Gyroplane Flight vs Skydiving on the Big Island: Which Adventure Is Right for You?

If you're visiting Hawaii’s Big Island and looking for an unforgettable aerial adventure, you may be deciding between tandem skydiving and a gyroplane flight. Both experiences offer incredible views and a unique way to see the island from the air — but they’re very different types of adventures.

Here’s how they compare.

Tandem Skydiving

Tandem skydiving is the ultimate adrenaline experience. After a short safety briefing, you'll board the aircraft and climb to jump altitude above the Big Island’s North Kohala coastline.

When the door opens, you and your instructor exit the aircraft together for about 30 seconds of freefall, reaching speeds around 120 mph before the parachute deploys.

After the canopy opens, you'll enjoy a 5-minute parachute flight with incredible views of the coastline, ocean, and mountains before landing back at the drop zone.

Why people love skydiving

• The adrenaline rush of freefall

• A true bucket-list adventure

• Incredible views of Hawaii’s Big Island

• No experience required — your instructor handles everything

Gyroplane Flights

A gyroplane flight is a completely different type of aerial experience. At Fly Gyros Hawaii, you'll fly in an open-air gyroplane with a certified instructor departing from Kona International Airport.

Gyroplanes offer unobstructed views and a unique flying experience that feels closer to the landscape than a traditional airplane or helicopter tour.

Because Fly Gyros Hawaii is also a gyroplane flight school, many guests enjoy learning how the aircraft works and following along with the controls during the flight.

Why people love gyroplane flights

• Open-air flying experience• Incredible coastline and volcanic landscape views• A unique type of aircraft most people have never flown in• Opportunity to learn about flying during the experience

Which Adventure Should You Choose?

Choose Tandem Skydiving if you want:

• A once-in-a-lifetime adrenaline experience• The thrill of freefall at 120 mph• One of the most iconic adventure activities in Hawaii

Choose a Gyroplane Flight if you want:

• A relaxed but exciting aerial experience• Incredible open-air views of the island• A chance to learn about flying with an instructor

Why Not Try Both?

Many visitors to the Big Island choose to do both experiences. Tandem skydiving delivers the adrenaline rush, while a gyroplane flight offers a completely different perspective of the island’s coastline and volcanic landscapes.

Guests of Big Island Gravity Skydiving receive 10% off gyroplane flights with our partner Fly Gyros Hawaii using code BIG10.

Book Your Adventure

Ready to experience the Big Island from the air?

Tandem Skydiving:https://www.skydivebig.com

Gyroplane Flights:https://www.flygyroshawaii.com