Visiting the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes on a day trip from Oahu is a thrilling opportunity not to be missed. This all-inclusive excursion allows travelers to experience the dramatic natural beauty of Hilo, including an exhilarating helicopter tour over active volcanoes. With roundtrip airfare, a guided tour, and a delicious lunch provided, it’s a seamless way to explore Hawaii’s geological wonders. However, there are a few important details to consider before embarking on this adventure. Delving deeper into the tour’s weight restrictions, helicopter conditions, and health and safety precautions can help ensure an unforgettable and safe experience.
Good To Know
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This day trip from Oahu to Hilo includes a 45-minute helicopter tour, visits to active volcanoes, scenic waterfalls, and round-trip airfare, lunch, and gratuities.
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The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers and offers a personalized experience, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.
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Weight restrictions and valid government-issued ID are required for the helicopter tour, and passengers with respiratory issues should consider alternative tours.
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The tour may face disruptions due to weather or other factors, and there is no guaranteed refund for early tour abort.
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Positive reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and the stunning landscapes, while some issues with discomfort during the helicopter ride and customer service have been reported.
Tour Overview and Inclusions
This day trip from Oahu to Hilo offers travelers the opportunity to explore active volcanoes and experience a helicopter tour.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional driver/guide, and a 45-minute helicopter ride with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Roundtrip airfare between the islands, lunch, and gratuities are also provided.
With a maximum of 12 travelers per tour, the experience allows for a more personalized adventure.
Lastly, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, providing flexibility for travelers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Oahu.
Weight and Accessibility Restrictions
Total weight per passenger for this day trip is capped at 240 lbs. Passengers over 240 lbs. will incur a comfort seat surcharge.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and service animals are permitted.
Passengers must provide their full name, date of birth, and gender to meet TSA requirements.
These weight and accessibility restrictions are in place to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all participants on this active volcano and helicopter tour from Oahu to Hilo.
Helicopter Tour Conditions
Weight restrictions apply for the helicopter tour portion of the day trip. All passengers and their belongings are weighed at check-in. A valid government-issued ID is required on the travel day, and the name must match the tour booking.
If the helicopter tour is canceled by the provider, passengers will receive a refund for that portion only. However, an extended sightseeing tour will be offered as an alternative. Refunds for the sightseeing portion aren’t guaranteed if the tour is aborted early.
The key helicopter tour conditions are:
- Weight restrictions in effect
- Valid ID required at check-in
- Refund for helicopter cancellation
- No guaranteed refund for early tour abort
Health and Safety Considerations
Passengers with asthma or respiratory issues should consider alternative tours due to potential fume exposure from active volcanoes.
Lava sightings aren’t guaranteed, as interisland flight times and routes are subject to change.
Travelers with special needs must communicate their requirements to the local supplier at least one week prior to the tour date to ensure the necessary accommodations can be made.
While the tour give you a comprehensive experience, including visits to waterfalls and volcanoes, unexpected disruptions or cancellations may occur.
Travelers are advised to review the tour’s policies and plan accordingly to have an enjoyable and safe experience.
Traveler Feedback and Experiences
Positive traveler reviews highlight the tour’s knowledgeable guides and comprehensive coverage of key attractions like waterfalls and volcanoes.
However, some passengers reported discomfort during the helicopter ride and issues with return transport after the tour. Travelers found the experience worthwhile despite these logistical challenges.
The tour’s main pros and cons include:
- Knowledgeable guides providing in-depth information about the region.
- Opportunity to see active volcanoes and stunning natural landscapes.
- Discomfort experienced by some during the helicopter portion of the tour.
- Occasional customer service issues and transportation problems.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
For this day trip from Oahu to Hilo, travelers can easily book their excursion online. The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience.
Passengers must provide their full name, date of birth, and gender to meet TSA requirements. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility.
However, if the helicopter tour is canceled by the provider, travelers will only receive a refund for that portion, with an extended sightseeing tour offered instead.
While the sightseeing portion refund isn’t guaranteed if the tour is aborted early, the overall booking and cancellation policies offer reasonable flexibility for this unique Hilo adventure.
Getting to Hilo and Back
This day trip from Oahu to Hilo starts with an interisland round-trip airfare that whisks travelers from Oahu to the island of Hawaii’s main city, Hilo.
Upon arrival, participants join their professional driver/guide and board an air-conditioned vehicle for the adventure.
The tour includes:
- A 45-minute helicopter tour over the island’s active volcanoes and stunning landscapes.
- A visit to scenic waterfalls and other natural wonders.
- A delicious included lunch to refuel during the day.
- Complimentary gratuities for the guide and other staff.
After a full day of exploring Hilo, the return trip by air brings the tour to a close, allowing travelers to reflect on the memorable experience.
Sum Up
Explore the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii’s Big Island on this day trip from Oahu. Soar over active volcanoes in a thrilling helicopter tour, then visit stunning waterfalls and natural wonders. With roundtrip airfare, lunch, and a professional guide, this adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Hilo. Book now for an unparalleled exploration of Hawaii’s volcanic terrain.
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