Doors off or on Kilauea Volcano Eruption Helicopter Tour

Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Doors off or on Kilauea Volcano Eruption Helicopter Tour

Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Overview

Soar above the Big Island and witness the raw power of Kilauea, Hawaii’s most active volcano. Choose between a doors-off or doors-on experience for an unforgettable flight. This breathtaking helicopter tour offers a front-row seat to volcanic landscapes, massive craters, and stunning coastlines shaped by fire and time.

🚁 Fly over Kilauea, the Big Island’s most active volcano, and witness its ever-changing landscape—choose between a doors-off or doors-on experience

🌋 Take in breathtaking views of lava fields, craters, and volcanic vents shaped by Pele, the goddess of fire

🏔️ Soar above Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and the stunning Kohala Coast for a bird’s-eye view of Hawaii’s dramatic terrain

📸 Capture incredible aerial photos of the island’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rugged coastlines

Availability

When do I choose a date?

After purchase, you can request your preferred dates and times by following the instructions in the email you receive. If it's a gift, the recipient will also get an email with booking instructions.

Year-Round,
Daily 9:00am to 5:00pm every hour on the hour, Hawaii Standard Time

Full description

Hovering above the Big Island’s ever-changing volcanic landscape, this flight offers a rare look at one of nature’s most powerful forces. Kilauea, the youngest and most active of Hawaii’s five volcanoes, has been reshaping the island for centuries. From above, take in the striking contrast of lush green valleys, hardened lava flows, and the deep craters where the earth still smolders. The sight of volcanic steam and molten rock—when active—adds an almost otherworldly element to the experience, making it clear why Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire, is said to reside within these lands.

Beyond Kilauea, the flight showcases the Big Island’s remarkable geography, from the massive Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea peaks to the rugged Kohala coastline. Soar over the Ka’upulehu Crater and Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve, spotting native Hawaiian flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Along the way, take in panoramic views of sparkling Kailua Bay and the rich history of the Kohala Coast, once home to King Kamehameha. Whether witnessing lava’s slow, unstoppable advance or simply marveling at the vast beauty of the island from above, this flight offers a one-of-a-kind perspective on the Big Island’s dynamic and powerful landscape.

Practical information

Any restrictions to participate?

Age: All age groups are welcome. Children under 24 months can fly for free on a responsible adult’s lap; children 24 months and older require a full-fare seat.
Health limitations: Those prone to motion sickness may want to take medication beforehand.
Experience level: All levels are welcome.

Who can be accommodated?

Children: All ages are welcome on doors-on flights. Children 24 months and under do well on flights, and fly for free. They even have baby headsets for them to wear. Please be aware that FAA regulations require a full-fare seat for children 24 months and over. Children 24 months and under are welcome to sit on the lap of a responsible adult at no charge.
Languages: The live tour includes guided commentary in English.
Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

Duration: Expect a total experience of around 1h45, including check-in, briefing, and flight.
What’s included:
- Helicopter tour over the Big Island, including Kilauea Volcano and other scenic locations.
- Choose between doors on or off
- Live guided tour with commentary.
- Straps and cases for cell phones.
- Parking fees.
Who will be present: A highly experienced pilot will guide the tour. Other guests may be on board unless a private tour is booked.
Spectators: Not applicable.
Photo/video: Photography is encouraged. Passengers may take their own photos, and window seating provides unobstructed views.
Specific rules to follow: Your pilot will go over all the rules and safety instructions upon arrival.

How to prepare?

Weather dependency: This experience is weather dependent and routes are subject to change due to weather.
Arrival: Check in time for your flight is 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Please understand that your check in time is required to ensure you are prepared for your flight and a safety briefing will be given at that time. Late arrivals are subject to a reduction in flight time and/or full cancellation of flight.
Parking: Parking fees are included in the experience.
What to wear: Your choice of clothing depends on whether you book a doors-on or doors-off tour. For a doors-on tour, the temperature aboard the helicopter is very comfortable during flights-t-shirts and shorts are just fine. For doors-off tours, jackets and/or sweatshirts are required and long pants are recommended. Closed-toed shoes are required for doors-off tours. Hats are not allowed. For those with long hair, a hair tie is recommended.
What to bring:
- Cameras and phones (straps and cases are provided)
- Motion sickness medication if needed
- Gratuity for your pilot if you enjoy the tour
Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Guests are advised to arrive prepared.

Anything else to know before starting this experience?

Active volcano sightings are not guaranteed due to unpredictable volcanic activity and weather conditions. Alternative scenic locations such as waterfalls and rainforests will be included in the tour if needed.
Doors-on vs. doors-off tours:
- Doors-on: Comfortable, with clear window views and live narration.
- Doors-off: Offers an unobstructed floor-to-ceiling photographic experience but is windier and colder.

Returns, exchanges and cancellation

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 48 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 48 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.