Home > Hawaii > Volcanoes and Waterfall Extreme: 45-Minute Open-Door Volcanoes Helicopter Flight
USD $299.00
Volcanoes and Waterfall Extreme: 45-Minute Open-Door Volcanoes Helicopter Flight
Hawaii, United States of America
Feel a Hawaiian volcano’s heat radiate from its crater as you experience live volcanic activity up close, with nothing between you and the lava! An open-door helicopter ride over a Big Island volcano is the adventure of a lifetime. After the lava warms you up, you’ll cool back down with breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls before soaring back to Hilo.
For a guaranteed window seat, make sure to upgrade to the preferred seating option.
This 45-minute Big Island helicopter ride from Hilo isn’t your average helicopter tour. You won’t simply stare out of glass windows – this helicopter is open-door, meaning there’s nothing between you and these amazing Hawaiian sights (don’t worry, it’s safe!).
You’ll take off from Hilo International Airport in a four-passenger Hughes 500 Helicopter and spend almost an hour flying over this beautiful island. Soar above an active Hawaiian volcano and watch the lava flow to the ocean. Get up close and personal with volcanic lava, and feel its heat emanating from the crater, with nothing between you but air. This once-in-a-lifetime experience gets you as close as you'll ever want to be to a natural wonder so powerful and magnificent.
In addition to the volcano, you’ll fly over waterfalls and tropical rainforests. Listen to expert narration from your professional pilot on your two-way headset, and see great views of historic downtown Hilo on your return flight to the airport.
I loved the doors off experience! Definitely something you should consider. The helicopter ride was much smoother than I expected. The harness and seat belt made me feel very secure so I was able to get some great pictures without the doors. The company recommended you dress for 50 degree weather so we were prepared for the cooler temperatures when in the air when the breeze went right through the back seats.
Review by: Angela B, October 2017
Our pilot Chris was very informative and pointed out everything of interest and history of the Island. We were too awestruck to speak.
Review by: cjmmangino, September 2017
Too short for the price paid, but there aren't very many options for this type of tour. The pilot Pete was great, but we would have liked more close ups of the falls and volcano.
Review by: weixing d, August 2017
Excellent experience and service!
Review by: Rafael Angel C, August 2017
This was amazing from beginning to end!! No regrets at all. The pilot super cool, the views no way better and the experience was totally above expectations. The only thing is the pick up that we had to go to the airport directly because they couldn't pick us up at the cruise pier terminal and back.
Review by: Terri S, August 2017
Words cannot express how amazing this experience was! I am afraid of heights but was determined to go on a helicopter tour. This company explained everything, went over safety tips and completely put me at ease with their professionalism. The ground crew was knowledgeable and very helpful. I rented a GoPro for a very reasonable price, they gave me some tips and how to operate it. The flight was smooth. Flying over volcanoes was amazing, the pilot was very knowledgeable, unfortunately you are at the whim of the volcano. Not much lava to see but lots of steam. I was disappointed in the waterfalls we were shown...it was a series of falls in Hilo. I would've liked to have seen something a bit more extravagant or maybe fly over Kilauea, if that is allowed.
Review by: Diane R, July 2017
This was by far the highlight of our time on Hawaii. The views were amazing, and the flight itself was so fun. All ages enjoyed it....put this on your list of things to do on the big island!
Review by: Traci H, July 2017
Fantastic!!! We loved everything about this helicopter tour. Got right up to active lava, and even got to witness a rare flow that had popped up above ground. Very knowledgeable pilot, we felt extremely safe and secure the entire time. This helicopter had 3 passengers up front, two in back. It gets very windy and chilly on this ride with the doors off, especially in the back. A light jacket and pants are a very good idea, even though you'll be sweating while you stand and wait to board. We would do this tour again for sure. Highly recommend.
Review by: Katherine N, July 2017
Open door helicopter rides are a must-try! Matt was a knowledgeable and fun pilot. It was amazing experiencing the wind, fresh air, heat from the volcano, and no windows with glare that affect your photos. So glad I got to sit in the co-pilot seat! Only complaint was that I couldn and #39;t get enough...
Review by: John C, June 2017
Had a great time and the views were amazing. Our pilot Paul was very knowledgeable about the area and history. Flying open door is the way to go, you can feel the heat coming up from the lava flows and volcano below. Paul circled the sites from both sides of the helicopter so everyone could get a good look at what was below. Great experience and I would highly recommend this adventure.
