Page 16) Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities

Hilo 8-Line Zipline & Suspension Bridge Rainforest Adventure with Free Photos

YES.

Just go on this tour! So freaking fun!

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Posted on:	2011/07/19

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

a great big MAHALO!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

Just wanted to offer up a great big MAHALO for the amazing hospitality that you showed us....the fantastic pictures that we were able to take....and the island aloha that you so generously shared with us! I really can't thank you enough...this is sure to be one Hawaiian adventure that I will never ever forget...especially since I have all my snapshots to remind me too! Again, MAHALO (which YOU taught me means thank you!)

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Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2011/07/07

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Awesome adventure

Reviewed by: Tom & Mindy

Totally awesome! Mark was full of interesting information and the trip was beautiful and amazing! We would highly recommend this adventure to anyone!!

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2011/06/06

Hilo 8-Line Zipline & Suspension Bridge Rainforest Adventure with Free Photos

Fun, fun fun!!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

This was our first experience ziplining and we had an absolute blast! Staff was very well informed not only about what we were doing but also about the ecology of the area we were in. Can't wait to do it again!

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2011/04/14

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

family activity planner

Reviewed by: hbell

Well spent time with Wild Orchid Tours. They are knowledgable about the geology and plant life of the island. Enjoyed visiting a small local plantation and sampling the chocolate and coffee wares. Would recommend to those visiting the island wanting a comfortable 'sit down' tour. Very personable hosts.

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Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2011/03/24

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

helicopter tour

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

We loved our helicopter tour! Our first time in a helicopter and we both had a few hesitations, but the ground crew was very helpful and supportive and Koji, our pilot, was wonderful. He made an effort to circle around each area so that everyone would have a great view of the area. The tour was awesome, we felt like we saw all the highlights on the island and really got a feeling of how the lava flows and how the island has changed over the years. We would definitely recommend this tour. The highlight of our trip to the Big Island.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2011/03/02

Hilo Bay Private Afternoon Sailing Cruise (from Hilo Bay)

Beyond expectations!!!

Reviewed by: Pat & Jerri

Capt Dan is very knowledgable of not only his sailing but of the waters in which he sails. We received not only a great day of sailing but some great whale photo opportunities.
Thanks Dan

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2011/02/24

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Highly recommend!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

This was an extremely unique experience. Some of the views can only be experienced from a helicopter. Waterfalls, lava flows, flights deep into the valley are just some of the sights on this tour. The pilot/guide is extremely knowledgeable and makes the trip fun as well. Well worth the cost and would highly recommend for any individual or group. I can only imagine that each trip would be different due to environmental conditions such as lava flows and rainfall so it is perfect for first timers and repeat guests.

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Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2011/02/21

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Be Aware!!

Reviewed by: crfolgate

This would be a great trip IF you don't get stuck in the backwards seats. These seats are a total rip off since you don't get to see where you are headed and when there is something cool to see well too bad it's already past. Pilot does a good job of trying to circle around so everyone see's but there's no way for the backward seat folks to see anything really well. If you decide to go I STRONGLY recommend that you get guarantee's that you get a front seat or front looking seats only. My wife and Mom had great seats and enjoyed the views I'm happy about that but I wish I had saved the money and sent them up without me since it was two hours of flying backwards and barely seeing anything. You have been warned. :O
**** Also you should also be aware that the photo's of all the cool lava flows are really old. We saw very little lava and after the flight we found out they use old photo's for advertising. Pretty views are to be had but not much lava.

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Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2011/02/04

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Best bang for buck of heli tours

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

The staff was fantastic - friendly, helpful, and safe. Let alone the views and vistas you get to see - this is the best bang-for-the-buck of helicopter tours, with a full 2 hours in the air. The pilot, Koji, was very knowledgeable of the area and led an incredibly informative and fun talk over the intercom. Koji also provided a very comfortable ride that was much more mellow and safe than I was expecting (I'm afraid of heights and I LOVED IT, so don't let your fear of heights worry you, you'll be fine with these guys). Excellent work from everyone and I'll be back soon : )

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Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2011/01/19

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Helicopter

Reviewed by: Jerald Fox

Everyone shoud do this tour in the first few days of vacation. Fantastic experience and the best way to see the island!

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Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2010/12/31

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Great experience with one caution

Reviewed by: Dawn

Had a fantastic time! Our guide, Jesse, grew up on the island and was a wealth of information about not just what we saw on the tour, but also about other activities on the island. Word of caution: if you book through a third party like we did, after you receive confirmation, call Paradise to verify your group size. We showed up as scheduled to discover that someone (don't know if it was Paradise or Hawaii Activities) incorrectly entered the size of our group as two instead of three. We couldn't take the tour on our scheduled day because the group was overbooked. Luckily we were able to go the next day and Paradise had availability. They took great care of us once the error was discovered, but if you're on a tight schedule, don't risk missing out. Call ahead! Inconvenience aside, this is something you should do and was well worth the cost!!

