Big Island Helicopter Tours & Hilo’s Best Local Eats: Volcano Views, Rainforests, and Authentic Island Flavor
There are few places on earth where you can witness raw geological creation from the air in the morning and enjoy freshly caught poke by the afternoon. A premium helicopter tour over Hawaiʻi Island delivers unmatched access to volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, and rugged coastlines—followed perfectly by a grounded, local food experience in Hilo.
This is how you turn a great vacation into a complete Big Island experience.
Soaring Above Hawaii Volcanoes and the Wild East Side
A helicopter tour over Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers a perspective you simply cannot replicate on foot.
1. Witness Halemaʻumaʻu Crater From Above
Flying over Halemaʻumaʻu Crater gives you a direct look into one of the most dynamic volcanic features in the world. Steam vents, hardened lava fields, and evolving crater formations tell the story of a living island. When conditions allow, glimpses of glowing lava or fresh flows add an unforgettable element.
2. Rainforest Waterfalls Hidden From the Road
The Hilo side of the island is lush, dramatic, and often inaccessible by vehicle. From the air, you’ll trace winding rivers cutting through emerald rainforest canopies and discover waterfalls plunging into secluded basins—views reserved almost exclusively for aerial tours.
3. The Full Geological Narrative in One Flight
In under two hours, you can see black lava deserts, dense tropical forest, dramatic sea cliffs, and rolling coastline. Hawaiʻi Island’s scale becomes clear from above. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s understanding how the island was built.
Landing Back in Hilo: Eat Like a Local
After the adrenaline and awe of flight, the experience continues on the ground with Hilo’s iconic food spots. This pairing—epic aerial views followed by authentic local dining—creates a perfectly balanced day.
🥞 Breakfast or Brunch at Ken’s
Ken's House of Pancakes is a Big Island institution. Open late and known for generous portions, it’s the perfect pre-flight or post-flight fuel stop.
What to order:
Macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup
Classic loco moco
Portuguese sausage and eggs
It’s casual, local, and unpretentious—exactly what you want after an elevated adventure.
🍱 Local Comfort Plates at Hilo Grindz
Hilo Grindz delivers bold island flavors in true plate-lunch style.
Expect:
Garlic shrimp plates
Kalua pork
Fresh island fish
Hearty local-style breakfasts
This is where helicopter passengers shift from scenic indulgence to culinary authenticity.
🐟 Fresh Poke at Suisan Fish Market
No Hilo food circuit is complete without Suisan Fish Market. Located right on the bay, Suisan is legendary for ultra-fresh poke.
Top picks:
Ahi poke (classic shoyu or spicy)
Wasabi tako
Fresh sashimi plates
After seeing lava flows and waterfalls from above, sitting by the water with fresh poke feels earned.
Why This Combo Works So Well
1. Contrast Creates Depth
The helicopter tour delivers scale and spectacle. The local eateries deliver culture and flavor. Together, they provide a multi-layered understanding of the Big Island.
2. You Maximize Your Time
Instead of spreading activities across multiple days, pairing a morning flight with an afternoon food tour creates a high-impact day—ideal for visitors balancing Kona and Hilo itineraries.
3. It Feels Complete
Adventure, education, scenery, and cuisine—all in one seamless experience. That’s how memories stick.
Top Sights You May See on Your Big Island Helicopter Tour
Halemaʻumaʻu Crater
Kīlauea lava fields
Massive rainforest waterfalls
Rugged Hilo coastline
Black sand stretches and sea cliffs
Steam vents and fissure zones
No road trip can replicate that vantage point.
Booking Strategy: Plan Early
Helicopter seats are limited by design. Weather windows, high demand seasons, and small aircraft capacity mean prime slots fill quickly—especially during holidays and peak travel months.
Early booking ensures:
Preferred departure time
Optimal weather conditions
Better availability for smaller, more private configurations
Waiting until arrival often limits options.
Final Word: Well Worth It!
A Big Island helicopter tour is not a casual excursion—it’s a signature experience. When paired with authentic Hilo dining at Ken’s, Hilo Grindz, and Suisan, the day transforms from sightseeing into something immersive and complete.
You’ll leave with perspective—on the island’s power, its beauty, and its culture.
For visitors who want more than photos—for those who want scale, flavor, and authenticity—this is well worth the investment.