big island airplane tours

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Kona Big Island Airplane Tours 

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Want to aerially explore all the hidden treasures of the Big Island during your Kona vacation, but don’t have loads of money to take a helicopter tour ? Then airplane tours of Hawaii are your solution. The Big Island is largely inaccessible by land vehicle or on foot, so the best way to tour the island is from the air. The fuel use of small craft planes is considerably less than helicopters and small Hawaii airplane tour companies generally have lower overhead expenses. The savings are passed on to you, making airplane tours of Hawaii one of the most eco-friendly and economical ways to experience the majesty of the Big Island. Aerially tour the emerald jungles and cascading waterfalls of the Hāmākua Coast, witness the fiery lava flows of Kīlauea, the world’s most active volcano, soar past the spectacular 14,000-foot summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, and explore the rugged, towering sea cliffs and pristine coastline of the Big Island’s north shore.

Kona Hawaii Airplane Tour Operators

If you want to avoid the tourist crowds and experience an intimate Hawaii airplane tour for a party as small as two passengers, go with Island Hopper Airplane Tours. Island Hopper has been offering personalized Big Island air tours from Kona Airport since 1986 and is the only air tour company that will guarantee your flight time even if the craft is not full. Big Island Air is the island’s oldest airplane tour company, offering excellent fixed-wing craft tours in their 9-passenger Cessna Caravan. Big Island Air offers two tour packages out of Kona Airport, and also exclusive charters to multiple islands. Both Island Hopper and Big Island Air fly over the waterfall-dotted Hāmākua Coast and the west shore’s pristine white and black sand beaches, along the Kōhala Coast’s dramatic sea cliffs, and over the spectacular active lava flows of Kīlauea Volcano. The knowledgeable pilots at both companies will share a wealth of cultural lore and botanical, geological and historical facts during your Hawaii Island tour .

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Flying High

Whether you’re seeking an intimate private charter for two or want to bring along the whole family, Kona Coast Vacations can make your dreams of a Big Island airplane tour come true. Contact our Kona vacation experts today to book your stay with us and enjoy awe-inspiring aerial Hawaii Island tour experience.

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Big Island Circle Tours

Tours From Kona or Hilo

Big Island Sightseeing Excursions

We absolutely love the scenes and stops that you make on a sightseeing journey across Big Island. Starting on either the Kona or Hilo side of the island, your Big Island circle island tour route includes a volcano, one or two black sand beaches, many waterfalls, great coffee, stops for local treats, or at a world-famous bakery and so much more. Your guide will make sure your day with us is one of the most memorable in Hawaii.

There are a few variations to a sightseeing tour on the island that can start in the town of Hilo or along the Kona coast. The Kona coast includes the town of Kailua-Kona and the resort areas of Waikoloa & Kohala . Our tours will pick up at the resort, private accommodation, or at a central public location.

Big Island Tours From Kona & Hilo

The dry western coastline is the perfect place to spend most of your vacation time. The weather is consistently warm and sunny making for wonderful days around the pool or enjoying one of the many watersports. When you are ready to leave the resort and explore the island we have 3 easy sightseeing options.

Big Island Private Tours

Make the most of a day on the Big Island! Customize your... More

Volcano Sightseeing From Kona Tour

Spend an afternoon enjoying the sites and flavors of the Big... More

Big Island Grand Sightseeing Tour

This adventure-filled day will allow you to explore numerous... More

Big Island Air Tours

Big Island Air Tours offers a thrilling aerial exploration of Hawaii’s most geographically diverse island. From cascading waterfalls and active volcanoes to sprawling coastlines and lush rainforests, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. Our seasoned pilots share enriching insights and stories, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing. Join us to witness the unparalleled beauty of the Big Island from the skies above.

