Oahu to Big Island volcano helicopter tour with Hilo ground tour

Volcanic peaks from the air, then the waterfalls and gardens of Hilo on the ground

This day trip from Oahu combines a 45-minute helicopter flight over Big Island volcanoes with a 4-hour ground tour of Hilo's main attractions. The itinerary includes Rainbow Falls, Richardson Ocean Park's black-sand beach, Liliʻuokalani Gardens (the largest Japanese-style garden outside Tokyo), and a King Kamehameha statue. Round-trip airfare and bottled water are included. The full day runs approximately 5:00am to 6:00pm. Weather can cancel the helicopter portion only, with a $350 refund in that case: the ground tour continues as scheduled. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Rainbow Falls20m
2. Richardson Ocean Park20m
3. Liliʻuokalani Gardens20m

Big Island Helicopter and Hilo Tour

• Fly over volcanic landscapes by helicopter
• Visit King Kamehameha the Great statue
• See Rainbow Falls
• Explore Richardson Ocean Park black sand beach
• Walk through Liliʻuokalani Gardens

The experience

The day starts before dawn from Oahu with a round-trip flight to the Big Island. The helicopter portion lasts 45 to 50 minutes and flies directly over volcanic terrain: the centerpiece of the experience and what sets this apart from a ground-only tour. After landing, a guide leads the ground portion through Hilo's highlights over the next 4 to 5 hours.

The ground tour hits four main stops. Rainbow Falls appears first, known for the rainbows that form in its mist. Richardson Ocean Park follows: Hilo's only black-sand beach, where the volcanic origin of the island becomes visible underfoot. Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the largest Japanese-style garden outside Tokyo, offers a different kind of landscape entirely. The route also passes one of three King Kamehameha the Great statues. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

The helicopter may be cancelled on the day of the tour due to weather or safety concerns. If that happens, you receive a $350 refund for the helicopter portion only, and the ground tour proceeds as scheduled. The full day (flight, ground stops and all) wraps by 6:00pm, giving time to return to Oahu before evening.

What’s included

• Round-trip airfare from Oahu to the Big Island.
• 45-minute helicopter tour over volcanic terrain.
• 4-hour ground tour of Hilo with visits to Rainbow Falls, Richardson Ocean Park, Liliʻuokalani Gardens and a King Kamehameha statue.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 61 years) · Senior (62 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dynamic Tour Maui

Is this one for you?This tour departs from Oahu with flights included, so it works whether you have a rental car or not: the logistics of getting to the Big Island and back are already arranged. The helicopter flight is the draw if you want to see the volcanic landscape from above. If weather cancels it, the ground tour still runs, so you'll see Hilo's main attractions either way.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I do this tour if I'm staying on Oahu without a rental car?

Yes. Round-trip airfare from Oahu to the Big Island is included in the booking, so you don't need to arrange your own flight or ground transport to the airport.

What happens if the helicopter gets cancelled?

The helicopter portion may be cancelled on the day of the tour due to weather or safety reasons. If it is, you receive a $350 refund for just the helicopter part. The 4-hour ground tour of Hilo's attractions continues as scheduled.

Is Rainbow Falls the same as the waterfall with rainbows in the mist?

Yes. Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that form in the mist of the waterfall itself. The effect is strongest in the morning when light hits the spray.

How long is the helicopter flight?

The helicopter portion lasts 45 to 50 minutes and flies over volcanic landscapes on the Big Island.

What is Liliʻuokalani Gardens?

Liliʻuokalani Gardens is a Japanese-style garden in Hilo and the largest of its kind outside Tokyo. It's one of the main stops on the ground portion of the tour.

What is Richardson Ocean Park?

Richardson Ocean Park is Hilo's only black-sand beach, formed from volcanic rock. It's included as a stop on the ground tour.