Kona helicopter tours with open doors offer an exhilarating aerial experience over Hawaii’s Big Island. These tours provide unobstructed views of volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastlines. With prices ranging from $400 to $800 per person, these tours typically last 30 to 90 minutes. Safety is paramount, with experienced pilots and comprehensive briefings. The open-door option allows for an immersive experience, capturing stunning photographs without window glare.
What Are the Pricing Tiers for Kona Helicopter Tours Open Door?
Kona helicopter tours with open doors come in various pricing tiers, depending on the duration, company, and specific package. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:
- Standard Tours (30-60 minutes)
- Price Range: $400 – $600 per person
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Example: Rainbow Helicopters’ “Kona Coast Hualalai Volcano” tour at $515 for 60 minutes
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Extended Tours (90 minutes or more)
- Price Range: $600 – $800+ per person
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Example: Rainbow Helicopters’ “Kohala Coast Volcanoes Waterfalls” tour at similar pricing for 90 minutes
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Private Tours
- Price Range: Starting from $429 per person
- Example: “Magical Waterfalls Private Helicopter Tour” from Kona (75 minutes)
It’s important to note that these prices may not always explicitly include the open-door option. Some companies offer this as a free upgrade during checkout, while others may charge an additional fee.
What Does the Open Door Experience Entail?
The open-door experience on Kona helicopter tours offers a unique and immersive way to explore the Big Island’s diverse landscapes. Here’s what you can expect:
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Unobstructed Views: Flying without doors provides a 180-degree panoramic view, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
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Sensory Experience: Feel the rush of wind and the warmth of the Hawaiian sun as you soar over the island.
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Scenic Highlights:
- Kona coastline
- Hualalai volcano
- Ka’upulehu Crater
- Ancient Kaloko Fish Ponds
- Magic Sands Beach
- Kona Coffee farms
- Four volcanoes (on extended tours)
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Cascading waterfalls like Laupahoehoe Nui and Wai’ilikahi
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Flight Duration Options:
| Tour Type | Duration | Example Tour |
|———–|———-|————–|
| Short | 30 min | Kona Coast Scenic |
| Standard | 60 min | Kona Coast Hualalai Volcano |
| Extended | 90+ min | Kohala Coast Volcanoes Waterfalls |
How Are Safety Measures Implemented in Open Door Tours?
Safety is a top priority for all Kona helicopter tour operators, especially for open-door flights. Here are the key safety measures in place:
- Pilot Qualifications
- Highly experienced pilots
- Stringent safety standards
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Extensive flying experience in Hawaiian conditions
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Aircraft Maintenance
- Regular equipment checks
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Use of reliable aircraft (e.g., Airbus Astar helicopters)
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Passenger Safety Briefings
- Comprehensive pre-flight instructions
- Proper use of safety harnesses
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Guidelines for open-door photography
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Weather Monitoring
- Continuous assessment of weather conditions
- Potential rescheduling for adverse weather
What Are Recent Customer Reviews Saying?
While specific recent reviews aren’t available in the provided sources, general customer feedback highlights several aspects of Kona helicopter tours with open doors:
- Positive Aspects
- Breathtaking views
- Professional and knowledgeable pilots
- Unique and thrilling open-door experience
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High-quality photography opportunities
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Considerations
- Higher cost compared to closed-door tours
- Potential for weather-related cancellations
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Noise levels (mitigated by provided headsets)
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Overall Satisfaction
- Generally high ratings for companies like Rainbow Helicopters
- Praise for the immersive nature of open-door flights
- Appreciation for the comprehensive island overview
How to Choose the Right Kona Helicopter Tour with Open Doors?
Selecting the ideal open-door helicopter tour in Kona depends on several factors:
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Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend, keeping in mind that prices range from $400 to $800+.
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Duration: Choose between shorter 30-minute flights or extended 90-minute tours based on your interests and time constraints.
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Specific Sights: Some tours focus more on volcanoes, while others emphasize waterfalls or coastlines. Pick one that aligns with your preferences.
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Company Reputation: Research tour operators, looking at their safety records and customer reviews.
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Additional Services: Consider companies that offer free open-door upgrades or those that provide high-quality photos/videos of your flight.
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Flexibility: Check cancellation policies and whether the company offers alternatives in case of bad weather.
By considering these factors, you can ensure you choose a Kona helicopter tour with open doors that best suits your needs and provides an unforgettable aerial adventure over the Big Island.