Overview

Polynesian Adventure Activities runs this all-inclusive day trip from Oahu to Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Round-trip interisland airfare between Honolulu and Hilo is included. After landing at Hilo Airport you walk to the nearby Blue Hawaiian Helicopters heliport for a required safety briefing of about 45 minutes, followed by a 45-minute helicopter flight. A driver then picks you up and you join the guided sightseeing tour already in progress. The land tour explores Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: views of Mauna Loa, which last erupted in 2023, and of Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, which roughly doubled in size after the 2018 eruption; the steaming Steam Vents, where groundwater meets hot volcanic rock; and Nāhuku, an ancient lava tube (formerly known as Thurston Lava Tube). A packed "to go" lunch is eaten in the park, and the day ends with a walk around ʻAkaka Falls before the evening flight back to Honolulu. Because the helicopter flight takes place while the rest of the group visits Rainbow Falls and drives through Hilo town, helicopter guests do not see those two stops. The day starts very early at Honolulu airport, where you check in yourself for both flights, and you return to Oahu in the evening.

What's Included

Meeting and Pickup

What To Expect

1. 1

   Honolulu International Airport (HNL)

   Arrive on your own at Honolulu airport early in the morning and check in yourself for both flights, at a self-service kiosk or the ticket counter. Your confirmation explains where to meet the tour driver in Hilo.

2. 2

   Interisland flight to Hilo

   Fly from Oahu to Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island.

3. 3

   Circle of Fire helicopter flight

   Walk from Hilo Airport to the nearby Blue Hawaiian Helicopters heliport for the required safety briefing (about 45 minutes), then take the 45-minute helicopter flight.

4. 4

   Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

   Join the sightseeing tour in progress at the national park: views of Mauna Loa and of Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, with a packed lunch in the park.

5. 5

   Steam Vents

   Watch steam rise where groundwater seeps onto hot volcanic rock.

6. 6

   Nāhuku (Thurston) Lava Tube

   Walk through an ancient lava tube.

7. 7

   ʻAkaka Falls

   Take a leisurely walk around the ʻAkaka Falls loop.

8. 8

   Return flight to Oahu

   Fly back from Hilo to Honolulu in the evening.

Additional Info

• You meet the tour at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on your own; transportation to and from the airport on Oahu is not included. Check in yourself for both flight segments. Airlines change their schedules often and at short notice, so check your flight status yourself before the trip.
• Each traveler's full name, date of birth, gender, height and weight are required at booking for the airline and the helicopter. Names and dates of birth must exactly match the government-issued photo ID or passport used for airline check-in. Everyone must clear TSA security at Honolulu airport, so bring a passport or a valid government-issued photo ID.
• All passengers are weighed at the heliport, as the FAA requires for the aircraft's weight and balance. Passengers over 240 pounds are allotted two seats and pay an extra 50% for the second seat. Do not bring large or heavy bags. Darker clothing reduces window reflections in photos.
• Helicopter guests do not visit Rainbow Falls or drive through Hilo town, because the helicopter flight takes place during that part of the tour. Chain of Craters Road is temporarily closed. If the helicopter flight is cancelled for any reason, the helicopter portion is refunded and you join an extended land tour that includes Hilo town and Rainbow Falls.
• Adults are 12 and older; travelers aged 12 to 17 must book with someone 18 or older. Children are 2 to 11. Infants under 2 are not sold on this booking.
• Cancellation: at least 168 hours (7 days) notice before the airport meeting time is required for a full refund; no-shows are charged in full. Airline fees for name or date changes and any overage fees are the guest's responsibility. Tours, activities, flights or venues cancelled for reasons outside the operator's control (such as weather or force majeure), and extenuating circumstances, are not refunded. If you return to Honolulu early or leave the land tour after a helicopter cancellation, only the helicopter portion is refunded; other costs such as taxis or airline change fees are yours.
• Contact Polynesian Adventure Activities tour reservations at +1 (877) 930-1740 or sales@polyad.com.
• 1–12 travelers per booking

Operated by Polynesian Adventure Activities