Big Island helicopter tours: prices and what to expect
Prices and details checked on October 21, 2026How we compare tours
We list three Big Island helicopter tours, all run by Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours - Big Island and based in Kailua-Kona. The Private Kona Coast Experience is priced from $229 per person.
We list three Big Island helicopter tours, all run by Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours - Big Island and based in Kailua-Kona. The Private Kona Coast Experience is priced from $229 per person. The Private Big Island Experience and the Private Waterfall Experience are priced per group, from $639 and from $429. Choose by flight length and party size first, then by price.
Private Kona Coast Experience
Direct Booking Guarantee: the tour operator takes your booking and runs your tour. We may earn a commission, never added to your price.
Private Big Island Experience
Direct Booking Guarantee: the tour operator takes your booking and runs your tour. We may earn a commission, never added to your price.
Private Waterfall Experience
Direct Booking Guarantee: the tour operator takes your booking and runs your tour. We may earn a commission, never added to your price.
What should you know before you book Big Island helicopter tours?
Decide on flight length before you decide on price. A longer flight and a larger group both change which price makes sense, so work out your party size first. Book early in your trip if you have a fixed day, since each tour has a cancellation rule that starts 24 hours before the flight.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
The two group tours run from $429 to $639 for the group.
| Tour | Operator | Price from | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Kona Coast Experience | Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours - Big Island | $229 per person | - |
| Private Waterfall Experience | Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours - Big Island | $429 for the group | 75 minutes |
| Private Big Island Experience | Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours - Big Island | $639 for the group | 2 hours |
The higher price buys the longer flight. The Private Big Island Experience runs 2 hours, while the Private Waterfall Experience runs 75 minutes.
What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?
The Private Big Island Experience, the Private Kona Coast Experience and the Private Waterfall Experience are all based in Kailua-Kona.
Plan your morning around the departure time, not around the flight alone. Passengers who do not show up 40 minutes before flight time are billed the full price, so reach the desk with time to spare.
Who do these tours suit, and who should skip them?
The listing gives the Private Kona Coast Experience a difficulty level of Easy.
If you are traveling as a group, the per-person price of the Private Kona Coast Experience can add up quickly.
What are the tours to book?
- Private Big Island Experience: 2 hours, from $639 per group, run by Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours - Big Island.
Each tour is listed under Air Activities. Book each one from its own tour page.
How do booking, cancellation and weather work?
Cancel more than 24 hours before the flight to avoid the full charge. For the Private Big Island Experience, a cancellation within 24 hours of the flight, or a no-show 40 minutes before flight time, is billed at the full price. The same rule applies to the Private Kona Coast Experience and to the Private Waterfall Experience.
Plan a backup date for your helicopter flight.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a helicopter tour on the Big Island?
The Private Kona Coast Experience costs from $229 per person.
How much does a 20 minute helicopter ride cost?
The Private Waterfall Experience runs 75 minutes and costs from $429 per group.
Are helicopter tours worth the money?
The Private Big Island Experience gives 2 hours of flight for from $639 per group.
How long is a 30 mile helicopter ride?
The tours we list give flight time in minutes, not miles. The Private Waterfall Experience lasts 75 minutes, and the Private Big Island Experience lasts 2 hours.
