Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]
Coupon
4.61
105 reviews
Highlights
Get ready for a thrilling 60-min doors-OFF flight over one of the most active volcanoes in the world
View Hilo’s lush rainforests, waterfalls, the newest black sand beach & incredible volcanic craters
Witness a incredible 8-mile river of frozen lava from Fissure 8 to the Pacific Ocean
Ride in a Hughes 500 helicopter without doors, and take amazing photos and videos during the flight
Conveniently available with departures from the Hilo Airport with ample parking
View details
Do it!
2024/04/02
Solo Travelers
Tish
I ask others to go with me, and get...
'is it a big helicopter? must be stable'
'need a seat in the middle up front or I'll barf'
'doors off, are you nutz?'
Don't let them ruin it for you. Small copter with doors off is the full woohooo. The ride is smooth and stable enough. The view out the open door is wondrous. Accept nothing less. Watch a video in the comfort of your couch or get the whole experience.
Overview
Big Island
2 hour(s)
Available Daily
Pick-up not available
Not Accessible
What to expect
Hop aboard the best Hawaii doors-off helicopter and enjoy unobstructed views that you can get nowhere else! Fly over Hawaii's top attractions, see Volcanoes National Park, black sand beach, amazing volcanic craters, waterfalls & rainforests!
Take the ultimate Kilauea helicopter tour during your visit to the Big Island and experience a birds-eye view of the rugged east-side of the island, home to the actively erupting Kilauea Volcano! Set out with Paradise Helicopters from Hilo Airport and take to the skies, where you can safely see the Big Island and pillars of smoke from Volcanoes National Park, all with unobstructed, panoramic views from a doors-off helicopter! This Big Island helicopter tour will also give you the chance to discover popular waterfalls in Hawaii, as well as a few hidden ones.
| Aircraft Information: | ||
|---|---|---|
|
|
Name: | Hughes "Magnum" 500 |
| Capacity: | 4 Passengers | |
| Seating: | Guaranteed Window Seats! With only four seats, all passengers are able to sit near a window; 3 out of the 4 seats are next to a window. The seat located between the pilot and seat 2, has a view of the spectacular landscape through the windshield. | |
| Features: |
|
|
Traveler's photos
See all (72)Reviews
Activity Provider
Paradise Helicopters
Activity Provider
Paradise Helicopters
FAQ
Q. If I don't get a window seat, what will the visibility be like?
A. The helicopter is built specifically for touring so visibility is great wherever you are seated. Solo travelers will most likely get a window seat unless weight balance makes this impossible. For couples, it is easy to look over your partner from the inner seat.
Q. Do I need to provide our exacts weights even if we don't exceed the weight limits?
A. Yes, the aircraft must be balanced in order to take flight. Providing incorrect weights can cause complications during check-in.
Q. Is there a safe place to store my belongings while on tour?
A. Yes, there are lockers available free of charge that are large enough to hold several handbags. The key is kept by the staff at the base while you enjoy your flight.
Q. How far in advance should I book this activity?
A. We recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance. If you have very specific schedule requirements and are not flexible, please book sooner. Last minute availability is often possible, but limited.
Q. What type of helicopters are used?
A. Hughes 500: A 4-passenger aircraft flown for the Hilo Fire & Falls and Doors Off Experience flights that depart from Hilo, this offers a more personalized flight and you are always guaranteed a window seat. Known as the "Magnum P.I" helicopter, its quick maneuverability and smooth ride gives visitors an exciting and memorable helicopter ride.
Q. Can I bring my camera?
A. Yes, you may bring your camera and the neck strap. The bag must be locked at the office.
Q. Should I fly with doors on or off?
A. Whether to take a doors on helicopter tour or a doors off helicopter tour in Hawaii is a matter of personal preference and who you will be traveling with.
Families with young children will probably want to consider a doors on flight, as a doors off flight will limit seating options for young children. (Children under 8 are not permitted on doors off flights, and only one child between 8 and 11 is allowed per helicopter when the doors are removed.) A doors on flight, however, has no such age restrictions and can accommodate families with kids of any age.