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Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2010/11/26

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Doors off Helicopter ride

Reviewed by: Peter in Sydney

Well worth doing the helicopter ride and the Doors Off Experience is the way to do it. The ride itself is worth it but to then fly over the lava flowing into the ocean and seeing collapsed lava tubes is something else.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2010/09/24

Hilo Bay Private Afternoon Sailing Cruise (from Hilo Bay)

Aloha!

Reviewed by: Debbie Ann

On our recent visit to Hilo, my husband and I were thrilled with your hands-on training excursion. We were so happy that the training was part of the package. 20 minutes out, we were sailing like pros. It felt great! No motor noise or obnoxious diesel. I can't tell you how therapeutic it felt, with the beautiful sunset, the incomparable views, a steady but light wind, and even a little of the famous Hilo rain--just enough to be refreshing. We can't wait to do it again, next time we come back. It was the highlight of our trip to Hawaii. We are so glad you provide this great option for folks like us who are visiting and for the local folks who live near Hilo.

We are thinking about the possibility of a one-month sailing vacation within the Hawaiian Islands, with you as our Captain, of course. The Prelude is a fantastic boat, and very well appointed.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2010/07/02

Hilo Bay Private Afternoon Sailing Cruise (from Hilo Bay)

Hi, Capt. Dan.

Reviewed by: Trudy W.

Thanks for the great sail inside Hilo Bay. We were worried about getting seasick, but you convinced us that it would be calm within the bay. It was like riding in a car with no motor! Most of the time we were well-balanced and the ride never caused us any problem at all.

Thanks again, so much. We'll be back to do it again, and we'll tell all our friends about you.

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Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2010/07/02

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

thank you

Reviewed by: Betty Connors

Thank you for giving us a ‘local’ (shaka) tour. You live in a true abode where people smile and mean it. Growth is coming but with folks like you, ‘on guard”, we are assured that the beauty of “old Hawaii will continue to shine through.

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Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2010/07/01

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

Untitled

Reviewed by: Jeremiah Wilson

I was absolutely stunned by the beauty of East Hawaii. Hilo can often be a victim of superficial judgments. I know it is the rainiest city in the USA and that it is routinely beset by tropical downpours but we saw rainbows, waterfalls and green, green, green… Thank you.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2010/07/01

Hilo 8-Line Zipline & Suspension Bridge Rainforest Adventure with Free Photos

Most fun I had on the Big Island!

Reviewed by: Tammy and Family

I am so happy that we found this tour since it was by far the best experience me and my family had while on vacation on the Big Island. The zipline experience itself was amazing, but to be able to see such a beautiful garden as well just took it over the top.

Totally recommend this tour and can't wait to go back to Hawaii and do this again!

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Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2010/06/25

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

Thank you so much

Reviewed by: Isaac Kroger

We are thankful for a well-informed guide who made our experience so eventful. Thank you for projecting your love and values for this “Healing Island” of Hawaii .We especially appreciate your preparing us for the beauty that lies ahead in all the other islands…

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Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2010/06/18

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Thanks again

Reviewed by: Aimee and John

John and I wanted to send this email thanking everyone at Paradise for a once in a lifetime experience on our vacation. We took one of your newer trips which flew out of Kona, over the valleys, drop off in Hilo for the day (with paid rental car), then over the Volcanoes, and back to Kona. We really enjoyed the entire day. In fact we hadn't originally thought we would get to visit the Hilo area since the drive from Kona is a couple of hours. So not only did we get to see beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and running lava from air but we got to explore the Rain forest national Zoo, The Volcano national Park, Rainbow Falls, and Akaka Falls all by land as well. Also our pilot Steve was so informative and friendly he really helped make our day just that much more special. I'm sure he flies the same routes every day, yet you couldn't tell. His passion for the land, and surroundings was contagious. Thanks again, we included some of our amazing trip photos.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2010/06/10

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

First Class!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

Mahalo for your projection of your personal feelings and stories of hawai’i. It was like having the best waiter at a first class restaurant. Your care of us was wonderful. Our tour with you was an invaluable souvenir of the islands of Hawai’i. We learned a great deal on your tour- it was intense. Thanks for sharing your time, your perspective and your love for this corner of the world with us.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2010/05/27

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

Mahalo!

Reviewed by: The entire Bennington Fam

To tell you the truth we chose your tour because of your enthusiasm and a beautiful vehicle. We were then transformed, mesmerized and smitten with aloha and awe for Madame Pele and her friends who live at her feet.” Mahalo...

