The Maui to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter & Bus Tour is an exhilarating opportunity to witness the raw power and captivating beauty of Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes. Soaring over the Kilauea Iki Crater in a helicopter, explorers are granted a bird’s-eye view of the dynamic, ever-changing terrain. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – a guided ground expedition through Volcanoes National Park allows visitors to delve deeper into the geological wonders that have shaped this island paradise. With an expert crew and a small group size, this tour promises an immersive and personalized experience that will leave lasting impressions long after the last lava flow has faded from sight.
Key Points
- This 11-hour tour takes participants from Maui to the Big Island to explore active volcanoes, including a helicopter tour and a ground tour of Volcanoes National Park.
- The tour is conducted exclusively in English, with a group size limited to 15 participants, providing a personalized and intimate experience.
- The helicopter tour offers unique aerial views of Kilauea Iki Crater, lava flows, and the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea.
- The ground tour allows visitors to discover the awe-inspiring Kilauea Iki Crater, traverse the Chain of Craters Road, and witness the dynamic volcanic landscapes.
- The tour includes round-trip air transportation from Maui to the Big Island, as well as admission to Volcanoes National Park, but excludes lunch and gratuities.
Tour Details
The tour is a Maui to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter & Bus Tour that lasts 11 hours.
Travelers won’t get a refund if they cancel, but the tour is offered in English for groups limited to 15 participants.
The highlight is seeing the most current volcanic activity from a helicopter, as well as exploring Kilauea Iki Crater and the Chain of Crater’s Road in Volcanoes National Park.
Roundtrip airfare from Maui to the Big Island, the helicopter tour, the ground tour, and park admission are included. However, lunch and gratuity are not.
Guests must arrive 90 minutes early, have proper identification, wear covered shoes and warm clothing, and those over 250 lbs. need to purchase an additional seat.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of this tour is non-refundable, meaning travelers won’t receive a refund if they choose to cancel their reservation. This policy is in place to ensure the tour operator can effectively manage inventory and logistics.
While it may be disappointing for some, it’s a common practice in the tourism industry, especially for limited-capacity experiences like this helicopter and bus tour of the Big Island’s volcanoes.
Guests should carefully consider their travel plans and schedules before booking to avoid any unexpected changes or cancellations. The tour operator understands life can be unpredictable, but they must maintain a firm cancellation policy to provide the best experience possible for those who do participate.
Languages and Group Size
This tour is conducted exclusively in English, ensuring clear communication throughout the experience. Plus, the group size is limited to just 15 participants, providing a more intimate and personalized exploration of the Big Island’s volcanic wonders. This small group setting allows for a tailored experience, where guests can engage freely with the knowledgeable guide and fellow adventurers. By keeping the group size manageable, the tour can navigate the landscapes more easily and provide a more attentive and personalized service to each guest. This attention to detail enhances the overall experience, making the Maui to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter & Bus Tour a truly memorable adventure.
| Group Size | Languages |
|---|---|
| Limited to 15 participants | English |
Helicopter Tour Highlights
From the sky, guests behold the most current areas of volcanic activity during the helicopter tour, offering a unique vantage point to witness the dynamic nature of the island’s geological wonders.
Sweeping over the Kilauea Iki Crater, the helicopter provides breathtaking views of the vibrant hues and dramatic landscapes that have been continually shaped by the earth’s internal forces.
Soaring above the Chain of Craters Road, guests marvel at the intricate patterns and textures of lava flows that have snaked their way across the terrain.
Throughout the tour, the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea, commands attention, showcasing its power and ever-changing state within Volcanoes National Park.
Ground Tour Highlights
After the aerial exploration, the ground tour allows guests to delve deeper into the wonders of Volcanoes National Park. Stepping off the bus, they discover the awe-inspiring Kilauea Iki Crater, its vibrant hues and rugged terrain a testament to the island’s fiery past. Traversing the Chain of Craters Road, the tour group marvels at the intricate patterns and textures of the lava flows that have forever altered the landscape.
| Geological Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Crater | A stunning caldera formed by a 1959 eruption, now a surreal landscape of solidified lava |
| Chain of Craters Road | A winding scenic drive that showcases the dynamic nature of the island’s volcanic activity |
| Volcanic Landscapes | Diverse textures and formations, from smooth pāhoehoe to jagged ‘a’ā lava |
Included in the Tour
The tour seamlessly combines an exhilarating helicopter flight over the island’s volcanic landscapes with an immersive ground experience at Volcanoes National Park.
The round-trip air ticket to the Big Island transports guests from Maui, allowing them to witness the most current areas of volcanic activity.
The helicopter tour provides awe-inspiring views of the Kilauea Iki Crater and the Chain of Craters Road.
Upon landing, the ground tour delves deeper into the national park, unveiling:
- The raw power and majesty of the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea.
- The captivating natural wonders that have drawn visitors to this extraordinary place for generations.
- A profound appreciation for the dynamic forces that continue to shape the Hawaiian islands.
Excluded From the Tour
While the tour provides a comprehensive experience, it doesn’t include lunch. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase their own meals during a stop along the way.
Plus, gratuities for the tour guide aren’t included in the tour price. This gives visitors the flexibility to choose their own dining options and to reward the guide based on their personal satisfaction with the service provided.
The exclusion of these items allows the tour operator to keep the overall cost down, making the experience more accessible to a wider range of travelers.
Ultimately, the choice of what to include or exclude is a balance between providing value and maintaining affordability for your.
Meeting Point and Requirements
To ensure a seamless start to the tour, guests must check-in for their flight 90 minutes prior to departure. Foreign citizens require a valid passport, while U.S. residents need a government-issued photo ID.
Comfortable, covered shoes and warm clothing are also recommended, as the tour may encounter varying weather conditions. Plus, guests over 250 pounds will need to purchase an additional seat to accommodate their size.
This tour promises an unforgettable experience:
- Witness the mesmerizing volcanic activity on a thrilling helicopter ride.
- Explore the captivating Kilauea Iki Crater and the Chain of Craters Road.
- Discover the world’s most active volcano at the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Helicopter Tour Suitable for People With Motion Sickness?
The helicopter tour may not be suitable for people prone to motion sickness. The aerial views can be exhilarating but the aircraft’s movements may cause discomfort for those sensitive to motion. Participants should consider their tolerance beforehand.
How Much Time Is Spent on the Ground Tour of Volcanoes National Park?
The ground tour of Volcanoes National Park on this excursion typically lasts several hours, allowing participants to explore the park’s volcanic landscapes and features at their own pace. Guests can expect to spend a significant portion of the day immersed in the park’s natural wonders.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks?
The tour does not include lunch, so participants should plan to purchase their own food during a stop in the park. Bringing snacks is recommended to have on hand throughout the day’s activities.
Can I Take Photographs During the Helicopter Tour?
Passengers are generally encouraged to take photographs during the helicopter tour, as it provides a unique opportunity to capture stunning aerial views of the volcanic landscape. However, the tour operator may have specific guidelines regarding photography usage.
Is There a Limit on the Number of Carry-On Items Allowed on the Flight?
The tour details do not specify a limit on the number of carry-on items allowed on the flight. However, passengers should check with the airline beforehand to ensure they comply with any carry-on luggage restrictions.
Recap
This immersive 11-hour tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the volcanic wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island.
The helicopter journey over Kilauea Iki Crater and Volcanoes National Park provides a bird’s-eye view of the dynamic landscapes, while the ground exploration allows for a deeper appreciation of the area’s iconic geological features.
With a personalized experience in an intimate group setting, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the awe-inspiring power and beauty of the Big Island’s volcanic landscape.
