Reviews

We flew with Jeremy who was a great pilot - he gave us lots of information on the area, the helicopter and what he was doing in terms of flying. The views along the coast were wonderful. Unfortunately for us it was raining heavily over the volcano, and our pilot explained that not only was it unsafe to fly because we would lose visibility, it also meant we wouldn't see anything. So we headed back, with our pilot continuing to point out places and views of interest. Tyler at the front desk offered to rebook us, or see about a refund from the travel agency we had booked with. Excellent service all around, especially as you can't control the weather.

The helicopter allowed a fantastic view. The whole nose is clear so you can see around you and the lava flow was very impressive. We were able to see bubbling lava and miles of cooled lava. The pilot was great and answered all our questions. Everyone was very friendly and the pilot addressed us by name.

Well organized group,comfortable ride.We didn't see much of lava flow but this is not the company',s fault. If I would fly again or purchase a package I would ask the route where they fly. My impression was we will fly where is lava like close to the ocean where you can ride a boat too not the almost dead old lava flow. It was maybe my fault not to clear before purchasing this tour. Generaly it was great, we saw waterfalls etc.

Having never been on a helicopter before, we were a little apprehensive to book this experience. But choosing Blue Hawaiian was a great first step! They are a very professional and a tightly run outfit. Our pilot Ethan is not only a very experienced pilot who inspired much confidence, but he is also a biologist who was able to give us so much fun information as we flew over the volcano and lava flows. Our family, which includes three teenagers, thought it was an amazing, never to forget type of experience. We're so glad we decided to splurge on this tour and I would highly recommend Blue Hawaiian when choosing a helicopter tour of the Big Island.

We came to the Big Island and the last thing we were thinking about doing was a helicopter tour. After looking at the cost of zip-lining, we decided to spend a little bit more and we booked a helicopter tour of the Kilauea volcano. The only thing was, we were staying on the Kona side and Hilo is at least a two hour drive. We booked the trip and we got up early and dove to Hilo airport for the tour. After a brief safety information session, we were escorted to the landing zone. Tours were organized by group. The tour was great and it was wonderful to be able to see the island from above. We flew over burning forests, and were able to see where the lave had just firmed up. We circled the crater a few times. Unfortunately, the only lava we were able to see was deep down in lava pit. We could see the lave bubbling around but the sun was out strong and it did not make great pictures. On the way back to the airport, the pilot flew us near some waterfalls, meh. During our stay on the island, the lava was not dumping into the ocean like so many dramatic nature shows portray. Overall, it was a lot of fun taking a helicopter ride and seeing the volcano from above, but once in lifetime is enough. Next time I'll skip the long drive over "The Saddle" and stay closer to the sea and spend the money on drinks and dinner.

We had a total of 8 people so we were in 2 separate helicopters. We had pilots Greg and Colleen. Both were extremely knowable and personable. We all enjoyed the flights immensely. The majority of time will be spent circling the volcano looking to spot active lava and explaining the volcano's activity history. While you'll be treated to a short trip over a river area with numerous small waterfalls, if what you're looking for is views similar to Kauai this is not the tour for you. If you're interested in the volcano then this is it. As an FYI for those that may be driving from the Kona side of the Island. - We were instructed to take highway 19 from the Waikoloa area to the Hilo airport. Beware there is significant construction and was a solid 2 hour and 15 minute drive. I had asked about driving via Highway 200 which goes through the two mountains, and had been answered with "Well, if it's a nice sunny day I guess you could do that". Suffice it to say, I wish we had driven that way as there was a couple who took that road and made it in 1 1/2 hours. A big difference! Do keep in mind, it is not an easy road to drive at night because it is very dark, has a big incline change and numerous turns. I'd check with locals before heading out to see which way they thought would be best.

My husband and I went on a morning tour with Scott. The tour took off right as scheduled. We had views of lava flows. Scott circled the crater so that each side could see and made sure to check that each passenger saw the flows. We had a very enjoyable time and would recommend Blue Hawaii and Scott.

This company is totally professional, from answering all questions to ensure you get the right trip desired / booking to walking you off the tarmac safely and suggesting a great place to grab a "local style" lunch. My family of 4 did the "Circle of Fire plus Waterfalls" with Capt. Brant Roberts. He was very knowledgeable and kept everyone comfortable and engaged in what he was showing us the whole trip. We were fortunate to see several breakouts (one moving like a slow river), simply astounding to me. All I can say is I don't think you can really appreciate or mentally grasp something like that until you experience it firsthand. All the TV shows and documentaries I've ever watched just can't impress upon your brain how massive, powerful and deadly volcanoes can be. I would definitely recommend this company and particular tour to family, friends or anyone wanting an amazing experience.

8 people packed like sardines into a helicopter flying very high above the island. Overall the least fun helicopter ride I've been on. The whole experience was still educational as the views provided some perspective as to the ongoing dangers in various lava zones. The pilot was helpful responding to questions. I would save money for the open door Kauai tour through Waimea and Na Pali. Probably go with different group.

My first flight had to be cut short due to weather:( However the second flight with Coleen was spectacular! She is very knowledgeable and is an awesome pilot! Go Girl!! As a science teacher I learned soooo much about the area, volcano, and flying a copter. Thanks for the memories!

No doubt, this was a pricey activity, but considering the rareness of getting to see an active volcano, my kids and I all agree it was worth it. Our pilot, Colleen, was terrific - knowledgeable, affable, kind and overall a very chill person. We paid for the higher quality helicopter, and although I was given the "worst" seat for viewing, all seven passengers could get great views. I just let my two kids take most of the pictures. Colleen was very careful to give equal time to view elements from both sides of the vehicle, and very interested in hearing and responding to any and all questions. Classy person and made the trip better.

The overall experience was great. Staff and pilot everyone was so friendly. We booked our tour for 11am slot to avoid rain earlier in the morning. The view from the helicopter was amazing. We saw black lava flowing towards a community. At that point, you feel so vulnerable that you are flying 100ft above lava. The only "catch" that I felt was, during the day the lava looks black and we didn't see what we wanted to see (red hot lava flowing). This has nothing to do with Blue Hawaiian service, I would recommend taking evening tour so you can see red lava glowing out of crater. The pilot was very friendly and knowledgeable, my wife was so scared of flying but she wasn't scared a bit. The ride was smooth. They flew us close to the crater and some other important sites. Again, great tour, great services but choose your time carefully.

Had a great time. The views was spectacular. The pilot was very helpful and knowledgeable even at times i was feeling dizzy and a bit sick he would check up on me and give me some ginger sweets to take my mind off vomiting. Overall a great experience with a funny and helpful staff.

This was the highlight of our trip - all 4 of us agree. Our pilot, Greg, was awesome (and it turns out we went to the same summer camp in NC as kids). He showed us waterfalls, rainbows, and lava! Greg made sure that everyone on board could see - turning the helicopter to capture the best views for both sides of the helicopter. I know this was an experience that my kids will always remember.

My wife and I took the 12:30pm trip that left from near the Kona airport. An amazing experience, that while expensive, was worth it as we consider it to be one of those once in a lifetime experiences. We had a great pilot (Toshi) who was informative and entertaining. The views of the lava fields (flows were light but that's just timing), waterfalls, and coastline views were spectacular.