Hilo sits right next to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, and this family-run helicopter company – the island’s longest-running – gets you above it all in a way that feels personal and thrilling. You’ll meet your captain at Hilo Airport, get a quick safety briefing, then lift off into skies filled with rainbows and mist. From the air, the Big Island opens up: glowing lava flows snaking through black rock, massive craters in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, cascading waterfalls hidden in lush valleys, and endless green orchid farms and rainforests stretching to the coast. Your captain doubles as guide, pointing out the spots and sharing real island stories while you take in views most people never see. Comfortable helicopters, small groups and that local ohana vibe make it the kind of aerial adventure that leaves you speechless – pure Big Island magic from above.
The smoldering fissures of Kīlauea and the emerald expanse of native orchid farms serve as the stage for this 55-minute high-altitude aerial expedition.
Operated by the Big Island's longest-running family helicopter company, this journey transitions from the Hilo Airport commuter terminal directly into the heart of the world’s most active volcanic landscape.
You move from the lush, inaccessible forests of the Hilo coast to the stark, vertical beauty of recent lava flows, experiencing an environment where expert pilots like Jim and Andrew ensure every passenger captures a panoramic view.
Because this is a highly popular activity with a strict 6-passenger limit, you should book your Volcano Safari early to secure your 2026 seat in the clouds.
Expect a breathtaking, fast-paced, and professionally managed immersion into the Big Island’s most dramatic vertical features. The transition from the tarmac to the volcanic vents is managed with "kindness and professionalism," making even first-time flyers feel secure. The environment is one of "unforgettable scale," where the pilot’s live commentary brings the geological history of the lava flows to life. Note that accurate weights are vertically essential for safety; passengers over 250 lbs (or a combined 420 lbs for two) may require an additional seat purchase.
Provide your exact weight during booking; our agency finds that travelers who are honest about their weight avoid the vertical stress of being asked to purchase an extra seat or being stepped down from the tour on the day of the flight.
Don't worry about which side you sit on; our clients, travelers, and our agency suggest that experienced pilots like Andrew are excellent at banking the helicopter so that both sides get equal vertical views of the craters.
Wear dark-colored clothing to minimize reflections on the helicopter windows; this allows you to capture much clearer vertical shots of the lava flows without the glare from your own clothes interfering with the lens.
Arrive a full 40 minutes early; this gives the ground crew enough time to handle the safety protocol and allows for those "memorable landing photos" that really highlight the scale of the 2026 adventure.
The lighting and volcanic visibility change vertically throughout the 2026 season.
At the small commuter terminal (green roof) at Hilo Airport.
No, you must arrange your own transportation to Hilo Airport.
Ages 2 to 99 are welcome; infants must sit on laps.
Yes, passengers over 250 lbs may require an additional seat purchase for balance.
The total aerial experience lasts approximately 55 minutes.
Book it today with Hilo Tours or simply following this link.
