Two Best Helicopter Tours | |
|
1) Big Island/Vocano Deluxe Tour (105 min, from Kona)
This tour stars the Kilauea Crater, roaring waterfalls and rainforest of Hamakua Coast, and hidden tropical valleys of Kohala Mountains. The intensity of the live volcanic landscape will surely take your breath away. You will also fly east to the mostly uninhabited corner of Hawaii to view older lava flows and see where villages had existed as recent as 10 years ago (before they were completely engulfed by lava). It is an expensive tour, but truly worth every penny!
2) Kilauea Volcano Tour (45-50 min, from Hilo) When you leave Hilo, the view below is a picture-perfect tropical paradise - you can see a myriad of waterfalls right in front of you, and some beautiful remote beaches. As you fly closer to the Volcanoes National Park, rainforest gives way to barren lava fields. You will search for active lava flows, peer into Pu'u O'o vent (weather permitting), and see the destruction that old lava has caused. When the helicopter approaches the ocean, you will be captivated by the "Pele's Fountain" where molten lava erupts into the Pacific Ocean as waves crash ashore.
What each tour includes: Ground safety briefing, complimentary coffee or tea, pilot personal narration recorded on the live video, pilot personally choreographed music recorded on the live video, David Clark stereo aviator headsets with individual volume control, 5-camera custom built video recording system, polarized bubble windows, and air-conditioned climate control. Type of helicopter: You will be flying on an Astar helicopter. It can accommodate 6 passengers (two seats to the left of pilot, and four seats directly behind). The weight and balance of the helicopter is computer generated and insures proper seat assignment. Astar helicopters are made for touring, so you don’t have to worry where to sit - each seat provides an excellent view. If you’d like to take pictures: Bring lots of film (35mm with ASA 400 or higher with a wide-angle lens works best) and wear a dark colored shirt to reduce glare on the plexiglass windows.
TIME: Departure times depend on the weather
|
|