Seeing the Big Island from the air is one of the best things you can do on vacation. Most visitors know about helicopter tours, but fewer know there’s another option: a private gyroplane flight over the Kona Coast.
Both are unforgettable, and they’re very different experiences. Here’s how they compare so you can choose the one that fits your trip.
How They Fly
Both aircraft have a large rotor on top, but they use it differently. A helicopter’s engine spins its rotor, which lets it hover and fly straight up. A gyroplane’s rotor isn’t powered by the engine. It spins freely in the passing air to create lift, while a propeller at the back pushes the aircraft forward. The result is a light, smooth flight that feels closer to flying itself.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gyroplane | Helicopter | |
|---|---|---|
| Who’s on board | Just you and your instructor | Often a shared cabin with other guests |
| Your seat | Right up front, every time | Depends on seating |
| The view | Open-air or wide-view cockpit | Through cabin windows |
| The feel | Light, personal and unhurried | A sightseeing ride |
| Best for | A private flight along the Kona Coast | Covering long distances across the island |
| Price | From $249 | Varies by operator and route |
Big Island views from the front seat of a gyroplane.
Why Guests Choose a Gyroplane
- It’s private: no strangers, no middle seat. Just you and your instructor, so the flight is all about you.
- The view is unmatched: in our open-air MTO Sport, nothing stands between you and the coastline. Prefer a cockpit around you? The enclosed Cavalon offers wide windows and side-by-side seating.
- It’s a story to tell: most people have never heard of a gyroplane, let alone flown in one. It’s a one-of-a-kind Hawai‘i memory.
- Easy to fit in: Discovery Flights are 30 minutes, departing from Kona International Airport, close to Kailua-Kona and the resorts.
When a Helicopter Might Be the Better Fit
If you want to cover the whole island in one trip, or you’re traveling as a larger group who want to fly together in the same aircraft, a helicopter tour is a great choice. If you want a personal, front-row flight over the Kona Coast, a gyroplane is hard to beat.
“Hands down one of the coolest experiences I’ve had in the sky! This was my first time in a gyroplane & it did not disappoint!”
— Evalena S., Google review ★★★★★
Gyroplane vs. Helicopter FAQs
Is a gyroplane safe compared to a helicopter?
Gyroplanes are known for being stable and forgiving. Their rotor keeps turning on its own, allowing a controlled descent even without engine power. Read more in Are Gyroplanes Safe?
Can two of us fly together?
Our gyroplanes carry one guest with the instructor. With our Share the Sky option, two guests fly back to back for $225 per flight.
Can I take photos?
Phones and cameras stay on the ground for safety. Add our 360° video upgrade for $65 to capture the whole flight.
How long is the flight?
Choose a 30-minute Discovery Flight ($249) or a 60-minute Exploration Flight ($425).
Try something different
Private gyroplane flights over Kona from $249.