Sunshine Helicopters
Sunshine Helicopters is one of the truly great helicopter companies we have on the Big Island of Hawaii. They have been operational in Hawaii for decades and have grown to be one of the most professional and respected helicopter tour operators. Sunshine Helicopters has a large fleet of aircraft which are exclusively A-Star helicopters and the newest and somewhat more deluxe version of the A-Star which they refer to as the Whisper-Star. These six-passenger helicopters are really the "gold standard" of helicopters on the Big Island as they have certain great advantages. The rotator shaft is moved behind the cockpit so it is not in the way of great visibility for those sitting in the back. The back seats are raised so people in the back row can see above the heads of people in the front. With regard to the Whisper Star, they have bucket seats and more seat room as well as over twenty percent more window space for better visibility. Aside from the obviously first rate equipment being used I believe that a lot of the success of Sunshine Helicopters over the years has been due to the corporate culture that has grown in the company over the years emulating the attitudes and judgment of the company's founder and president, Ross Scott. Oddly enough, I was reminded of this earlier today in an email that just happened to arrive in my in box a couple of hours ago. I had on my agenda already today the task of putting together this little write-up about Sunshine Helicopters for you to read and the synchronicity of it arriving was, to me, uncanny. The gentleman writing the email sent it to me unsolicited and it spoke volumes as to the character and commitment of Ross Scott. It speaks about Ross's days as a helicopter pilot during the Viet Nam war and although it discusses actions taken there I can easily see the same character and commitment speaking toward what Ross had done with the establishment of and leadership of Sunshine Helicopters in the years that followed. Here was the email:........................I can vouch for Ross Scott, I was one of his door gunners on the gunships he flew in Viet Nam. The Commander was one of the best pilots we had, a true war hero that saved a lot of lives! He was our favorite to fly with, he always got all his team back home- every mission, nobody left behind- whether it was on his ship or others on our teams. He is the best of the best- he can do anything. It was my pleasure to fly with him - and it got real hot sometimes, and he always kept his "cool"! It was always an adventure! God Bless You, Commander and GUNS-UP!…
Vendor: Sunshine Helicopter
Product: Hilo - Hilo Volcano Deluxe 95-100 Minute Tour
Description: Whisk above the beautiful Rain Forest of the Hamakua Coast and through hidden Tropical Valleys of the Kohala Mountains alive with dozens of roaring waterfalls. Experience the fiery lava vents of the Big Island's active volcano, Kilauea. *
Operates: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Morning Tours only
Departure Point: Heliport at the Airport in Hilo. Check in at the Commuter Terminal.
Duration: 95-100 minutes
Equipment: A-Star Helicopter
Capacity: 6 passengers.
Inclusions:
Menu:
Exclusions:
*Restrictions: Flight patterns and specific sights are subject to weather. You will be weighed at check in (if given weight is substantially lower than your actual weight, you may get bumped from the flight and you still have to pay for the seat) Weight Guidelines: A-Star - passengers over 240lbs or with a combined weight for 2 passengers over 420lbs may require the purchase of a comfort seat.
*Please call 1-800-779-6305, additional discounts may be available.
Directions: (for help using the directions click here) | |
| Your Price |
| A-Star First Class | $440.00 | $440.00 |
| A-Star Open Seating | $390.00 | $390.00 |
Vendor: Sunshine Helicopter
Product: Kona Volcano Deluxe 105 Minute Tour
Description: Experience the fiery lava vents of the Big Island's active volcano, Kilauea. Tour continues on to the hidden tropical valleys of the Kohala mountains and the beautiful rainforest of the Hamakua coast. *
Operates: Daily
Departure Point: Hapuna Airport at the Hapuna Prince Hotel.
Duration: 105 minute
Equipment: Sunshine Helicopters offer you unobstructed 180 degree views, air conditioned cabin that is quiet and insulated, Sky-Cam 5 camera video system, custom recorded CD music, custom stereo aviator headsets, polarized bubble windows, customized seats and a custom built assisted passenger chair lift.
Capacity: 6 passengers A-Star and Whisper Star Helicopters.
Inclusions: N/A
Menu:
Exclusions: N/A
*Restrictions: Flight patterns and specific sights are subject to weather. You will be weighed at check in (if given weight is substantially lower than your actual weight, you may get bumped from the flight and you still have to pay for the seat) Weight Guidelines: A-Star - passengers over 240lbs or with a combined weight for 2 passengers over 420lbs may require the purchase of a comfort seat. Whisper Star - first class guarantee of front seat is limited to 290lbs or a combined weight of 490lbs. Open seating over 290lbs may require the purchase of a comfort seat.
