The Kona: Circle Island Experience offers visitors a unique chance to soar above Hawaii’s stunning landscapes. This 120-135 minute helicopter tour takes adventurous travelers on an unforgettable journey, showcasing the island’s diverse natural beauty. From the comfort of a state-of-the-art helicopter, guests marvel at black sand beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes. With knowledgeable pilots providing live commentary, this intimate experience promises an up-close look at the region’s wonders. But the true allure of this tour lies in the breathtaking aerial views that leave a lasting impression on all who partake. Where will this journey take you?
Good To Know
- A 120-135 minute helicopter tour showcasing the diverse landscapes of the Big Island, including black sand beaches, rainforests, live volcanoes, and waterfalls.
- Features preferred window seating, two-way headsets for communication, live commentary, and sliding windows for aerial photography.
- Departs and returns to Paradise Helicopters’ headquarters in Kailua-Kona, with a centralized and easily accessible starting point.
- Accommodates a maximum of 6 passengers per flight, offering an intimate experience with positive traveler feedback.
- Provides unparalleled aerial views of volcanic landscapes, including active lava flows, iridescent pools, and cascading waterfalls.
Overview of the Tour
The Kona: Circle Island Experience is a thrilling helicopter tour that whisks visitors from Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, on a captivating 120-135 minute journey.
Recommended by 98% of travelers, this tour offers breathtaking views of black sand beaches, lush rainforests, live volcanoes, waterfalls, and the stunning Waipio and Waimanu valleys.
With a perfect 5.0 rating from 49 reviews, the tour features preferred window seating, two-way headset communication, and live commentary from the pilot on the landmarks below.
Accommodating a maximum of 6 passengers per helicopter, this unique aerial experience showcases the diverse natural wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Big Island of Hawaii.
Tour Features
This helicopter tour offers a preferred seating option that guarantees passengers a window seat, allowing for unobstructed views and easy photography during the flight. Passengers can also communicate with the pilot through two-way headsets and enjoy live commentary on the landmarks below. The helicopter’s sliding windows provide excellent opportunities to capture stunning footage of flowing lava and cascading waterfalls. With a maximum of 6 passengers per flight, this tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience.
Tour Feature | Description |
---|---|
Seating | Preferred window seats |
Communication | Two-way headsets with pilot |
Commentary | Live narration of landmarks |
Photography | Sliding windows for unobstructed shots |
Group Size | Maximum of 6 passengers |
Meeting and Pickup
Guests meet at the Paradise Helicopters’ headquarters, located at 73-341 Uu St in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
The activity begins and ends at this convenient meeting point. Passengers are advised to arrive 15-20 minutes early to check in and prepare for their adventure.
Once the tour is complete, the helicopter will return participants back to the original departure location. This ensures a smooth and seamless start and end to the unforgettable Kona Circle Island Experience.
Guests don’t need to worry about finding their own way to the tour, as the meeting point provides a centralized and easily accessible starting point.
Important Details
Participants receive confirmation of their booking unless their tour is within 12 hours of travel.
The helicopter tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though assistance can be provided if needed. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants will sit on laps. Guests weighing 270 lbs or more must purchase an additional seat.
Seating assignments are based on weight and balance per FAA guidelines to ensure a safe flight. These policies prioritize the comfort and security of all passengers.
With these important details in mind, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable aerial adventure showcasing the Big Island’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
Traveler Experiences
Travelers rave about the knowledge and expertise of the pilots, who effortlessly navigate the diverse terrain of the Big Island.
Reviews highlight the pilots’ deep understanding of the region, from the dramatic volcanoes to the lush, verdant valleys.
Passengers express excitement and satisfaction with the overall experience, captivated by:
- The breathtaking views of flowing lava and cascading waterfalls
- The diverse landscapes, ranging from black sand beaches to dense rainforests
- The informative commentary that brings the island’s natural wonders to life
The staff’s friendliness and knowledgeability further contribute to the overwhelmingly positive traveler experiences, cementing the tour as a must-do activity for visitors to Kona.
Aerial Views of Kona
The Kona Circle Island Experience whisks passengers away on an unforgettable aerial journey, offering unparalleled vantage points of the Big Island’s diverse natural landscapes.
Gliding over black sand beaches, the helicopter offers a bird’s-eye view of the island’s lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Passengers thrill at the sight of active volcanoes, their flowing lava streaking across the terrain.
The Waipio and Waimanu valleys unfurl below, revealing the island’s dramatic topography. With sliding windows and two-way communication with the pilot, travelers can capture stunning photographs and learn about the landmarks in real-time.
This aerial tour delivers an exhilarating adventure that showcases the beauty of Kona from an exceptional vantage point.
Exploring Volcanic Landscapes
The helicopter’s sliding windows afford unparalleled views of the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes.
Gazing down, passengers marvel at the dramatic contrasts – from the jet-black lava flows that carve through the terrain, to the emerald-green rainforests that cling to the mountainsides.
The tour showcases the island’s most captivating geological features:
- Billowing plumes of steam rising from the active volcanoes
- Shimmering, iridescent pools of crystalline water nestled in ancient volcanic calderas
- Cascading waterfalls that tumble over towering cliffs, their mists dancing in the sunlight
This aerial adventure offers a unique perspective on the raw, untamed power of Hawaii’s volcanic origins.
Unforgettable Helicopter Adventure
Soaring over the Big Island’s captivating landscapes, the Kona Circle Island Experience delivers an unforgettable helicopter adventure.
Travelers embark on a 120-135 minute tour, recommended by 98% of guests, that showcases the island’s diverse natural wonders.
Pilots provide live commentary on landmarks like black sand beaches, lush rainforests, and flowing lava. Passengers enjoy the comfort of window seats and two-way headset communication, making it easy to capture stunning aerial photography.
With a maximum of 6 guests per helicopter, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.
Consistently praised for their knowledge and safety, the pilots ensure an exciting yet smooth journey over the island’s volcanic terrain.
Things To Known
Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?
Yes, you can bring your own camera equipment. The tour provides sliding windows for easy photography, allowing you to capture the stunning landscapes and flowing lava during the helicopter ride.
What Is the Cancellation/Refund Policy?
The tour operator has a flexible cancellation policy – guests can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure. There’s a 50% refund for cancellations within 24 hours.
Are There Any Restrictions on Personal Items?
The tour has no restrictions on personal items, but guests are advised to secure any loose objects. Small cameras and smartphones are permitted, and the helicopter provides optimal opportunities for taking photos and videos during the scenic flight.
Can I Request a Specific Pilot or Helicopter?
While customers can’t request a specific pilot, they can request preferred seating to guarantee a window seat. The tour company assigns helicopters and pilots based on weight and balance requirements to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children?
The helicopter tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement. Children of all ages are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult, and infants will sit on their parents’ laps during the flight.
Sum Up
The "Kona: Circle Island Experience" delivers an unparalleled aerial tour of Kona’s captivating landscapes. Guests are treated to breathtaking vistas, from black sand beaches to active volcanoes, all while soaring above in the comfort of a helicopter. With knowledgeable pilots providing live commentary, this exhilarating 120-135 minute adventure showcases the true beauty of Hawaii’s diverse natural wonders, leaving travelers awestruck and eager to return.
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