Why Choose a Helicopter Tour?
While ground tours to Hawaii’s volcanoes, such as those in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, are popular, a helicopter tour offers a different level of excitement and perspective. The bird’s-eye view of an erupting volcano, flowing lava rivers, and the expansive lava fields that blanket the landscape is an experience unmatched by any ground-based tour. Helicopters also allow access to remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible, offering a glimpse into the hidden corners of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape.
From above, the contrasts of the vibrant red lava against the dark, hardened fields and lush green surroundings create a mesmerizing scene. Hawaii Volcano Helicopter Tours Helicopter tours offer a unique vantage point, making it possible to view multiple volcanic features in a short time.
The Key Sites
On a helicopter tour, visitors typically fly over the Big Island of Hawaii, where two of the most active volcanoes in the world reside—Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The tour may begin by circling Kilauea, which has been erupting continuously since 1983. This massive volcano is home to the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, often spewing ash and smoke and offering glimpses of molten lava. The contrast of red-hot lava against the dark volcanic rock is truly breathtaking, especially when seen from above.
Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on the planet, is another highlight. Its sheer size can only be fully appreciated from the sky, where its vast caldera and flowing lava can be observed in all their grandeur. Some tours also pass over Puʻu ʻŌʻō, a volcanic cone on the Kilauea volcano that has been actively spewing lava for decades, creating vast lava rivers and new land as the molten rock flows into the ocean.
Aside from these prominent volcanic features, helicopter tours often showcase Hawaii’s other natural wonders. You might fly over lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and black sand beaches, offering a stunning juxtaposition of nature’s fury and beauty.
What to Expect During the Tour
Helicopter tours in Hawaii typically last between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the package and company chosen. Passengers board sleek, modern helicopters with large windows, designed to provide optimal visibility. Most companies offer tours that focus on the volcanoes, but some combine the volcanic experience with other scenic highlights of the islands, such as flying over the Hamakua Coast or the Waipio Valley.
During the flight, the pilot also serves as a guide, narrating the geological and cultural history of the sites being flown over. Modern helicopters are equipped with headsets that allow passengers to ask questions and listen to the commentary, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience.
Safety and Sustainability
Helicopter tours in Hawaii are generally safe, with experienced pilots who are well-trained in flying over volcanic areas. Helicopter Rides Kauai Hawaii Tour operators are also committed to minimizing the environmental impact of their flights. Many companies work with local authorities and environmental organizations to ensure that flights do not disrupt wildlife or fragile ecosystems.
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