Hawaii Volcano National Park is one of the most preferred places to visit by travelers around the world. Being the home for the world's most active and largest volcanoes, people are attracted to experience the thrill and unforgettable experience presented by these natural establishments.
Hawaii volcanoes helicopter tours Hilo Hi is the most prominent option available for individuals or groups looking to tap into such experiences.
In this article, we will understand the details of Hawaii Volcanoes Helicopter Tours, specifically in Hilo, providing data-driven insights, important facts, and recommendations for making the most of your aerial adventure.
Hilo is located on the eastern side of the Big Island and is considered the gateway to Hawaii Volcano National Park, one of the most active volcanic areas in the world.
The town’s location provides access to views of both Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes.
If you’re seeking an up-close view of Hawaii volcanic activity, Hawaii volcanoes helicopter tours in Hilo, HI, offer a thrilling and informative way to explore some of nature’s most powerful creations in action.
Kīlauea
Kīlauea is the youngest and most active volcano on the island of Hawaii and one of the most active in the world. In recorded history, it has only had a few short breaks. Over the past 1,000 years, lava flows have covered almost 90% of its surface. (source)
The recent eruption of Kīlauea began from the southwest part of the caldera at approximately 2:20 a.m. HST on December 23, 2024 (source). Typically, on Hawaii volcanoes, helicopter tours of Hilo Hi are not allowed during the eruption.
But now the islandic government has set up certain flight rules that pilots follow, which include distances of how close helicopters can come and what altitude they have to stay at.
In 2024, there were small eruptions in the Kilauea Crater and Volcanoes National Park.
These eruptions made the crater glow, and visitors could even see the molten lava from the rim of the crater.
Kīlauea's lava flows are unpredictable, so a helicopter tour offers an excellent chance to witness this natural phenomenon from a safe distance.
Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa is the large shield volcano that makes up over half of the island of Hawaii. After 38 years, it has erupted for the first time in November-December 2022 and it has the potential to directly impact multiple communities on the island of Hawaii. (source)
Past Mauna Loa eruptions have started within Moku Aweoweo, the caldera at the summit. Mauna Loa is among the Earth’s most active volcanoes and it has erupted 34 times since the first eruption in 1843.
The sheer size of Mauna Loa is overwhelming, with its massive caldera and lava fields stretching for miles.
Hawaii volcanoes: helicopter tours in Hilo allow you to observe both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, giving you a bird's-eye view of the scale and power of these geological wonders.
Tour Duration and Pricing
Hawaii volcanoes: helicopter tours of Hilo typically last between 45 and 50 minutes. These tours are priced based on the length of the flight, the number of passengers, and the specific tour package selected.
On average, a basic helicopter tour starts at approximately $439 per person. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, extended tours or private charters may be available at higher prices.
Tour Operators in Hawaii
There are several helicopter tour companies that are known to provide exceptional experiences of Hawaii volcano helicopter tours.
These companies operate under the FAA's Part 135 regulations and have an "Air Carrier Certificate" or "Operating Certificate.". This certificate is required to fly under Part 135. (source)
To get Part 135 certification, it is mandatory to meet certain requirements, such as appropriate pilot training and qualification standards, safety procedures, operational rules, aircraft maintenance rules, passenger rights, and safety standards.
Some of the leading operators are:
Big Island Helicopter Tours
Safari Helicopters
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Safety Considerations
Hawaii volcanoes helicopter tours Hilo Hi, come with inherent risks. However, the safety of passengers is a top priority for all licensed tour operators.
All helicopters used for tours in Hilo must meet FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) standards, and pilots are highly trained to navigate the challenging flying conditions over volcanoes.
In addition, helicopter tours in Hawaii are subject to the Hawaii Volcanoes Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which was implemented to regulate and minimize environmental impact in the area.
“As of 2023, the ATMP restricted the number of air tours allowed over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to just 1,550 tours annually, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of helicopter tours.”
Due to the limited number of slots and the popularity of Hawaii volcano helicopter tours in Hilo, HI, it’s recommended to book your tour in advance. This ensures that you can secure your preferred time and date. Many operators also offer online booking, making it easy to plan your tour ahead of time.
Visit Dynamic Tour Hawaii and easily book the tours to prominent volcanic areas of Hawaii. Call now!
Website: https://dynamichawaii.com/
E-Mail: info@dynamichawaii.com
Contact No.: +1-8002110628
Location: 315 Hookahi Street Wailuku, HI 96793