Review by: Deborah R, June 2017
Very easy to book tour. Staff at Paradise Helicopters were friendly and helpful, explaining what to do, especially the safety briefing. Pilot was excellent, pointing out unique spots at volcano and around Hilo. Definitely a great way to see Hawaii.
Review by: ebass171, June 2017
Our first flight in a helicopter and it very exciting. I didn't have a door on my side which made for great pictures and a higher pulse rate. _br/_ Everyone at Paradise Helicopters was professional and very friendly. Got to see, smell and feel the heat of the lava. Being up in a small aircraft with no door is wild enough but to be over a boiling lava pit intensifies the experience immensely. We will definitely do it again.
Review by: Susy C, May 2017
Was a little hesitant when we booked this but thought what a great experience. Yes, no doors. I suggest if you are adventurous, do this, it is the only way to go over the volcano. If you are scared, do not do. Glad I have done this, was a bit windy in the back so did not enjoy as much. Even though I did not take photos, because of the wind and being scared, we felt the heat from the volcano, smelt the sulphur from it as well. Rob was experienced, great pilot, great experience to be had.
Review by: THOMAS M, May 2017
This was an amazing experience. The ground crew took care of everything and made sure that nothing was taken for chance regarding your safety on this open door flight. The pilot, Pete, was extremly knowledgeable of the history of the area. The views and experience from an open door helicoper cannot be fully expressed. This is the only way to fully enjoy your helicopter flight.
Review by: rozkelly, April 2017
Definitely one to tick off the bucket list. The most amazing experience. My granddaughters had no idea we were flying into Hilo to do this tour. The look on their faces said it all. Its something they'll remember for the rest of their lives. I've tried to post photo's but the site won't allow me too. It says access denied. Its a shame as we got some really good photos of lava etc.
Review by: d.edwards11, March 2017
This was the highlight of our trip. It is cold at the beginning heading out to the volcano but warms up once you get out there and feel the heat of the lava! Worth every penny!
Review by: Gale B, March 2017
Simply awesome. Could smell the trees burning and feel the heat from the volcano.It was a once in a lifetime experience!!
Review by: Paul T, January 2017
The tour was great, the pilot excellent._br/_ However, the pre-tour booking experience was not good. The flights I booked on line were not honoured and I had to split my 5 family members across 3 flights, over three hours. This was a huge waste of time due to the limited time we had on the island. This was extremely disappointing, as we could not even get the open door flights we booked except for one of the flights, with 2 of my family members.
Review by: John K, November 2016
Great trip. Flying directly over the lava pools and the lava hitting the ocean was the only way to really experience the volcano. Great fly-bys over the waterfalls. Truly the only way to get a good appreciation for the terrain of the Big Island.
Review by: Gerald F, August 2016
By far, the best part of our trip to Hawaii! Interesting, fun, informative...an unforgettable experience!
Review by: Florence R, August 2016
Excellent, the tour guide made sure that we could get views of the volcanoes and waterfalls. He was very knowledgeable.
Review by: Andy L, August 2016
We flew with Paradise Helicopters in Hilo, and our pilot was Colin. We went with the 45 minute, open door helicopter tour. The price was a bit steep, but we thought it would be worth the experience. We were a little disappointed that we didn't see much red hot lava flowing, only one small glimpse in a tiny crater, but of course, that's nature for you! The views very beautiful, but the weather was not the greatest, as well - cloudy and rainy. Our guide Colin was informative and flew us over Kīlauea Volcano. The helicopter is a bit tight and squishy, so I wouldn't recommend this tour for anyone who gets claustrophobic or motion sickness. I am very short and small at 5' tall, and even for me there wasn't much leg room sitting in the centre front. Overall, I'd do this once for the experience, but probably wouldn't try it again.
Review by: Ingo T D, August 2016
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Linda R, August 2016
Spectacular experience! This will stay in my memory forever!
Review by: Rochelle R, July 2016
The pilot was great. However, the company called me the day before my booking and said, and #34;we need to reschedule you as the kids are not allowed on the flight you booked. and #34; Then they put me on a flight with a kid the same age as my youngest. The reality is the couldn and #39;t get the weights right.
