Paradise Helicopters, Hawai‘i’s leading locally owned helicopter company, has launched two exclusive charter experiences featuring tours with local expert guides.
Guests embark on a private helicopter tour and have the option of flying in Paradise’s twin-engine Bell 430 aircraft while learning about areas of cultural, environmental and historical significance on the Island of Hawai‘i.
Join Mauna Lani’s beloved Kahu Hānai, Danny Akaka, while learning the stories of preserved historical sites dating back to 350 A.D. View King ‘Umi’s heiau (Hawaiian temple), and marvel at the cascading waterfalls of Waipi‘o Valley. Touch down on lands only accessible via helicopter to observe an authentic Ho‘okupu (gift-giving) ceremony and an ukulele mele performed by Uncle Danny, all while absorbing the natural beauty of Hawai‘i through its everlasting mo‘olelo (stories).
Hawaiian Geology Experience with Jack Lockwood & Rick Hazlett
Take a trek through lava fields and volcanic highlights with an experienced volcanologist as part of an educational and sightseeing charter on the Island of Hawai‘i with these two tours:
- Jack Lockwood offers a half-hour walk through a remote private lava field in Royal Gardens buried in the 2018 flow. This is the only place where guests can explore near fresh lava and observe a wide range of flow formations. Guests then resume their charter flight, with breathtaking views of the island’s volcanic highlights. Lockwood spent most of his career with the U.S. Geological Survey, first in mapping the Sierra Nevada, and then at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, where he worked on Mauna Loa.
- Rick Hazlett provides private guided day treks in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Guests land on a private ranch near the park and enjoy an in-depth tour through the history, culture, and geology of the land. Hazlett was working as a Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Ranger in 1974 when the fissure eruption that flowed into Keanakākoʻi Crater broke out. He was also invaluable during the 2018 eruption, as an observer on the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory team.
Reservations start at $9,145.50 for up to 6 guests and require a 2-day advance booking by calling Paradise toll-free at 866-876-7422, (808) 896-3336, or e-mailing charters@paradisecopters.com.
