The vastness of the Big Island becomes apparent almost as soon as you arrive here, and it is sometimes difficult to choose where and how you are going to spend your time. A helicopter tour may be thought of not only as an adventure in itself, but as an investment towards the rest of your stay here. Circle a large part of the Big Island in the air, and then decide on your path based on terra firma.

The Big Island is magic, and a helicopter, like no other form of travel, provides a perspective of this ever-changing and diverse volcanic island. A lot of hidden Hawaii is indeed found on the back roads, but a helicopter can take you soaring above remote places that you can't reach on foot or by car. By far the most popular destination is the volcano. Kilauea's eruptions have been entertaining, and sometimes threatening, residents and visitors alike since January 3,1983. Madame Pele is a fickle volcano goddess, and one never knows when she will spit, sputter, or shout, so there's no guarantee you'll see red, hot lava on your air tour, but you will get a tremendous bird's eye view of the past devastation.

Other favorite air tours are the Hilo, Hamakua and North Kohala coastline. Fly above charming Hilo town, nestled along the huge crescent of Hilo Bay, with the magnificent Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa mountains in the background. Then travel along the verdant Hamakua coastline to the Waipi'o and Waimanu valleys, and the majestic North Kohala Mountain Range.

Most helicopter companies on the island, whether they fly out of Kona, Waikoloa or Hilo, believe in the 'Fly Neighborly' program, which is designed to avoid direct flights over populated and/or popular areas.