Private Big Island Experience: 3 of 4 Window Seats

Big Island of Hawaii , United States

Private Big Island Experience: 3 of 4 Window Seats

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(88 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

For those of you who want it all, the Full Island VIP Adventure Tour is for you! Volcano, valleys, waterfalls and coastline! It’s all of our helicopter tours of the Big Island rolled into one!

Departing from Kona International Airport, we head straight to Kilauea by way of the saddle running between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, Hawaii’s tallest mountains.

Available options

Big Island Experience

Duration: 2 hours

What's included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Fuel surcharge

Airport/Departure Tax

Detailed itinerary

Start your adventure by flying along saddle road between Mauna Kea (tallest mountain in the world) and Mauna Loa (largest mass mountain in the world) toward Kilauea Iki, one of the most active volcanoes on earth.
Head north up the windward side of the island passing Hilo town, the wettest town on earth, and the heavenly Hamakua Coast filled with flora and fauna. We then decent upon the Kohala Valleyʻs of Waipiʻo, Waimanu, and Pololu, home to 2500 feet waterfalls.

We climb and cross over the summit of Kohala, the oldest of the five volcanoes that make up the Island of Hawaiʻi.

Your tour concludes with a beautiful coastline flight over white sand beaches, pristine coral reefs, ancient lava flows, historic heeiau (temples) and the luxury resorts that make their homes on the island’s leeward shores.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drinks, unless specified

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

12 reviews

5★

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Tripadvisor 5.0

76 reviews

5★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Minimum age requirement of 7 years old

Requires minimum of 3 passengers and maximum of 4 passengers

Individual weight limit cannot exceed 275lbs with a total weight of 750lbs

Tour is done with the Doors ON only.

Check in is 30 minutes prior. Late check ins will be considered as a no show and subject to full price.

Strict 24 hour cancellation policy enforced

Meeting point

Mauna Lao Helicopter Tours - Head Office
73-310 Uu Street, Kailua Kona, 96740

Important notes

Check In times are no later than 30 minutes prior to the flight time. Late check ins will be considered a no how and cancellation policies will be in effect.

The following MUST be presented at check-in for each passenger:
- Photo ID (State ID, Driver's License, Passport)

-Your entire group will be weighed upon arrival, if your group weight is over 700lbs there will be an additional charge to your booking for a fuel stop.

We are located at 73-310 UU Street, Kailua Kona. Look for our Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours Sign. Parking is FREE->Park in the gravel parking lot south of the building. We will meet you in the Tiki Hut at your designated check-in time. Have a seat and make yourselves comfortable.

For passengers taking the BIG ISLAND EXPERIENCE TOUR
- Comfortable temperatures with Air Condition
- Darker Clothing (to minimize reflections from the window)
- Cameras, cellphones, etc permitted (no straps are required)

Weather:
Routes or flight times may vary due to weather conditions. Mauna Loa Helicopters reserves the right to cancel any tour due to poor/unsafe weather up until 15 minutes prior to your take-off time. If cancellation due to weather occurs prior to the flight, any money collected will be refunded. If the flight has begun and must be canceled due to weather within 10 minutes of takeoff, the tour price will be refunded in full. If the flight has exceeded 10 minutes, the passengers will be refunded for the percentage of the flight that did not take place, i.e. if the flight lasted for 30 minutes and was scheduled to take an hour, the passengers will be refunded half of the amount paid.
All reschedules due to cancellations are based on the availability of tours
Route description subject to modification depending on weather conditions

About Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.

Nature/Adventure Full day Moderate ($30 per vehicle)

Mauna Kea Summit

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Nature/Adventure Half day to full day Free (but requires acclimatization)

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Nature/Cultural Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Beach Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($5 per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.

Appetizer Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Main Course Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings

Kona Coffee

A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.

Drink Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated

Popular Activities

Hiking Volcano exploration Water sports Beach lounging Spa treatments Scenic drives Traditional Hawaiian luaus Local markets

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.

21-30°C 70-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.

Important Precautions:

• Rent a car with full insurance coverage
• Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
• Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling

Getting there

By air

Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo

By bus

Hilo, Kona

Getting around

Public transport

The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kona Hilo Waimea

Day trips

Mauna Kea Summit

30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Waipio Valley

60 km from Hilo • Half day

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Hapuna Beach State Park

30 km from Waimea • Half day

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Festivals

Merrie Monarch Festival • April Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November Ironman World Championship • October

Pro tips

Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites