Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Big Island - Hilo, HI

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Big Island Hawaii2650 Kekuanaoa StreetHilo, HI 96720
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About Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Tour

Overview

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers a stunning 50-minute aerial tour over Hilo’s breathtaking landscapes, including Kilauea volcano, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. Soar above black-sand beaches and volcanic terrain in a state-of-the-art helicopter guided by experienced pilots, capturing unforgettable views of Hawaii’s natural beauty.

up to 0.8 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Tour duration is approximately 50 minutes.
  • Departs from Hilo International Airport.
  • Passengers over 240 lbs must purchase an extra seat.
  • Noise-canceling headsets are provided.
  • Two-way communication with the pilot is included.
  • Dark clothing is recommended to reduce reflections.
  • Avoid scuba diving 24 hours before the tour.
  • Flight routes may change due to weather.
  • USB video/photo packages are available for purchase.
  • Hats, bags, and extending camera handles are not allowed on board.

Description

Embark on the Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour for an unforgettable adventure over Hawaii's Big Island! Soar above lush rainforests, dramatic black-sand beaches, and the mighty Kilauea, the world's most active volcano.

Operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, this 50-minute tour offers breathtaking views, including the chance to see smoke and steam rising from Kilauea’s crater, and if conditions allow, glimpses of glowing red lava flowing into the ocean. Experience the raw power of nature like never before.(Lava and smoke sightings vary and depend on volcanic activity and weather.)

Experience the lush beauty of Hawaii's rainforests as you fly over miles of verdant terrain. The tour includes breathtaking views of the Wailuku River and its cascading waterfalls, which tumble into emerald ponds below. These scenes are a testament to Hawaii's stunning natural diversity.

Soar above the island's unique black-sand beaches, created by volcanic activity. These striking landscapes provide a dramatic contrast to the lush greenery and blue ocean, making for incredible photo opportunities.

You'll be flying in an ECO-Star helicopter, known for its spacious cabin and superior comfort. Communicate clearly with your pilot using aviation-grade, noise-canceling headsets. Your pilot will provide insightful commentary throughout the tour, enhancing your understanding of the landscapes below.

Why Choose Blue Hawaiian Helicopters?
  • Top Safety Standards: The only tour company in Hawaii with a voluntary FAA SMS program.
  • Experienced Pilots: Each pilot has a minimum of 2,500 flight hours and over five years of experience.
  • High-Tech Fleet: Featuring state-of-the-art Airbus Eco-Star helicopters.
  • Comfort and Views: All forward-facing seats with 180-degree views, VIP interior upgrades, and advanced in-flight video systems.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Tour Reviews

 Tripster User Profile Image
Tripster Customer
Dublin, CA
6 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Trip of a couple of firsts..."
February 2025
Trip of many firsts! My wife and I always go on an annual Pre-Valentine's Day trip. This year, we chose to go to Hilo. This would be my wife's first time to Hilo and also first time on a helicopter tour.

Booking the tour through Tripster is so effortless. It was nice to have the option to book the front seats next to the pilot; as my wife is "height-challenged" and I wanted her first flight in a helicopter to be something to remember.

I previously worked in the helicopter tour Industry on Kauai, so I was already familiar with the top-notch operation at Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by Christian and Eric and led through a Safety briefing. After the safety briefing, we were introduced to our pilot, Ryan, And he took a moment to talk about his pilot experience and spoke about what we would experience on our tour. (This added personal touch helped calm my wife's nerves for her first flight.) we were then escorted to the helicopter for pre-flight photos and to board. The 50 minute "Discover Hilo" tour was smooth, scenic, educational and entertaining. Our pilot had a good selection of music that perfectly fit the different areas that we were flying over. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip and would recommend it!
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Tip: 1) Helicopter company employees are trained to say that all seats have great views. That is true for the most part, but there really is nothing like sitting next to the pilot in the front! 2) Don't be afraid of doing your tour when it's rainy or cloudy. These types of conditions produce abundant waterfalls and the likelihood of seeing full circle rainbows from the sky.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Tour

Where does Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Tour depart?

The Discover Hilo helicopter tour departs from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters' Big Island location at the Hilo International Airport, located at 2650 Kekuanaoa St, Hilo, HI 96720.

What time should I check-in for the tour?

Check-in is 45 minutes prior to your tour time.

How long is this Big Island helicopter tour?

The Discover Hilo volcano helicopter tour lasts approximately 50 minutes.

What should we wear?

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters' aircraft are temperature controlled, so dress comfortably. Wear solid dark-colored clothing to minimize your clothing reflection in your photos. Hats are not allowed around the helicopters as they can fly up into the rotors and damage the aircraft.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes. Even if you plan to buy the inflight video, you will not want to miss an opportunity to save these memories.

Is anti-motion sickness medication recommended?

Taking a precautionary anti-motion sickness medication is a good idea if you are particularly prone to motion sickness. However, Blue Hawaiian's flights are very smooth, and turns are slow and gentle. Most people do not experience motion sickness and do not need an anti-motion sickness medication.

How much experience do the pilots have?

All Blue Hawaiian Helicopters pilots are highly experienced. Each is required to obtain certification as a State of Hawaii Tour Guide. Blue Hawaiian is the only helicopter tour company in Hawaii with its state-of-the-art Flight Simulator. It is the only one that puts its pilots through annual factory and FAA recurrent training.

Will we be the only ones in the helicopter? How is seating arranged?

You will be sharing the flight with other guests. Couples and families are seated side-by-side as much as possible. They cannot guarantee particular seating as the FAA-approved “weight and balance” program often dictates it. However, visibility from every seat is excellent in both their A-Star and Eco-Star helicopters since there are no cabin partitions that would block part of the view, as in other types of helicopters.

Does this tour have any weight restrictions?

An adjacent, empty seat purchase is required for each guest weighing more than 240lbs. The charge for an adjacent empty seat is 50% off the regular tour price. This open seat ensures comfort for you and all of the guests on your flight.

Will they make a video of our actual tour?

Every flight is captured on a high-quality DVD. Each helicopter has four cameras; three external and one in the cabin. The video recording begins during the boarding process. You'll likely first see yourself on the video as you approach the aircraft for boarding. To orchestrate the most interesting video, the pilot chooses between the forward, side, or internal camera as the flight progresses. The cabin camera, for example, usually shows you right after lift-off. The recording is continuous until landing and includes digital quality music chosen to complement the changing scenery and the pilot's narration. The video is available for purchase right after you return from your flight.