Big Island Circle Discovery Tour

See the entirety of the Big Island in one epic flight! This... More

Spectacular Helicopter Tour of Big Island

Embark on an amazing exploration of Big Island’s unique... More

Full Day Sightseeing Tours On Big Island

Standard island tours that use the Saddle Road route are about 9-11 hours while those tours that use the northern route through Waimea are referred to as the Grand tour and that is between 11-13 hours.

Big Island Frequently Asked Questions

We are staying at a vacation rental. can we be picked up at our accommodation, is a visit to the volcano included in every tour, how big are the group tours being offered, do any of your tours have car seats available, ask us question, the best guides & customer service.

We create opportunities for wonderful memories with your family and friends at a great value. Each day is an important time investment. You won’t waste your time or money choosing us.

Stress-Free Bookings & Changes

Book your tour now and make changes at no cost. Our team is here to make your trip exceptional. We will make sure you are taking the right tour on the right day (on the right island!).

We Provide Custom Island Tours

We are a full-service tour operator and travel agency based here in Hawaii. We provide small group shared and private sightseeing tours. Check out our tours or book a private to customize your day even more.

Tour Experience Full Of Aloha

We will never forget our roots and that is to deliver wonderful island experiences every day. Please reach out to us at any time by email, chat, and text. Or call us between 8 AM and 5 PM daily, Hawaiian time.

• 378 Aliiolani St., Pukalani, HI 96768
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• Open Daily 5:00am to 9:00pm, HST

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Big Island Rentals

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Airplane Tours

Big island airplane tours.

Imagine yourself soaring like a bird over the remote lush valleys, hidden waterfalls, and active lava flows of the Big Island. If this sounds merely like an amazing dream, well, an airplane tour can make your dream come true! The Big Island boasts a terrain that is largely inaccessible by land vehicle or on foot, so the best way to tour the island is from the air. Small craft planes use considerably less fuel than helicopters do and the savings is passed on to you, making airplane tours one of the best, most eco-friendly, and economical ways to experience the exquisite beauty of the Big Island. And of course the photo opportunities from an airplane are like no other! If you’ve been searching for things to do in Hawai’i’s Big Island , we highly recommend an airplane tour!

Airplane Tour Companies on the Big Island

Big island airplane tour operators.

Big Island Air offers excellent fixed-wing craft tours of the whole island. Departing out of Kona Airport, Big Island Air provides two tour packages, and also offers exclusive charters to multiple islands. Fly over the waterfall-laced Hāmākua Coast and the west shore’s pristine white-sand beaches, up over the north coast jungles and dramatic sea cliffs of Kōhala, and explore the spectacular active lava flows of Kīlauea Volcano. On the other side of the island, ʻIolani Air Tour Company at Hilo Airport focuses on the wild and intense active lava flows of Kīlauea Volcano. Get a bird’s-eye-view into boiling, red-hot Puʻu Oʻo vent and soar over rivers of lava flowing to the ocean. ʻIolani Air Tour Company also offers romantic, exclusive tours for two. Or, rent your own plane from ‘Iolani and go wherever you want to!

A Top-Flight Experience

Whether you are bringing the whole family or want a private charter for two, we can meet your airplane touring needs. Contact our Big Island vacation experts at ILoveHawaii.com today to book an unforgettable airplane tour experience filled with wonder and smiles. We hope you enjoy your time on the Big Island; for even more things to do in Big Island , check out the activities below:

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Big Island Airplane Tours

Filter by price, flight length, filter by rating, 2 tours found.

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• Helicopter & Air Tours (13)

Helicopter & Airplane Tours

Top-rated activities for big island.

Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Dolphin Swim & Encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village

From usd 240.84.

Island Breeze Big Island Kona Luau at King Kamehameha Hotel with Open Bar

From usd 176.97.

Waipio Shuttle - An Exceptional Guided Sightseeing Tour of Waipio Valley

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

From usd 286.00.

Legends of Hawaii Luau Dinner Show with Open Bar at Hilton Waikoloa Village

From usd 201.50.

Hawaii Zipline Tours - Big Island Waterfall & Rainforest Zip Adventure

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

From usd 260.00.

Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls

From usd 227.23.

Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Hawaii ATV Ride Tour at Kohala Coast - Sea to Mountain Off-Road Adventure

From usd 344.40.

Spirit of Aloha Waikoloa Sunset Cruise with FREE Cocktails - Hawaii Nautical

Kona Sunset Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay with Live Entertainment | Body Glove

Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

Kilauea Volcano Helicopter Tour - Blue Hawaiian Circle of Fire Flight from Hilo

From usd 359.00.

Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

From usd 128.32.

Grand Circle Island Tour - Volcano, Black Sand Beach, Waipio Valley & Waterfalls

Atlantis Kona Submarine Tour & Undersea Adventure - Descend up to 100 feet

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Latest reviews of Helicopter & Airplane Tours

I ask others to go with me, and get... 'is it a big helicopter? must be stable' 'need a seat in the middle up front or I'll barf' 'doors off, are you nutz?' Don't let them ruin it for you. Small copter with doo ... more rs off is the full woohooo. The ride is smooth and stable enough. The view out the open door is wondrous. Accept nothing less. Watch a video in the comfort of your couch or get the whole experience.

Helicopter tour is always a wonderful experience

I’ve done this more than 5 times and every trip is different and wonderful. Great way to see more of the island without driving. Love all of the employees. It’s a great experience. Last time in March 2022 we took three g ... more randsons and son in law. Very fun trip. They have a fantastic time. This time I took a friend who had never been to island. We again had a fabulous trip. Thank you ❣️

Clear Skies!

We got a great morning, very clear skies and gorgeous views of the volc nat park!

Great Views!

Awesome to get to see the volcano from above to understand it much different then walking through

Professional

Great trip with Tyler being our pilot. Not only was he a great pilot he was very knowledgable about the Big Island and about things a vacationer would not know. Saw many whales and spinner dolphins.. Circle Island tou ... more r was a great experience! Support staff was great and gave us all the information needed to make the trip great, but also safe!

A great flight

Since we did this the day before leaving, it was really fun to see lots of places we'd visited on the ground from the air, and to get a better view of crater road through the park. The kids loved having the headsets and ... more microphones, and asked lots of questions. The pilot was very patient with them and had taken the trouble to learn their names and really interact with them. He also accepted requests for minor deviations from his flight plan to see particular things, flying into clouds so that we could get a better view of a rainbow. They also take video of the whole trip, and we wound up paying for that too since it seemed reasonably priced compared with the cost of the overall experience.

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BIG ISLAND AIR TOURS

• Hour Glass 16 Hours
• Map Marker Big Island , Oahu
• Tags Land , Air

Oahu to Hilo: Helicopter & Volcano Adventure Tour | Polynesian Adventure Tours

Experience the best the Big Island by land and air! Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a Macadamia Nut…

Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure Tour | Polynesian Adventure Tours

Discover the source of Hawaii Island’s creation at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! Explore cascading waterfalls, craters, and the tsunami-stricken city of Hilo on this comprehensive volcano adventure tour.

• Hour Glass 12+ Hours

Hawaii Island Highlights Tour | Polynesian Adventure Tours

With its blend of coffee, cultural heritage, and volcanic wonders, this tour is a must for those seeking an immersive experience.

• Hour Glass 50 - 55 Minutes
• Map Marker Big Island

Pele’s Creation Tour | Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Get your camera ready as you come upon Kilauea’s Iki Crater and Hale Ma’uma’u Volcano Crater. 

• Hour Glass 45 - 55 Minutes

Kohala Coast Adventure | Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Tour the most spectacular scenery on the Big Island!

• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Big Island Spectacular | Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Discover the Big Island’s magnificent beauty and its volcanic fury on this all-in-one Big Island helicopter tour!

• Hour Glass 50 Minute

Circle of Fire | Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Discover the Big Island’s Kilauea with the massive eruptions and it’s beautiful volcanic fury!

