Kohala Coast helicopter tour: Doors off or on, 4 volcanoes
Four volcanoes and two waterfalls from the air in 90 minutes
A 90-minute helicopter tour over the Big Island's Kohala Coast that circles four active and extinct volcanoes, passes Waipio Valley and its waterfalls, and returns along the Kona Coast. You fly over Mauna Loa (the world's largest active volcano), Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet, Hualalai, and Kohala, with views of Laupāhoehoe Nui and Wai'ilikahi Falls. Book with doors off for an unobstructed view or doors on for a standard cabin window.
Options for this experience
4 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Helicopter tour over Kohala Coast
- Soar over Kailua Bay waters
- View Mauna Loa volcano
- See Ka‘Ūpūlehu Crater formations
- Fly around Hualālai Volcano
- Ascend to Mauna Kea summit
- Glide over Pu'u Wa'awa'a Forest Reserve
- Cruise along Kawaihae Coast
- View extinct Kohala volcano
- Discover Kohala Coast waterfalls
- Explore Pololū Valley cliffs
- See Honopue Valley landscapes
- Spot Laupāhoehoe Nui Waterfall
- Pass Wai’ilikahi Falls
- Fly through Waimanu Valley
- Return to A Bay fishponds
- Witness Kiholo Bay waters
- Soar along Kona Coast beaches
- View Makalawena Beach sands
- Circle Waipi'o Valley cliffs
What’s included
- The tour includes the 90-minute helicopter flight with a live English-speaking guide.
- a phone strap for securing your device during the flight.
- and parking fees. Gratuities and hotel pickup are not included.
- Every day except Friday and Saturday 08:00 09:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 15:00
- Friday 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 13:00 14:00 15:00
- Saturday 08:00 09:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00
Information
Fly a 90-minute helicopter tour over the Kohala Coast with views of Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Kohala volcanoes.
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The experience
The flight starts over Kailua Bay and climbs into volcanic terrain to show you Mauna Loa's scale, then Ka'ūpūlehu Crater and Hualalai's rugged slopes. From there the route rises to Mauna Kea's summit, passes through the Pu'u Wa'awa'a Forest Reserve where native plants and animals live, and follows the Kawaihae Coast north toward Kohala volcano. The landscape shifts from active volcanic rock to lush valleys as you approach the waterfalls.
Waipio Valley, the "Valley of the Kings", comes into view with its steep cliffs, taro fields and multiple waterfalls. The flight follows Laupāhoehoe Nui and Wai'ilikahi Falls as they cascade through tropical growth, then passes through Waimanu Valley before turning back toward the Kona Coast. The return leg traces Anaehoomalu Bay, Kiholo Bay and Makalawena Beach, ending where you started. If you book doors off, you'll need closed-toe shoes, a jacket or sweatshirt, and hair ties. Your seat may or may not be positioned directly at an open door. Doors on keeps the cabin sealed and uses standard windows.
A live English-speaking guide narrates throughout. The operator reserves the right to refuse service to intoxicated passengers and will charge them in full. Passengers weighing 250 pounds or more may incur a weight-and-balance fee after booking to safely balance the aircraft.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 2): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What volcanoes will I see on this helicopter tour?
You'll see four volcanoes: Mauna Loa (the world's largest active volcano), Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet, Hualalai, and Kohala. The flight passes over each one and shows their distinct geological features, from Mauna Loa's active slopes to Kohala's dramatic extinct landscape.
Can I really fly with the doors off?
Yes, doors off is one of your booking options. When you choose it, the cabin doors are removed for an unobstructed view. Your seat may or may not be positioned directly at an open door, so you won't be guaranteed a door-side seat. You'll need closed-toe shoes, a jacket or sweatshirt, and hair ties for safety.
What waterfalls does the tour pass?
The flight follows Laupāhoehoe Nui and Wai'ilikahi Falls as they cascade through the lush terrain north of the Kohala Coast, then passes through Waimanu Valley where you'll see additional waterfalls. Waipio Valley, the final valley on the route, is also known for its numerous waterfalls and steep cliffs.
Is this tour private or shared?
You can book either a private tour (doors off or on) or a shared tour (doors off or on). Private tours are a separate purchase option at checkout. If you don't select private, you'll fly with other passengers.
How long is the entire helicopter tour?
The tour is 90 minutes total. The flight covers roughly 50 miles of the Big Island, starting over Kailua Bay, circling the four volcanoes and valleys, and returning along the Kona Coast.
Operated by Rainbow Helicopters. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Kohala Coast helicopter tour: Doors off or on, 4 volcanoes
1h 30m · EN
from US$ 895 per person
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