Helicopter tours from Kailua-Kona offer the most efficient way to witness Hawaii’s dramatic landscapes. These aerial adventures range from 30-minute coastal flights to 2-hour volcano expeditions, with both shared and private options available. I’m particularly fond of the coffee plantation tours, which combine aerial views with actual landings at local farms – it’s the perfect mix of adventure and local culture. The doors-off volcano flights are another standout, providing unobstructed views of active lava flows when conditions permit.
I recommend booking early morning flights for the clearest visibility and calmest conditions. Most tours depart from Kona International Airport, making them easily accessible for visitors staying in nearby resorts.
Check out our carefully selected top helicopter tours below.
Key Points
- Coastal Scenic Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour offers a 30-minute flight showcasing Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Kailua Bay, and Kona coffee farms.
- Coastal Sights Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour provides a 45-minute tour of Hualālai Volcano, Kailua Bay, and Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.
- Hualalai Volcano Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour is a 1-hour flight featuring Kailua and Kealakekua Bays, lush rainforests, and volcanic craters.
- Kohala, Volcanoes and Waterfall Helicopter Tour is a 1.5-hour experience showcasing Mauna Loa, Kaupulehu Crater, Hualalai volcano, and the Kohala Coast.
- Romantic Kona Coffee & Landing: Private Helicopter Tour offers a 65-minute experience with a private landing at a local coffee farm for a tasting.
Kailua-Kona: Coastal Scenic Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour
Discover the stunning Kailua-Kona coastline from a bird’s eye view with the Coastal Scenic Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour.
At $415 per person for a 30-minute flight, this thrilling aerial adventure offers exceptional value. Soar over Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Kailua Bay, and the lush Kona coffee farms, all while your knowledgeable guide provides engaging commentary.
Choose between a doors-on or doors-off experience, both included at no extra cost. With free cancellation up to 2 days in advance and easy wheelchair accessibility, this tour caters to a wide range of travelers.
Capture unforgettable memories and stunning aerial vistas on this must-do Kailua-Kona helicopter excursion.
Read our full review: Kailua-Kona: Coastal Scenic Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour Review
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Kailua-Kona: Coastal Sights Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour
For a sweeping aerial perspective of Kailua-Kona’s scenic coastal landscapes, the Coastal Sights Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour is a must-try adventure. Priced from $465 per person, this 45-minute tour showcases iconic spots like Hualālai Volcano, Kailua Bay, and the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.
Guests can choose between shared or private flights, with the option to fly with doors on or off. While the doors-off experience may not guarantee adjacent seating, it offers unobstructed views and a truly thrilling perspective.
Safety is a top priority, and the tour provider may reschedule or refund due to extreme weather. This comprehensive helicopter tour is an excellent way to witness Kona’s natural wonders from the sky.
Read our full review: Kailua-Kona: Coastal Sights Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour Review
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Kailua-Kona: Hualalai Volcano Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour
Soaring above Kailua-Kona, the Hualalai Volcano Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour offers an unmatched aerial perspective of the island’s dramatic landscapes.
At Kč 12,329 per person, this 1-hour flight showcases the region’s natural wonders, from the azure waters of Kailua and Kealakekua Bays to the lush rainforests and volcanic craters.
Passengers can choose between a doors-on or doors-off experience, providing an exhilarating and immersive aerial adventure.
With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour highlights landmarks like the Captain Cook Monument and Makalawena Beach, delivering a seamless and wheelchair-accessible experience.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this helicopter tour is an unforgettable way to discover the beauty of Kailua-Kona from the skies.
Read our full review: Kailua-Kona: Hualalai Volcano Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour Review
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Kailua-Kona: Kohala, Volcanoes and Waterfall Helicopter Tour
The Kailua-Kona: Kohala, Volcanoes and Waterfall Helicopter Tour offers an exhilarating aerial adventure that showcases the Big Island’s most captivating natural wonders.
Soaring over Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, and Kailua Bay’s vibrant reefs, this 1.5-hour tour immerses you in the island’s diverse landscapes.
Explore Kaupulehu Crater, Hualalai volcano, and the summit of Mauna Kea, then discover the lush Kohala Coast, with its cascading waterfalls and picturesque valleys.
The shared or private helicopter experience, with doors on or off, provides unobstructed views and an unforgettable perspective of this volcanic paradise.
With free cancellation up to 2 days in advance and an impeccable safety record, this tour is a must-do for any visitor to Kailua-Kona.
Read our full review: Kailua-Kona: Kohala, Volcanoes and Waterfall Helicopter Tour Review
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Romantic Kona Coffee & Landing: Private Helicopter Tour
Looking to elevate your Kailua-Kona experience to new heights? The Romantic Kona Coffee & Landing: Private Helicopter Tour is a must-try.
Soar over picturesque Kailua Bay, Magic Sands Beach, and Kealakekua Bay before landing at a local coffee farm for a private tasting. This 65-minute experience offers unparalleled views and a unique opportunity to learn about Kona’s renowned coffee production.
With a capacity of up to 3 guests, it’s perfect for proposals, anniversaries, or simply indulging in a romantic aerial adventure. Priced at $2,590 per group, it’s a splurge-worthy experience that’ll leave you with lifelong memories.
Secure your spot, and get ready for a truly unforgettable helicopter tour.
Read our full review: Romantic Kona Coffee & Landing: Private Helicopter Tour Review
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Luxury Picnic Volcanoes & Waterfalls: Private Helicopter
Elevating the Kailua-Kona experience to new heights, the Luxury Picnic Volcanoes & Waterfalls: Private Helicopter tour is a must for nature enthusiasts.
This 2.5-hour adventure showcases the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls from the air. Soar over four iconic volcanoes and the stunning Kohala Coast, culminating in a romantic 60-minute private landing for a gourmet meal with champagne and ocean views.
Priced at €4,689.60 for up to 3 participants, this wheelchair-accessible tour offers fantastic value, with English-speaking guides, free cancellation, and a range of safety protocols to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Read our full review: Luxury Picnic Volcanoes & Waterfalls: Private Helicopter Review
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Sum Up
Kailua-Kona offers a stack of breathtaking helicopter tours. Whether you’re after coastal vistas, volcanic landscapes, or picturesque waterfalls, there’s an option to suit every taste and budget. For the ultimate in romance and luxury, the private helicopter tours can’t be beaten. With so many amazing experiences to choose from, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring Kailua-Kona from the air.