Reviews

This was a highlight of our vacation. We took the new Saddle Road over from Waikoloa Beach to Hilo Airport, which was fun in and of itself. Then on to our flight! Check in was quick and easy. Our pilot, Tim, was both funny and informative, and patiently answered our budding scientists' questions (what's the temperature? how does it flow?). It was a great day weather-wise, so in addition to seeing the lava flows, we also got to see some of the Hilo-side amazing waterfalls. We took our two children ages 7 and 5 and they were just awestruck. Excellent outing and well worth it.

Wendy had never been in a helicopter before, and I had never flown over an active volcano before so this was a bit of a no-brainer for us. We chose the Eco-star, a one hour trip over volcanoes and waterfalls - the copter is new, in excellent condition, Scott flew us, and knew us all by name before we climbed on. The music was a little corny but I still couldn't keep the smile off my face. Service was excellent, safety job 1, and customer satisfaction a close second. These guys are an award-winning outfit, and it's not hard to see why.

Wish we had read all reviews first, or that they explained you can't really fly over actual volcano ( like it shows on picture!) yes I agree they are very safe, have good pilot/tour guide. And the red lava flows and town rebuilding and waterfalls cool. We enjoyed it but were sadly a little disappointed after spending $1000 dollars.

Took a 50 minute flight with Blue Hawaiian helicopters to see the volcanoes and the sight by Hilo. A great experience. Being a retired Marine Corps helicopter pilot, I did not like being in the back but our pilot, Colleen, was fabulous. She provided us with many opportunites for photos and tried to engage all passengers in conversation. She skillfully guided out aircraft between the clouds and ensured a memorable trip for all.

I was with a group of 17, divided into groups of 4 or 5. We met at Honolulu International Airport. We were taken on a 45-minute helicopter trip of the lava fields. It was a cloudy, misty day, which detracted from the enjoyment. The fields were interesting, if not beautiful. Lava hot spots were visible, but not floes. We saw where a town was destroyed, and where rebuilding was happening. Our pilot, Scott, showed us, and described, how the shoreline is continually expanding, due to the lava floes. After the lava fields, we were shown several water falls. Back at the airport, we were welcomed into a small gift shop, and were given cold lemon water. Professional videos of the lava fields (not our trip) were available for purchase. This was an enjoyable and informative tour, but a bit overpriced for my taste - about $240/person.

We took the EcoStar Spectacular tour out of Waikoloa Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours. Each member of the crew were friendly and knowledgeable. Shane was our pilot and he was excellent! He was informative and told us a lot about the history of the island. We were on the 7am flight on a clear and bright day, not a cloud in the sky! When we flew over the volcano, the lava erupted as if on cue! We spent a lot of time around the volcano as Shane flew back and forth so that both sides of the plane could get a good view. It was absolutely spectacular and we got many pictures and videos to show our friends. After our refuel in Hilo, which also was unusually clear, we went up the northern coast of the island. We spotted so many whales it was incredible! The last leg of our tour went through the valley which was equally spectacular. Shane flew expertly over the mountains and in the valley to show us several waterfalls. We were awe-struck! We decided after the helicopter tour, that no other excursion or tour could top this!

The price of these flights is abit high, but figured making one trip to the big island should go for it. I have to admit, I was impressed. The company is very well spoken of around the Island for good reason. They are very professional all around. The pilot Sean made the flight special. Very well versed in the history and interacted well with all passengers. Always felt safe and the sceenery was breath taking. Would highly suggest Blue Hawaiian to anyone wanting to see the volcano and the other points of the big Island.

We booked a helicopter tour for my wife's birthday to see the Big Island. The staff was very helpful and they provided shuttle service to and from the Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel. We have a handicapped daughter and the staff was exceptionally accommodating for her needs. They had no issues with getting her in and out of the helicopter and made sure that she was comfortable with every phase of the trip. We booked the two hour tour so that we could see both waterfalls and volcanos. The pilot (Tom) was very informative at every step along the tour and provided us with some spectacular views. I would highly recommend BH for a tour of the islands.

Totally awesome experience. Fantasic pilot and narrative and all ground staff so friendly and helpful.

We took the Big Island Spectacular tour and had a great trip. Our pilot Scott gave us a great overview of the island and we had a chance to see the vastness and beauty of the island. You get to see many sights, valleys and waterfalls that you could not see otherwise. Everyone at Blue Hawaiian was friendly, helpful and orofessional. Be sure to do it early in your trip so that you get a good overview and in case there is weather. As far as seeing lava, we saw some but it was a little cloudy around the caulderia the day we went. That said we did see some lava but know lava, it's nature so every day is different. That said the waterfalls and the Waipio Valley was worth the trip even if you don't get to see much lava. This is an expensive trip but well worh the money.

We and our teenage sons were blown away by our Big Island Spectacular tour! Our pilot, John, was a wonderful tour guide-very knowledgeable about the island and a great sense of humor, too!! Highly recommend this company!!!

We did the "Big Island Spectacular" trip yesterday and it was amazing. I wanted to do this mainly to see the active volcano but it was the waterfalls and valleys that made the trip. The volcano isn't very active right now but we did see red in the crater and a small amount of lava in the rift zone. It was incredible to see the devastation that the lava has caused. Our pilot was very knowledgeable and friendly. We were in a group of 3 and had 1 window & 2 middle seats which were fine. The middle seats were good because you could see both sides. I saw more on this 2 hour flight than I did in 2 weeks on land. It is definitely worth the money!

My husband and friend were recently in Waikoloa for another friend's wedding and we debated whether or not to spend the money for the Big Island Spectacular. All three of us agree that it was some of the best money we spent while on this holiday. First of all, the operation is very well managed and operated - we felt very safe and comfortable - check in was handled efficiently. Our pilot, John, was very personable and shared a lot of interesting information as we travelled over the island. The views of the lava flows were spectacular and if you have any interest in natural history this is a once in a life time sight not to be missed. I thought that the lava would be the highlight of the tour and then we went into the valleys of waterfalls and I was awestruck - waterfalls cascading from all sides seen from a rare aerial perspective. If you choose one attraction on the Big Island, make it this trip! Advance reservations are a must.

Absolutely amazing experience! I can't imagine there's any better way to see the island. Pilot John made it fun and interesting. Mahalo

We took a 2 hour round island tour. The tour was breathtaking and felt both safe and exciting. The diversity around the island is unreal and the pilot made sure to go around on lots of different angles to get the best view and photos each time the scenery changed. Bathe cabin music was a nice touch.