As for preferences, while a doors off helicopter tour provides a more exciting and visceral experience, the intensity of the wind may be unpleasant for some, and the noise level may prevent you from hearing audio narration clearly.
A doors on flight lets you experience the tour in a more comfortable environment.
Both are great choices, depending on the type of experience you are hoping to have.
Families with young children will probably want to consider a doors on flight, as a doors off flight will limit seating options for young children. (Children under 8 are not permitted on doors off flights, and only one child between 8 and 11 is allowed per helicopter when the doors are removed.) A doors on flight, however, has no such age restrictions and can accommodate families with kids of any age.
As for preferences, while a doors off helicopter tour provides a more exciting and visceral experience, the intensity of the wind may be unpleasant for some, and the noise level may prevent you from hearing audio narration clearly.
A doors on flight lets you experience the tour in a more comfortable environment.
Both are great choices, depending on the type of experience you are hoping to have.
Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
-
![]()
Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Change Policy
- Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.
Operation days
- Everyday
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
![]()
Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Change Policy
- Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.
Top-Rated Activities for Big Island
Editor's Picks for Big Island
Volcano Air Flights & Tours other tours and activities
Restrictions
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
- If less than 3 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
- Children 8 years old and above can participate in this activity.
- Guests should not have serious fear of heights (acrophobia).
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Guests can participate in the helicopter flight if they are able to board the aircraft on their own or have members of their party available to offer assistance. Additional assistance from the crew may be available. The airport facilities are wheelchair accessible.
- Seat assignments are based on everyone’s weights, heights and the balance of the helicopter. By maintaining proper weight and balance in our aircraft we can provide guests with a safe, smooth and comfortable Experience on Paradise Helicopters.
- All guests weighing more than 270lbs (123kg) will be assessed a Capacity Surcharge (CS). This fee is already reflected in the pricing section. Guests will be guaranteed a window seat.
- In compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, Paradise Helicopters will weigh each individual when checking in at the airport for safety and weight balance of the aircraft. Please provide accurate body weights for all passengers. Misrepresentation of body weight could result in denial of service without refund.
- Children 8 to 11 years old will be seated in a middle seat, and children 12 years old and above are allowed to sit next to an open door.
Required items to bring & attire
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- All cameras, including mobile devices, must have straps.
- No hats permitted on flight.
- Closed-toe shoes required.
- It can become quite chilly during the tour, and long pants with a jacket, hoodie, sweater, etc. is highly recommended.
Other requirements
- Please call the activity provider the day before your activity (no later than 18:00 local time) to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
- Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
- Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The activity provider does not assume any responsibility for your valuables and/or personal belongings.
- The tour guide has full discretion to refuse service to customers based on attire, behavior, physical fitness and condition.
- Do not wear earrings since you will be wearing headphones during your flight.
- Gratuity is not included in the price.
- If you are driving on your own, you will be required to pay a parking fee.
- In the event that your pilot needs to cancel for safety due to weather, your flight will be rescheduled. If a reschedule is not possible, you will receive a full refund.
- If you are prone to motion sickness, take motion sickness preventatives before you fly.
- Flights are highly dependent upon the following:
1. Volcanic activity
2. The weather
3. Federal flight restrictions in place
All of these vary from day to day and even hour to hour. - Please Note: We are unable to guarantee that you will see "red" lava on your flight.
Rest assured that our pilots will do their best to deliver to you the safest and best viewing experience possible on all of our tours.
Buy One Get Second {{string_target}} Off
Book one activity and receive a coupon for {{string_target}} off your second activity.
-
STEP 1Book one (1) select tour or activity
![]()
-
STEP 2Receive a coupon upon confirmation
![]()
- STEP 3Book another activity, and use the coupon for a discount!
Booking period:
Coupon Participation Period:
Coupon Participation Period:
- Valid for one (1) booking per account during the designated promotional period.
- Cannot be used on the same activity on the same date and time as the first activity, or applied to activities that have already been booked.
Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]
Hop aboard the best Hawaii doors-off helicopter and enjoy unobstructed views that you can get nowhere else! Fly over Hawaii's top attractions, see Volcanoes National Park, black sand beach, amazing volcanic craters, waterfalls & rainforests!