Review by: David G, July 2016
Fantastic experience
Review by: Brian J, June 2016
Great tour and and a great guide, who fully explained everything make the trip well worth while
Review by: David B, June 2016
100 worth doing! Lava was flowing really well for us and was able to get great photos. Waterfalls looked amazing also. Highly recommend no doors.
Review by: jcz.ndz, May 2016
Pretty epic!
Review by: Renae T, May 2016
Very exciting. feel the heat and smell the sulfur. Truly amazing!
Review by: Jean-Pierre F, May 2016
Great!
Review by: carolrburton, May 2016
Once in a lifetime experience. Everyone involved was very professional and had our safety utmost in mind. Our pilot gave everyone a chance to see the views from all angles. I would definitely recommend a medium heavy jacket. I only had a very light one on and got a little chilly. I also wore long jeans and shoes and socks. I saw several in line waiting who had only sandals and shorts on and felt a little sorry for them. The views were absolutely amazing and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone! The doors off made it really wonderful. If you are debating between doors off or not, do it!!!
Review by: Greg, April 2016
Quit an adventure without the doors. I highly recommend this to those who have taken closed door helicopter tours. This is a different experience.
Review by: Sandra B, April 2016
Absolutely amazing, cannot recommend this highly enough, definitely an experience of a lifetime!
Review by: Joel W, March 2016
We scheduled a 45 minute door less helicopter trip over the active volcano. Wow! This was clearly the highlight of our vaction! The entire staff was great. These people really know their stuff. A call the day before helped us know what to wear, bring, and not bring. We received a warm welcome, followed by an intelligent briefing, and then out to the copter. Our pilot Brian was awesome, constantly making sure we all could see, were comfortable, and felt okay. The pilot did a great job finding great stuff for us to see including a fairly large eruption with red hot lava spewing out. The pilot was really knowledgeable about the volcano and the lava flows so we learned a lot as well. All through the flight, the pilot kept turning the copter so everything could be seen from both sides. As we opted for the doors off trip, there was nothing between us and the volcano or lava flows so our visibility was spectacular. My photographs are unbelievable making this the best trip ever.
Review by: Margaret Jean M, March 2016
Very exciting way to view the Big Island..Staff was prompt and courteous. Pilot JORK was cheerful and made you feel that he was part of your group...very informative...Only one thing, I wish that we would have flown over some water since we were required to wear water life vests.
Review by: Lisa M, March 2016
This is absolutely the best way to see the island. We booked thru viator because we got a great deal. Great tour and great staff!!
Review by: Frank J, March 2016
Excellent
Review by: Hanumantharao D, November 2015
Good
Review by: Tiffani A, November 2015
This was amazing, the staff was wonderful and very accommodating, we had to fly in two separate helicopters and they made sure we got a group picture with one. The flight was great would do it again if had the chance!!
Review by: Ken U, November 2015
Great experience! One of our trips highlights.
Review by: Andrew I, October 2015
Excellent Flight. The only way to see flowing lava on the Island at the moment. Ground crew and Pilot were courteous, friendly and knowledgeable. If you want the full volcano experience this is a must do!!
Review by: Vicki D, October 2015
Small group. Very close to the action. Could feel the heat from the volcano! Pilot was very informative.
Review by: Sylvain L, August 2015
Simply amazing, well worth it, you can feel the heat, yet it's cool and breezy. You are so close to the lava erupting, you can't see this any other way, so for us it was priceless. My 13 year old son was in awe.
Review by: Elizabeth F, August 2015
Our pilot was Pete. We had our two 17 year old granddaughters with us. It was an informative and highly visible trip of the volcano area. I would recommend this open door trip if you want an experience of smelling and seeing an active volcano.
Review by: Richard C, July 2015
The ride was fun and the people where very pleasant and professional.
Review by: Gail B, July 2015
Rachel, our pilot, was wonderful. Very informative and made sure everyone had a photo opportunity. Flying with the doors off is the only way to go! Up close and personal experience, a must adventure.
Review by: marco66, June 2015
Amazing, I could feel the heat of the lava! I felt like I was on a National Geographic show! Expert pilot, we got all views of the lava activity, we felt like we could reach out and touch it! He was friendly and informative with lots of interesting information about the Hilo area, volcano activity, etc... well worth the money ...this was not a Disney ride!
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