Waterfall Heli-Trek: Big Island Helicopter Tour and Hiking Adventure
1 day
About this activity
Make your own way to Kona International Airport to board your deluxe Bell 407 helicopter. Hear informative commentary from your expert pilot via the two-way radio communications system, and feel free to ask any questions that you may have during your 1.5-hour aerial tour.
En route to Volcanoes National Park, your pilot takes you over the world-famous Kona coffee growing region and past two of Hawaii’s more impressive volcanoes: Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Then see Kilauea, the national park’s most famous volcano, and keep your eyes peeled as your pilot seeks out hot lava and new volcanic activity, often only viewable by helicopter.
Next, soak in the island’s wild natural beauty as you buzz over emerald valleys where waterfalls cascade down sheer walls, then over to the coast where waves break on rocky cliffs and remote beaches. After these breathtaking views of the island from the air, your pilot lands in North Kohala.
Your Hawaii Forest and Trail interpretive guide meets you upon landing and takes you onto private property to see old Hawaii. Walk at a relaxed pace over foot bridges and past historic taro terraces while your local guide shares the history of the Kohala District. Learn about King Kamehameha I, who was born here in 1758, and how he united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810, after years of conflict.
Stop at a waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim. Then continue your hike to the town of Hawi, once the hub of the island’s sugar industry. Hawi is now known for artist galleries, which you have time to browse while in town.
Expect to walk about 2 miles (3 km) at a leisurely pace, with walking staff, rain gear, towel and daypack provided. Enjoy a deli-style picnic lunch (ham, turkey or tuna sandwich with a side of fruit and vegetables plus desert) accompanied by assorted beverages, and return to Kona Airport by helicopter after your hike.
En route to Volcanoes National Park, your pilot takes you over the world-famous Kona coffee growing region and past two of Hawaii’s more impressive volcanoes: Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Then see Kilauea, the national park’s most famous volcano, and keep your eyes peeled as your pilot seeks out hot lava and new volcanic activity, often only viewable by helicopter.
Next, soak in the island’s wild natural beauty as you buzz over emerald valleys where waterfalls cascade down sheer walls, then over to the coast where waves break on rocky cliffs and remote beaches. After these breathtaking views of the island from the air, your pilot lands in North Kohala.
Your Hawaii Forest and Trail interpretive guide meets you upon landing and takes you onto private property to see old Hawaii. Walk at a relaxed pace over foot bridges and past historic taro terraces while your local guide shares the history of the Kohala District. Learn about King Kamehameha I, who was born here in 1758, and how he united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810, after years of conflict.
Stop at a waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim. Then continue your hike to the town of Hawi, once the hub of the island’s sugar industry. Hawi is now known for artist galleries, which you have time to browse while in town.
Expect to walk about 2 miles (3 km) at a leisurely pace, with walking staff, rain gear, towel and daypack provided. Enjoy a deli-style picnic lunch (ham, turkey or tuna sandwich with a side of fruit and vegetables plus desert) accompanied by assorted beverages, and return to Kona Airport by helicopter after your hike.
Included
- 1.5-hour helicopter tour
- 2-mile hike led by Hawaii Forest & Trail interpretive guide
- Deli-style picnic lunch and assorted beverages
- Walking staff, rain gear, warm wear, towel and day pack
- Ground transport from North Kohala to Kona Airport (after hike)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Not included
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own caregiver
- Capacity Surcharge: All guests weighing between 265 and 315 lbs will be assessed a Capacity Surcharge of $50. The guest will be guaranteed a window seat.
- Guests weighing above 315 lbs. at check-in will be charged for an extra seat for weight and balance purposes. The rate of the extra seat will be determined by the specific tour that they are booked on. This cost is calculated by adding an additional seat to the one that has already been purchased.
- All pilots and aircraft are FAA-certified
- Helicopter holds 6 passengers; larger groups may be separated
- For a guaranteed window seat, make sure to upgrade to the window seating option
- Vegetarian option can be accommodated if requested upon booking
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
Features
Original
95%
Tourism
90%
Adrenaline
85%
Cultural
25%
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