Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Active Volcanoes & Helicopter Tour

If you’re planning a trip from Oahu to the Big Island to see Hawaii’s famous volcanoes, this day-long adventure might just be on your radar. It offers a mix of land exploration and aerial views — perfect if you want to cover a lot in one day. We’ve taken a close look at what this tour includes, what travelers generally think, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines the thrill of a helicopter ride with the opportunity to walk through some of Hawaii’s most iconic volcanic sites. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making even a busy day feel engaging. Plus, the chance to see Kilauea, one of the only active volcanoes in Hawaii, is definitely a highlight.

On the flip side, a potential drawback is that the actual volcanic activity isn’t guaranteed — weather and volcanic fumes can sometimes mean missed sights or limited visibility. If you’re hoping to see flowing lava, this might not be the trip for you, especially if the volcano isn’t currently erupting. It’s best suited for those who appreciate scenic beauty and learning about volcanoes, even if the volcanoes are quiet at the time.

Overall, if you’re keen to experience Hawaii’s volcanic landscape without hopping between islands on your own, this tour offers a well-organized, comprehensive day. It’s especially good for travelers who want a mix of land and aerial views with knowledgeable guides and don’t mind a packed schedule.

Key Points

• Combines land and aerial experiences for a comprehensive view of the Big Island’s volcanic landscape.
• Includes a helicopter tour, offering spectacular views that are hard to match from the ground.
• Most activities are well-organized, with a detailed itinerary and professional guides.
• Weather-dependent: Volcano visibility and helicopter flights can be affected by weather or volcanic fumes.
• Good value for money considering the activities included, but be mindful of additional costs like gratuities or overweight fees.
• Ideal for those interested in volcanoes and scenic landscapes but not necessarily for those expecting to see active lava flows.

The Full Experience: What to Expect and How It’s Designed

This tour is designed to maximize your time on the Big Island, though it’s based out of Oahu. It’s a full 12-hour day, with most of that dedicated to exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and surrounding sights, plus a scenic helicopter flight. From the moment you’re picked up to the time you’re dropped back at your hotel, the experience aims to be both educational and fun.

Transportation and Group Size

You’ll be traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle with a small group capped at 12 travelers, which tends to allow for more personalized attention from guides. The tour is operated by Polynesian Adventure Tours, a well-established company. The driver/guide will narrate as you go, providing insights into Hawaii’s volcanic history, the geography, and local culture.

The Helicopter Ride: An Aerial Perspective

The highlight for many is the 45-minute helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. The safety briefing is mandatory, and it’s worth arriving prepared for a slightly tight fit, especially if you’re over 240 pounds (a surcharge applies). Many reviews mention how breathtaking the views are — flying over Kilauea and the volcanic landscape is a real treat. That said, the helicopter flight is weather-dependent, and there’s no guarantee of lava viewing on the day, which can be disappointing if you’re hoping for flowing lava.

Land Sights and Stops: The Heart of the Tour

Your land stops are carefully chosen:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The core of the trip, home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Even if no lava is flowing, the park’s landscape is spectacularly rugged and volcanic.
• Chain of Craters Road: A scenic 19-mile drive through volcanic terrain and coastal scenery, offering multiple vantage points of the park’s volcanic activity.
• Kilauea Volcano & Halema’uma’u Crater: An active shield volcano with recent eruptions in June 2023. Visitors get a close-up look at the crater, which is a story of ongoing natural renewal.
• Steam Vents and Thurston Lava Tube: These stops highlight the volcanic process — steam vents show how heat escapes from underground, and the lava tube offers a subterranean adventure through ancient lava flows.
• Akaka Falls State Park: The lush jungle and waterfall provide a cooler, greener contrast to the volcanic landscape, giving a taste of the island’s tropical beauty.

What Travelers Say

Many reviewers love the knack for organization and the knowledge of guides like Hugh and Anthony, who are praised for their enthusiasm and insights. One said, “Hugh was great!!! Funny, smart, very knowledgeable, adventurous!!” This level of engagement makes the day more than just sightseeing — it’s educational and entertaining.

However, a few mention that certain sights, like the lava tube, have been closed recently, which can be a letdown if you were excited to walk through it. One subject that comes up repeatedly is the weather’s impact. “The volcanos were not active so we only saw smoke,” said one reviewer, highlighting that volcanic activity is unpredictable.

Timing and Pace

The tour starts early and ends late, with about 2 hours at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and smaller chunks of time at other stops. The helicopter portion is about 45 minutes, and lunch is included, providing fuel for the busy day. The itinerary moves quickly, so if you prefer unhurried sightseeing, this may feel a bit fast-paced.

Price and Value

At around $878, this tour isn’t cheap, but it does include interisland flights, all land activities, and a helicopter ride — a significant chunk of Hawaii’s top sights packed into one day. It’s a good value if you want to see a lot without arranging multiple tours yourself. Keep in mind, extra fees like gratuities or overweight charges for the helicopter are not included, so factor those in.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day trip that combines Hawaii’s volcanic wonders with scenic views from above. It’s suitable for those who enjoy learning from guides, don’t mind a tight schedule, and appreciate having most of the logistics handled for them.

If you’re particularly interested in lava flows actively spilling or prefer a very relaxed pace, this may not be the right choice. Also, if you’re sensitive to fumes or respiratory issues, consider the fact that some stops involve seeing steam vents and volcanic gases.

This tour also works well for families, especially since it’s designed to be engaging and includes a helicopter experience that’s often memorable for all ages—just check age and weight restrictions if traveling with children.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In a nutshell, this tour gives you a solid introduction to Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes — one that’s designed to show you as much as possible in one day. The mix of land and air, combined with guides who are passionate and knowledgeable, makes for a memorable experience. You’ll love the panoramic views from the helicopter, and most reviews say the land parts are equally rewarding.

However, it’s worth remembering that volcanic activity isn’t guaranteed, and weather can affect what you see. The tour’s value depends on your expectations: if you’re longing for active lava flows or a slower, more immersive experience, you might want to explore other options.

For most travelers who want a well-organized, fun, and scenic day with the chance to see Hawaii’s famous volcanoes and waterfalls, this trip ticks a lot of boxes — just go with an open mind about what’s visible on the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the helicopter ride included in the tour price?
Yes, the 45-minute helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is part of the package, and its cost is included in the overall price.

Can I see lava flows or active lava during the tour?
Lava sightings are not guaranteed. The tour visits active volcanoes, but volcanic activity can vary due to weather and other factors. Recently, eruptions have occurred, but there’s no promise of lava flows on your scheduled day.

What about the weather?
The helicopter flight and some volcanic views depend heavily on weather conditions. Poor weather or fumes may lead to changes or cancellations, but the tour will try to provide an alternative.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, many reviews mention families traveling with children, though weight restrictions (over 240 lbs require a surcharge) and safety considerations apply. It’s a full day, so be prepared for a busy schedule.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts roughly 12 hours, from pickup to drop-off, including travel, sightseeing, lunch, and the helicopter ride.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and camera gear are recommended. Be prepared for some walking and to be on the go for most of the day.

Are additional fees likely?
Potential extra costs include gratuities, helicopter comfort seats if over 240 lbs, and possible airline overage charges. Always check the latest policies before booking.

In the end, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, education, and scenic beauty. If you’re looking to check Hawaii’s volcanic sights off your list in a single day, it’s a pretty good way to do it. Just keep your expectations flexible regarding active lava and weather, and you’re likely to find it a memorable part of your Hawaiian trip.