*Please call 1-800-779-6305, additional discounts may be available.
Directions: (for help using the directions click here) | |
| Your Price |
| FXstar First Class Seating | $265.00 | $265.00 |
| FXstar Open Seating | $215.00 | $215.00 |
| Lap Child Under 2 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Vendor: Sunshine Helicopter
Product: Kona Kohala/Hamakua 40 minute Trip
Description: View the awesome beauty of the Kohala Mountains and tour the deep winding valleys such as Waimanu, Pololu and Waipio.*
Operates: Daily
Departure Point: Hapuna Airport at the Hapuna Prince Hotel.
Duration: 40 minute
Equipment: A-Star Helicopter
Capacity: 6 passengers.
Inclusions: N/A
Menu:
Exclusions:N/A
*Restrictions: Flight patterns and specific sights are subject to weather. You will be weighed at check in (if given weight is substantially lower than your actual weight, you may get bumped from the flight and you still have to pay for the seat) Weight Guidelines: A-Star - passengers over 240lbs or with a combined weight for 2 passengers over 420lbs may require the purchase of a comfort seat. Whisper Star - first class guarantee of front seat is limited to 290lbs or a combined weight of 490lbs. Open seating over 290lbs may require the purchase of a comfort seat.
*Please call 1-800-779-6305, additional discounts may be available.
Directions: (for help using the directions click here) | |
| Your Price |
| Lap Child Under 2 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| A-Star First Class | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| A-Star Open Seating | $200.00 | $200.00 |
| Whisper Star First Class | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Whisper Star Open Seating | $250.00 | $250.00 |
Vendor: Sunshine Helicopter
Product: Hilo Pele Explorer 35-45 Minute Tour
Description: Search for active lava flows and experience the newest place on earth, 'Pele's Fountain' where molten lava erupts into the Pacific Ocean as waves crash ashore.*
Operates: Daily
Departure Point: Heliport at the Airport in Hilo. Check in at the Commuter Terminal.
Duration: 35 to 45 minutes
Equipment: A-Star Helicopter
Capacity: 6 passengers.
Inclusions:
Menu:
Exclusions:
*Restrictions: Flight patterns and specific sights are subject to weather. You will be weighed at check in (if given weight is substantially lower than your actual weight, you may get bumped from the flight and you still have to pay for the seat) Weight Guidelines: A-Star - passengers over 240lbs or with a combined weight for 2 passengers over 420lbs may require the purchase of a comfort seat.
*Please call 1-800-779-6305, additional discounts may be available.
Directions: (for help using the directions click here) | |
| Your Price |
| FXstar First Class Seating | $229.00 | $229.00 |
| FXstar Open Seating | $169.00 | $169.00 |
Vendor: Sunshine Helicopter
Product: Kona Volcano Deluxe 105 Minute Tour
Description: Experience the fiery lava vents of the Big Island's active volcano, Kilauea. Tour continues on to the hidden tropical valleys of the Kohala mountains and the beautiful rainforest of the Hamakua coast. *
Operates: Daily
Departure Point: Hapuna Airport at the Hapuna Prince Hotel.
Duration: 105 minute
Equipment: Sunshine Helicopters offer you unobstructed 180 degree views, air conditioned cabin that is quiet and insulated, Sky-Cam 5 camera video system, custom recorded CD music, custom stereo aviator headsets, polarized bubble windows, customized seats and a custom built assisted passenger chair lift.
Capacity: 6 passengers A-Star and Whisper Star Helicopters.
Inclusions: N/A
Menu:
Exclusions: N/A
*Restrictions: Flight patterns and specific sights are subject to weather. You will be weighed at check in (if given weight is substantially lower than your actual weight, you may get bumped from the flight and you still have to pay for the seat) Weight Guidelines: A-Star - passengers over 240lbs or with a combined weight for 2 passengers over 420lbs may require the purchase of a comfort seat. Whisper Star - first class guarantee of front seat is limited to 290lbs or a combined weight of 490lbs. Open seating over 290lbs may require the purchase of a comfort seat.
*Please call 1-800-779-6305, additional discounts may be available.
Directions: (for help using the directions click here) | |
| Your Price |
| Under 2 Years | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| A-Star First Class | $440.00 | $440.00 |
| A-Star Open Seating | $390.00 | $390.00 |
| Whisper Star First Class | $500.00 | $500.00 |
| Whisper Star Open Seating | $450.00 | $450.00 |
Helicopter Tours on Hawaii by Sunshine Helicopters
Hilo Volcano Deluxe (95-100 Minutes) 
