīlauea, in particular, has been erupting on and off for decades, giving visitors a unique opportunity to witness volcanic activity firsthand.

The Big Island of Hawaii

Can you fly over the volcano in Hawaii?

You can fly over volcanoes in Hawai by booking a helicopter tour. These tours provide a bird’s-eye view of the volcanic landscape, including lava flows, craters, and steam vents. Helicopter tours are one of the most popular ways to experience dramatic volcanic activity in areas that may be inaccessible or dangerous by land. Our Hawaii volcano helicopter ride also offered stunning views of other natural wonders on the island, such as waterfalls, rainforests, and rugged coastlines. In fact, this part of the tour was just as impressive as flying over the volcano – especially the Waipi’o Valley, which I hadn’t expected to be so breathtaking.

How much does it cost to fly in a helicopter in Hawaii?

The cost of a helicopter tour in Hawaii varies depending on the tour duration, location, and the specific company, but generally, prices range from $200 to $600 per person for a standard tour. Longer tours (60 minutes or more) can cost between $400 and $700, but these usually include additional natural wonders. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, I felt that the emotions, experiences, and memories gained from it were well worth the investment. Our tour lasted two hours, but it felt like only five minutes. Additionally, we shared the helicopter with an American couple celebrating their 50th anniversary, though at times, it felt like it was just the pilot, my husband, and me.

Popular Hawaii Island helicopter tours

• Hilo Doors-Off Lava and Rainforest Adventure (check availability)
• Kona Experience Hawaii Helicopter Tour (check availability)
• Volcano and Kohala Landing Helicopter Tour (check availability)
• Circle Island Helicopter Tour from Kona (check availability)
• From Waikiki: Big Island Volcano Helicopter and Ground Tour (check availability)

Is it safe to go to fly over Hawaii volcano?

We felt safe during our Hawaii volcano helicopter ride, although I must admit that I was so excited about the experience that I deliberately avoided researching any helicopter crash data for Hawaii—I just didn’t want to know. Flying over Hawaii’s volcanoes is generally considered safe, as long as you choose a reputable tour company that follows proper safety protocols. Helicopter tours are operated by licensed pilots with extensive training and experience in navigating volcanic regions. These tours are carefully planned to avoid hazardous areas, such as active lava flows or toxic gas emissions, and are often monitored by local authorities. Since the company we chose had excellent reviews and a long history of operating tours, we felt confident we were in good hands.

Unforgettable moments of our Hawaii volcano helicopter ride

Have you ever wished a moment could last forever? That’s exactly how I felt when the helicopter took off, soaring toward the white blanket of foggy clouds. A helicopter flight over Kilauea is, without a doubt, the best way to get up close to real lava. While walking tours allow you to see magma rocks, and boat tours don’t always offer the best views, nothing compares to experiencing Hawaii from the air. I was absolutely captivated by this unique experience. As much as my husband declared that witnessing real lava in action was the highlight of our trip, I’m still standing by Waipio Valley and its waterfalls as my favorite.

Okay, I admit it – I kind of expected to see “Lord of the Rings”- style lava rivers (lol). But, just so you know, you don’t get that close. As we flew over the dry lava fields, it became harder to breathe. There were moments during our Hawaii helicopter tour when we saw lava engulfing rainforests, roads, and even former villages. It gave me serious goosebumps. We’re all aware that local authorities closely monitor potential eruptions, and no one would let us board if there were even a slight risk. But, still, you can’t help but wonder, right? In those moments, I felt so small and insignificant, humbled by the immense power of Mother Nature in Hawaii.

Flying over Waipio Valley

When I thought nothing could surpass the lava fields, our helicopter headed for Waipio Valley. In an instant, we were soaring near 600-meter-high cliffs, with tropical waterfalls plunging directly into the Pacific. For a moment, I couldn’t believe it was really happening. If only I could fly – I’d jump out ASAP! You approach these natural wonders so closely that, if it weren’t for the helicopter windows, you could almost reach out and touch the cold, crystal-clear water. The helicopter pilot later explained that Waipio Valley is difficult to explore by other means: getting close by boat is dangerous due to strong ocean currents and sharks, and hiking there requires special permission in advance (about a month’s notice). Even if you manage all of that, you would still never experience the same view as you would on the Hawaii Island helicopter tour.

We even bought a DVD recording of our actual flight. I waited two weeks for it to be sent to Spain. In the end, the video quality was quite average. I mean, we can still watch it and remember the route, but it doesn’t capture even 10% of the vibrant landscape we saw during the flight. My memories of this Hawaii volcano helicopter ride still chase me to this day.

Other epic adventures on the Big Island of Hawaii

It was definitely not my last trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, what would I dream of experiencing during the next visit:

• Nighttime Manta-Ray Cruise with Snorkeling Option (check availability)
• Whale Watching Cruise (check availability)
• Big Island Underwater Submarine Adventure (check availability)
• Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour (check availability)
• Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike (check availability)
• Morning Snorkel Sail to Captain Cook’s Monument (check availability)
• 3-Hour Kohala Canopy Zipline Adventure (check availability)
• Swim with Dolphins Catamaran Cruise (check availability)
• Tiki Carving Workshop (check availability)
• Native Bird Watching & Hiking Tour (check availability)

We visited in May. Luckily, we managed to book our Hawaii Island helicopter tour just a few days before. However, the tour to Mauna Kea Summit was fully booked, so we couldn’t go. Next time, I will definitely make the reservations in advance.

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This post was linked at Weekend Travel Inspiration and Feet Do Travel