55-Minute Helicopter Tour: Volcanoes National Park

Lava flows old and new from the air

A 55-minute helicopter tour departing from Hilo Airport that flies directly over Volcanoes National Park, passing orchid farms and native forest en route. The flight includes a live English-speaking guide, safety briefing and all taxes and fees; you arrive at the airport an hour before departure. Safari Helicopters has operated on Big Island for over 35 years.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over volcanoes park

• Take off from Hilo Airport
• Fly over orchid farms and native forest
• View old and new lava flows

The Experience

The flight departs Hilo Airport and heads straight to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way you pass over orchid farms and the lush native forest that grows in large part only on Big Island. The helicopter gives you views of both old and new lava flows across the park—the kind of vantage point you cannot get from the ground. A live guide in English narrates the flight and points out what you are seeing.

You need to arrive an hour before your departure time; showing up late means losing your seat with no refund. Accurate weight is important for the flight plan, so you will be asked for your exact weight when booking. Passengers over 250 pounds or two people with a combined weight over 420 pounds require an additional seat. Seatbelts stay on from the moment you load until you step out. Infants can sit on a parent's lap wearing an infant life vest, though the parent's seatbelt goes around both of them and the child is not buckled separately—this is FAA standard for lap children on helicopters. The helicopter has no baggage space, so you cannot bring any additional luggage on board.

Safari Helicopters is the longest-running helicopter company on Big Island, family-owned and operated for over 35 years. The tour includes the safety briefing, all fees and taxes, and the 55-minute flight itself. Public transportation options are available near Hilo Airport if you need them to get there.

What’s included

• Safety briefing.
• all fees and taxes.
• 55-minute helicopter flight over Volcanoes National Park.
• live English-speaking guide narrating the route.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Safari Helicopters

Is this one for you?The flight is 55 minutes in the air with no walking or water entry, so it suits travelers who want the volcano views without physical exertion. Arrive an hour early and bring only what fits on your lap, since there is no baggage space and the helicopter loads quickly.

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Top questions

What do I see on the helicopter tour over Volcanoes National Park?

The flight passes over orchid farms and native forest on the way to Volcanoes National Park, where you see both old and new lava flows from the air. The live guide in English explains what you are looking at as you fly.

How long is the helicopter tour and when do I need to arrive?

The tour is 55 minutes in the air. You must arrive at Hilo Airport one hour before your departure time; missing this window means forfeiting your seat with no refund.

What is the weight policy for this helicopter tour?

Accurate weight is required for flight safety and seating. Passengers over 250 pounds need an additional seat; two passengers with a combined weight over 420 pounds also require an extra seat. You will provide your exact weight when you book.

Can I bring luggage or a baby on the helicopter?

The helicopter has no baggage space, so you cannot bring any additional luggage. Infants can sit on a parent's lap wearing an infant life vest, though the parent's seatbelt secures both of them and the child is not buckled separately per FAA rules.

Is this tour private or shared with other passengers?

You can choose between a private tour or a shared flight when you book. Both options include the same 55-minute route, live English guide, and all fees and taxes.