Volcanoes National Park offers spectacular helicopter tours, providing visitors with breathtaking aerial views of active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and dramatic coastlines. These tours typically last 45-55 minutes and cover Kilauea’s active crater, Halema’uma’u Crater, and the East Rift Zone. Operated by various companies, these tours offer unique perspectives on the park’s geological wonders, combining safety, comfort, and educational insights from experienced pilots.
What Types of Helicopter Tours Are Available?
Helicopter tours over Volcanoes National Park come in various forms, each offering a unique experience:
Duration and Routes
- 45-55 Minute Tours: These flights cover the main attractions of Volcanoes National Park, including:
- Kilauea’s active crater
- Halema’uma’u Crater
- East Rift Zone
- Puna region
- Black sand beaches
- Chain of Craters Road
Unique Features
- Scenic Views:
- Active volcanic areas
- Steam vents
- Lava tubes (e.g., Thurston Lava Tube)
-
Waterfalls (Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls)
-
Cultural and Geological Insights:
-
Pilots provide commentary on:
- Geology
- History
- Cultural significance of volcanic landscapes
-
State-of-the-Art Helicopters:
- Airbus EcoStar or A-Star helicopters
- Safety features
- Comfort amenities
- Clear views
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Two-way microphones
Land and Air Combination
Many tours combine helicopter flights with ground exploration, including:
– Stops at various overlooks
– Garden visits
– Tours of historic Hilo town
What Are the Current Availability and Booking Restrictions?
Specific Dates and Peak Seasons
- Year-round availability
- Peak seasons:
- Mid-December to mid-April
- Summer months
- Advance booking recommended, especially during peak times
Restrictions on Booking
- Weight Restrictions:
- Passengers over 240 pounds may need to purchase an additional seat
-
All passengers weighed during check-in
-
Flight Schedules:
- Subject to change
- Passengers responsible for checking flight status
-
Transportation to/from airport not always included
-
Weather Conditions:
- Lava sightings not guaranteed
- Flight plans may adjust based on conditions
What Are the Costs Associated with Helicopter Tours?
Pricing by Tour Type
| Tour Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Helicopter Tours | $350-$400 per person (45-55 minutes) |
| Combination Tours | $600-$1,000+ per person |
Group Size and Additional Fees
- Group discounts available for 12 or more
- Private tours at higher costs
- Additional fees may apply for:
- Front-seat upgrades
- Extra transportation
- Additional seat due to weight restrictions
How Does the Booking Process Work?
Contact Information and Online Platforms
- Bookings available through tour operator websites:
- Hawaii Tours
- Safari Helicopters
- Hawaii Volcano Expeditions
- Contact methods:
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
Required Deposits and Cancellation Policies
- Deposits: Some tours require deposit or full payment at booking
- Cancellation Policies:
- Many offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour
- Refunds for helicopter portion if cancelled due to weather
- Additional costs (e.g., taxi, airline change fees) may be guest’s responsibility
By offering these helicopter tours, Volcanoes National Park provides visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to witness the raw power and beauty of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape from a unique aerial perspective.
References:
1. https://www.hawaiitours.com/to-do/big-island-helicopter-and-volcano-sightseeing-from-oahu-and-maui/
2. https://safarihelicopters.com/big-island-helicopter-tours/
3. https://hawaiivolcanoexpeditions.com/tours/oahu-volcano-with-airfare-land-tour-helicopter-ride/