Big Island Helicopter Tours: Volcano vs. Waterfall Tours – Which Scenic Flight Should You Choose?
A helicopter tour over Hawaiʻi Island is consistently ranked among the top experiences in Hawaii. Whether you dream of witnessing the world's most active volcano from the air or flying above towering waterfalls hidden within lush valleys, the Big Island offers two unforgettable adventures. Choosing between a Volcano Helicopter Tour and a Waterfall Helicopter Tour depends on the experience you're seeking—but you truly can't go wrong with either.
With Kīlauea continuing intermittent eruptive activity inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, demand for volcano sightseeing remains exceptionally strong, while the island's spectacular waterfalls continue to attract photographers, families, and nature lovers year-round.
Volcano Helicopter Tour
Flying over Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park provides a perspective impossible to experience from the ground. You'll see expansive lava fields, steaming volcanic craters, ancient calderas, rugged coastlines, and when conditions permit, glowing volcanic activity within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
Perfect for travelers interested in geology, dramatic landscapes, and witnessing the island that is literally still being created.
Highlights
Active volcanic landscapes
Halemaʻumaʻu crater views (conditions permitting)
Vast lava flows and ancient lava fields
Black lava coastline
Unique geological formations
Waterfall Helicopter Tour
The windward side of Hawaiʻi Island reveals another world entirely. Massive tropical valleys, dense rainforest, sea cliffs, and waterfalls inaccessible by road create one of Hawaii's most beautiful aerial experiences.
Many waterfalls can only be viewed from the air, making this flight especially popular with photographers and first-time visitors.
Highlights
Hundreds of hidden waterfalls
Tropical rainforest
Deep valleys
Dramatic sea cliffs
Lush Hilo coastline
Volcano Tour vs. Waterfall Tour Comparison
Feature Volcano Tour Waterfall Tour
Best For Active volcano viewing Tropical scenery & waterfalls
Primary Landscape Lava fields, craters,volcanic terrain Rainforest,waterfalls,valleys
Photography Dramatic volcanic landscapes Vibrant tropical scenery
Seasonal Changes Activity varies with volcanic conditions Beautiful year-round
Overall Experience Powerful,unique,geological Relaxing, lush and scenic
Which Tour Is Best?
Choose a Volcano Tour if you want:
to experience one of Earth's most active volcanic regions and witness the incredible power that continues to shape Hawaiʻi Island.
Choose a Waterfall Tour if you:
prefer lush tropical scenery, spectacular hidden waterfalls, and vibrant rainforest landscapes.
Many returning visitors eventually fly both because they showcase completely different sides of the Island of Hawaii.
After Your Flight: Continue Exploring the Big Island
Your helicopter adventure pairs perfectly with many of the island's top attractions:
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Events & Ranger Programs
Current July programs include ranger-led hikes, cultural demonstrations, and seasonal events.
Island Events Calendar
Big Island Farmers Markets
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority News & Events
Recent statewide tourism initiatives continue supporting major cultural festivals and community events throughout 2026.
Favorable Flying Weather
The Big Island offers helicopter flying throughout the year, but morning departures generally provide:
Calmer winds
Better visibility
Smoother flying conditions
Excellent photography lighting
Waterfall routes often look especially vibrant following periods of rainfall, while volcano tours can offer exceptional visibility when atmospheric conditions are clear.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose the dramatic power of an active volcano or the breathtaking beauty of hidden waterfalls, a Big Island helicopter tour delivers views that simply cannot be experienced any other way. Every flight reveals landscapes that have been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and tropical rainfall, creating one of the most diverse islands on Earth.