Kona Coast: Private Helicopter Tour with All Window Seats

Soar above Kailua-Kona’s wild coastlines on a private flight

You’ll fly above Kona Coast in your own private helicopter, every seat by a window for those unreal ocean views. Chat with your local pilot mid-flight using your headset’s push-to-talk feature, spot landmarks like Honokohau Bay or Captain Cook, and soak up stories only locals share. It’s quick but leaves you buzzing long after you land.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Arrive at Kona Airport
• Board private helicopter
• Fly southbound past Honokohau Bay
• View Kona Town and Keauhou
• See Captain Cook area
• Or fly northbound to Kua Bay
• View Kiholo Bay and Hapuna Beach
• See Kawaihae coastline
• Use push-to-talk to ask questions
• Complete 30-minute aerial tour

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the smell of jet fuel mixing with that salty Kona air — not exactly poetic, but it’s honest. My sister kept fiddling with her headset while our pilot, Mike (local guy, big smile), ran through the safety stuff. He handed us each a headset and said, “You can ask anything — just push this button.” I didn’t expect to feel so jittery for a 30-minute helicopter tour, but there we were, buckled in and grinning like kids.

We lifted off from Kona Airport and suddenly the world just dropped away. The ocean flashed this weird electric blue under us — almost fake-looking. Mike pointed out Honokohau Bay and told us about some old lava flows that shaped the coastline. At one point he banked left and my stomach did this little flip (not sure if I laughed or squeaked). We flew past Kailua-Kona town; you could see people walking near the water, tiny as ants. The wind rattled against the windows and I remember thinking how quiet it felt inside compared to all that noise outside.

He let us choose — north toward Kua Bay or south toward Captain Cook. We picked south because Mom wanted to spot whales (she’s obsessed). Didn’t see any whales this time but got these wild views of Keauhou and those green cliffs dropping into the sea. Mike shared some stories about growing up here; he waved at another chopper passing by, which made me laugh for some reason. There was something grounding about hearing his voice over the headset while looking down at all that space below us.

I still think about that feeling when we landed — legs a bit wobbly, heart racing, everyone talking at once about what they’d seen out their window seat. It wasn’t long or fancy, but honestly? That half hour felt like pressing pause on everything else.

What’s included

Your flight includes all fuel surcharges and airport taxes. You’ll check in at Kona Airport 30 minutes before departure for your private group (no strangers added), get set up with headsets to chat with your pilot during the ride, and enjoy guaranteed window seats for every passenger on board before returning to earth just as quickly as you took off.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transport

Operated by Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours - Big Island of Hawaii

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Top questions

How long is the private Kona Coast helicopter tour?

The flight lasts approximately 30 minutes from takeoff to landing.

Where does the helicopter tour depart from?

The tour departs from Kona Airport near Kailua-Kona.

Are all seats by a window on this helicopter tour?

Yes, every passenger has a window seat for optimal views during the flight.

Is there a minimum age for passengers?

The minimum age requirement is 7 years old to fly.

Can we ask questions during the flight?

Yes, you can talk to your pilot using a push-to-talk feature on your headset throughout the tour.

Is this helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

What happens if we arrive late for check-in?

If you arrive late (less than 30 minutes before departure), it will be considered a no-show and subject to full price charges.

Are there weight restrictions for passengers?

Yes, each passenger must weigh under 275 lbs; total group weight cannot exceed 650 lbs including items.