If there’s one thing I’ll never forget about Hilo, it’s the first time I saw it from the air. I’d done the usual stuff—walked to Rainbow Falls, driven through the rainforest roads—but sitting in that Safari Helicopters chopper and lifting off? Completely different ballgame. Suddenly, Hilo wasn’t just another Hawaiian town. It was a living, breathing island with rivers of lava frozen mid-flow, valleys too deep to hike, and waterfalls that looked like nature’s curtains dropping into infinity.
So, if you’re wondering whether Hilo Hawaii helicopter tours are worth it, let me just say: they’re the kind of thing you’ll still be talking about years later.
Why Hilo Is Perfect for a Helicopter Tour?
People often ask me, “Why not just book from Kona?” Fair question. Kona’s great if you’re into resorts and sunny beaches. But Hilo? Hilo is wild.
From this side of the island, you’re practically sitting on the doorstep of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. You don’t waste half your flight getting there—you’re in it, fast. Add in the fact that Hilo’s the wettest city in the U.S. (yep, it rains almost daily), and you’ve got endless waterfalls, emerald valleys, and misty rainforests.
On a clear morning, when the sun’s breaking through the clouds and hitting the waterfalls just right, it feels like you’re flying through a dream.
Why Go with Safari Helicopters?
Look, there are a handful of companies that’ll take you up, but here’s why I went with Safari Helicopters and why I recommend them:
- Everyone gets a window seat. No leaning over a stranger to snap your shot.
- The pilots are storytellers. Ours didn’t just point out landmarks—he told legends about Pele (the goddess of fire) and explained how the 2018 Kīlauea eruption literally changed the island’s map.
- Safety first. Their track record’s solid, and when you’re trusting someone with your life at 3,000 feet, that counts.
- They feel personal. It didn’t feel like a conveyor belt of tourists. The vibe was relaxed, friendly, and surprisingly intimate for something so big.
What You’ll Actually See Up There
Alright, here’s the fun part. Depending on weather and volcanic activity, a typical Safari Helicopters flight out of Hilo gives you:
Volcanoes That Feel Alive
Flying over Kīlauea is surreal. You’ll see massive craters, steam vents hissing like kettles, and (if you’re lucky) fresh lava flows glowing against the black rock. It’s humbling—like staring at the Earth’s beating heart.
Waterfalls You Can’t Reach by Foot
Sure, you can drive to Akaka Falls or Rainbow Falls, but from above, they look completely different. Plus, Safari takes you over hidden waterfalls deep in valleys that hikers can’t access. One of the passengers on my flight literally gasped out loud when we flew past a set of twin falls tucked into a green canyon.
Rugged Coastlines
The coastline east of Hilo is raw and dramatic. Jagged lava cliffs meet turquoise water in a way that makes you wonder how this planet even exists. If you’ve ever wanted that perfect “I can’t believe this is real” photo, this is where you’ll get it.
Tips Before You Go
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few things you’ll thank me for later:
- Wear dark clothes. Light colors reflect in the window and ruin your photos.
- Travel light. Leave the big camera bag. A phone or small camera is plenty.
- Book morning flights. The weather’s usually calmer and clearer earlier in the day.
- Eat something small. Flying on an empty stomach isn’t fun, but trust me—neither is flying on a heavy one.
- Don’t stress about filming everything. Take a few shots, then just sit back and watch. You’ll want to remember it with your eyes, not just your screen.
A Quick Story from the Sky
On my last trip, I sat next to a family from California. Their teenage daughter was glued to her phone at first—scrolling TikTok even as we lifted off. But the second we flew over Mauna Loa’s lava fields, she dropped the phone in her lap and whispered, “Oh my god.”
For the next 45 minutes, she didn’t touch the phone once. That’s what these tours do. They snap you out of your everyday world and make you feel tiny—in the best possible way.
Is It Worth the Price?
Helicopter tours in Hawaii aren’t cheap. You’re looking at $250–$350 per seat. I get it—that’s a chunk of change. But here’s the thing: people blow that much on a spa day, a round of golf, or even a couple of nights of cocktails and dinners. Those things fade. This doesn’t.
If you’ve ever wanted a “bucket list” experience, this is it. And with Safari Helicopters, you’re not just paying for a seat—you’re paying for memories you can’t put a price on.
FAQs People Always Ask Me
How long are the tours?
Most run 45–60 minutes. Just enough to see everything without getting restless.Do kids enjoy it?
Yes! Kids over 2 can fly, and from what I’ve seen, they’re often the most excited passengers.What about motion sickness?
It’s rare. The flights are surprisingly smooth, but if you’re prone to it, sit near the front and look out at the horizon.What happens if the weather’s bad?
Safari’s good about rescheduling or refunding if conditions aren’t safe.Final Thoughts: Why Hilo by Helicopter Is Unforgettable
At the end of the day, you can drive, hike, and swim your way through Hawaii (and you should). But only a helicopter gives you the full picture—the scale, the drama, the perspective that makes you realize just how alive these islands are.
So if you’re heading to the Big Island, carve out an hour and go up with Safari Helicopters. I promise, it’ll be one of those rare experiences that lives longer in your memory than in your photo album.
Because once you’ve seen Hilo from above, you’ll never look at Hawaii the same way again.
- Wear dark clothes. Light colors reflect in the window and ruin your photos.