The Big Island is huge, wild and constantly changing, and one of the best ways to take it all in is from above. Whether you want a peaceful flight along the coast or a full adrenaline rush, there’s an aerial adventure for you.
Here are the top ways to see Hawai‘i Island from the sky, and how to choose the right one for your trip.
1. Gyroplane Flight Over the Kona Coast
A gyroplane flight is a private, front-row way to see the Kona Coast: just you and your FAA-certified instructor, flying over lava fields, turquoise water and, in winter, humpback whales. Choose the open-air MTO Sport or the enclosed Cavalon. Flights depart from Kona International Airport, starting at $249 for a 30-minute Discovery Flight.
Best for: couples, solo travelers and anyone who wants something truly unique. See gyro flights →
All smiles on a Discovery Flight.
2. Helicopter Tour
Helicopter tours are a Big Island classic and a great way to cover long distances, including volcano and waterfall routes. Most fly a shared cabin, so you’ll typically ride with other guests. Operators include Blue Hawaiian Helicopters (Waikoloa and Hilo), Paradise Helicopters (Kona and Hilo) and Mauna Loa Helicopters (Kona).
Best for: groups and travelers who want to cover as much of the island as possible in one trip. Curious how they compare? Read Gyroplane vs. Helicopter.
3. Tandem Skydiving
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, tandem skydiving lets you freefall over the island attached to an experienced instructor, then parachute down with sweeping views of the coast and mountains. No experience is needed. On the Big Island, book with Big Island Gravity Skydiving.
Best for: thrill-seekers ready for the biggest adventure of their trip.
4. Small-Plane Air Tour
Fixed-wing sightseeing flights cover long distances quickly and are another way to take in the island’s scale from above.
Best for: travelers who want a long sightseeing flight.
5. Ziplining
Not quite flying, but close. Big Island zipline courses send you soaring over lush valleys, streams and waterfalls. Try Botanical World Adventures on the Hāmākua Coast, with an eight-line course and a suspension bridge.
Best for: families and groups looking for a fun, lower-key adventure.
“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 ★★★★★
How to Choose
- Want something private and unique? Go with a gyroplane flight.
- Want to cover the whole island? Choose a helicopter or small-plane air tour.
- Want pure adrenaline? Book a tandem skydive.
- Traveling with family? Ziplining is a crowd-pleaser.
Can’t decide? Many visitors pair two experiences, like a calm morning gyro flight over the Kona Coast and a bigger adventure later in the trip.
Big Island Aerial Activity FAQs
What’s the most unique aerial activity on the Big Island?
A gyroplane flight. Few visitors have heard of gyroplanes, and even fewer have flown in one.
Do I need experience for a gyroplane flight?
No. Your FAA-certified instructor flies and explains everything before takeoff.
When is the best time of year?
Any time of year is beautiful. Visit roughly November through April for a chance to see humpback whales.
Where do gyro flights depart?
From the Fly Gyros Hawaii hangar at Kona International Airport in Kailua-Kona.
Add a gyro flight to your trip
Discovery Flights start at $249. No experience needed.