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One of the most memorable and fascinating activities to seek out on your Big Island adventure is diving or snorkeling with the manta rays at night.

Explore Hawaii’s Kaumana Cave

With intense volcanic activity over millions of years, there are hundreds of lava tubes, caves, and volcanic formations to explore on the Big Island.

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"Inter-island on your schedule?"

Hawaii - Big Island Air offers charter service between Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and the Big Island. Our Cessna Skymaster can accommodate up to three passengers and our Cessna 421 can accommodate up to six passengers.

For more information or to request a charter, call us at 808-329-4868 or email us at [email protected].

Live Reviews

“fantastic experience, even for a nervous flier”.

Yes, I am a nervous flier, but our Pilot (can't remember his name, sorry) made me feel safe...

“Great trip and great pilot!!”

This is the only way to see the island. Darryl our pilot was great! Don't hesitate...

“Great trip with a great plane!!”

We booked Big Island Air at the last minute after Sunshine Helicopters cancelled out on us...

“VIP Air Adventure!”

This was probably the highlight of our Honeymoon. We took the VIP Air Adventure...

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Airplane and Helicopter Tours on Big Island

Big island helicopter, airplane & parasailing tours.

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Best Big Island Air Activities

So, you've chosen the magnificent Big Island for your vacation in paradise - we think you've made an excellent choice. There is no better way to see the sights than with a bird's-eye view. We know you're eager to start planning your adventures. To this end, Hawaii Guide has hand-picked what we think are simply the best Big Island aerial activities to enjoy. Take the family parasailing, hang glide with your mate, or go full adrenaline rush on a sky dive. Whatever adventure you choose, you'll love our great rates. Now pick your adventure and get ready to fly.

— article continued below —

Big Island Helicopter Adventures

The Big Island is a great place to enjoy a helicopter tour, as there are so many places that are best appreciated from the air: cascading waterfalls, towering sea cliffs, and, of course, the famous Big Island volcanoes and lava flows that constantly reshape the landscape. Best of all? With a helicopter tour you’ll always enjoy the best seat in the house. Don’t miss out on the excitement; book your tour today!

Big Island Airplane Tours

Looking to tour the Big Island’s black sand beaches, volcanoes, lush rainforests, and deep valleys from above? Want lots of leg room and your own window seat? How about the opportunity to watch the sun set behind Mauna Loa in a spectacular array of colors as you fly by and through the beauty all around you? Sound good? Then check out these unforgettable airplane tours and book today.

Big Island Parasailing and other Air Tours

So you’re up for an aerial adventure but just can’t shake the need for an adrenaline rush, too? Then maybe a parasailing adventure is just what you need; it’s easy, fun, and exciting for nearly everyone. Or try your hand at a powered hang glider and soar over manta rays, dolphins, and more as you fly overhead. At Hawaii Guide, we have a high-flying adventure for everyone… book yours today!

Recommended Big Island Tours

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Big airplane will buzz RBC Heritage tournament Saturday. Here are Dreamliner details

A pr. 20—Get ready to a see a spectacle Saturday afternoon: A gigantic airplane flying directly over the 18th hole and the fans and the best golfers in the world at the RBC Heritage.

The 787 Dreamliner, piloted by Boeing captains Ricardo Traven and Tommy Schueler, will fly over the 18th fairway at the RBC Heritage PGA Tour golf tournament at 4 p.m.

Details of annual Dreamliner flyover at the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing were announced Saturday at noon.

At 224 feet long with a wing span of 197 feet and a passenger capacity of 320, Boeing's 787-9 is the largest airplane in the fleet of WestJet, a Calgary-based airliner. The gigantic passenger airplane is assembled in North Charleston.

This is the 13th year Boeing has been a sponsor at the PGA Tour tournament, and the flyover has become a tournament tradition and a highlight for players and fans.

This story was originally published April 20, 2024, 1:15 PM.

(c)2024 The Island Packet (Hilton Head, S.C.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.