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Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2010/05/27

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

Picturesque Beauty

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

We took some amazing pictures on this tour. You can tell that the tour operators are artists, because they take you to some very awe inspiring sights. The beauty I witnessed on this tour will stay with me for the rest of my life. The island has such drastic changes in it's beauty and scenery. I believe that everyone should come here and see this at least once in their life.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2010/05/18

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

First-Timers

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

This is a great activity except if you're prone to motion-sickness then it is not for you. Two hours was way too long for us. I was doing well in the first hour when we were shown the volcanoes and mountains but in the second hour I could not keep my eyes open due to my motion sickness. And that sucked because in the second hour is when he shows you the beautiful valleys and waterfalls! Thank God my husband was able to record it for me but it still wasn't the same. I would recommend a 45-minute-1 hour tour but not the 2 hour tour.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2010/04/22

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour & Tropical Waterfalls Sightseeing from Hilo

Volcano Visit Disappointing

Reviewed by: Mary Liz

I flew from Honolulu to Hilo early for trip which was scheduled for 8:30 AM. We were delayed starting by about one hour for other guests who took a later flight. My main reason for this tour was to see the volcano. Because of air quality, the observation area was closed. Because of cloud cover, we could not see the top of the volcano. We were able to visit the National Park Visitors Center which was worthwhile.

The tour guide was just fair. We visited several commercial sites.
He tried to make up for the closing of the observation area by stopping at other volcanoes in the park & a lava tube.

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Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2010/02/03

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

We had a great time!!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

We had a great time on the Big Island tour today. The flight was
awesome. The pilot, Koji, did a terrific job. He made sure folks on
both sides of the helicopter saw the sights-Pu'u O'o, lava flowing
into the ocean, waterfalls, etc. It was our first time in a helicopter
and it was a great experience.

The reservationists were patient and informative. The folks at the
terminal were helpful, supportive and very upbeat-they truly seemed
excited for us.

We will be sure to spread the good word about your outfit.

Thank you for making the experience positive, simple and memorable for
us.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2009/12/11

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Lava Hunting!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

We did the "Fire & Falls" tour and loved it (although we both got a bit airsick, but that's not the company's fault, that's just because we're prone to it - the other couple with us was fine). I had picked Paradise because it was the cheapest air tour of the volcano (in terms of cost per minute), but I can't imagine why I would pay more for another company because this ride was everything we wanted.

We did the "doors off" tour and it was a 4-person helicopter (not incl. the pilot), so everyone had a fantastic view. I would highly recommend the doors-off experience. My husband is a bit afraid of heights, and even he agreed that doors-off was worth it (but a bit frightening for him). Our pilot was Jesse and he was a lot of fun.

What I loved is that if a passenger spotted lava, our pilot would circle back (as if we were "lava hunting") and make sure that everyone got a view.

The waterfalls portion was brief, and at the end. The main attraction of this tour is the volcano/lava.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2009/09/29

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Great!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

Our group of 4 booked a "doors off" helicopter ride through Paradise Helicopters. None of our group had ever been in a helicopter before and this exceeded all of our expectations. The front desk staff was courteous and upbeat. The guy doing the safety briefing was thorough and knowledgeable while infusing some humor into the "speech". Our pilot was Joyce and we could not have asked for a better experience. Because there were 4 of us, we took every seat on the helicopter. We were concerned at first about the view from the front-middle seat, but she could still see everything, though you do miss the experience of sitting right by the window.

Joyce did a great job of going over the different areas multiple times so each side of the helicopter could see what was below. Joyce spoke clearly and slowly and we never had a problem hearing what she was saying and she would repeat the "attractions" for both sides of the helicopter.

If you have the option of choosing your pilot, you want J

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Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2009/09/29

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Gotta Do the Doors Off!!!

Reviewed by: Robin & Julie O'Neill

Doors Off is the ONLY way to go!!! Mahalo so much for the awesome tour experience over the Kilauea Lava Flow. Dylan was a great pilot and was very knowledgeable about the Hawaiian terrain we were flying over. He definitely provided a great commentary and guide to the beautiful sights below us. We have taken helicopter tours before over such things as Niagara Falls, but we will not want to be flying with doors on ever again. We highly recommend the doors off experience, it is second to none

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2009/09/17

Kilauea Volcano Doors-Off Helicopter Tour from Hilo [Not Operating]

Flying high!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous

An amazing activity definately recommended to be done on Big Island. You get a narrated tour and see the flowing lava fields and the lava hitting the sea. A once in a life time experience. You see sights that you wouldn't see from ground level. Worth every penny. Very friendly staff.

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Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2009/09/11

Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

All Reviews for Hilo in Big Island

Overall Rating

Reviews

YES.

a great big MAHALO!

Awesome adventure

Fun, fun fun!!

family activity planner

helicopter tour

Beyond expectations!!!

Highly recommend!

Be Aware!!

Best bang for buck of heli tours

Helicopter

Great experience with one caution

Doors off Helicopter ride

Aloha!

Hi, Capt. Dan.

thank you

Untitled

Most fun I had on the Big Island!

Thank you so much

Thanks again

First Class!

Mahalo!

Picturesque Beauty

First-Timers

Volcano Visit Disappointing

We had a great time!!

Lava Hunting!

Great!

Gotta Do the Doors Off!!!

Flying high!

Hawaiian Islands

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