Reviews

Watch our video here of our experience https://youtu.be/fKkM60H2j6Q The best way to tour the island is definitely by helicopter. With 5 volcanos, 3 active, we were able to see the lava flowing and eating up vegetation like trees and grasses. We also got beautiful views of enormous waterfalls and scenic landscapes. The tour required us to be picked up at 6am. This left us with a lot of waiting around for the tour, which isn't great when you can't get breakfast that early at your hotel, so your sugar levels are low. They paired us with a group of three and split the group up so two were in the front, and one was in the back with me and my partner... why not just seat the three together in the back? Was a slow, unimpressive start. The tour itself was great, the pilot was friendly and funny, and the views were incredible.

So much of Hawaii's sights are in inaccessible areas, but Blue Hawaii helicopters solves that problem. They have a great variety of tours available (I did the lava and waterfalls tour), modern helicopters, and knowledgeable pilots. Our pilot, Brant, was very personable, interesting, and well-versed. They also record DVD/Blu-Ray videos of your flight for optional purchase. The only issue I had was the glare from the glass windows makes high quality photography pretty challenging. Adding a black curtain beside the pilot to block the reflection of his light-colored pants and bright yellow life vest would have improved the experience. Overall, a great experience!

This is an amazing way to see the volcano activity and an overall unforgettable experience. I saved for months to do this! However, there are some important things to know before you go, especially if you've not been on a helicopter tour before. Booking with 4-5 friends is ideal as you will be the only passengers in the chopper. I went solo. This DID assure me a WINDOW seat, but did not assure who I'd be grouped with. Unfortunately, the yng. adults I was put with wore light clothing (you are repeatedly reminded to wear dark colors to avoid white glare on the windows!), were taking selfies that constantly obstructed our views, showed complete disinterested in the pilot's stories AND an extremely overweight member in their group (close to 300 lbs.) was placed next to me! This was an expensive treat I'd planned for months, so it was imperative that I voice my displeasure with the company. I was grateful for their genuine concern and pleased by their willingness to work out a compromise. This kind of adventure can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience IFFFF you know how to plan properly and what to potentially expect in advance!

We were in Hawaii in March and so wanted to do this but with 3 small kids it wasn't possible. So, when the crazy opportunity to return with just the girls two months later came up we knew that we had to do the helicopter tour! To be honest we chose Blue Hawaiian by chance and could not be happier with our choice! We booked it that morning and headed to Hilo! Jeremy was our pilot and he was awesome, so knowledgable, hospitable, and you could really tell that he has a passion for what he does. If you get motion sick like my sister and I do, then take a Dramamine...or two. We still got a bit nauseated but the experience was incredible! We lucked out on the weather and the lava, stunning weather and a churning vent of lava to see. The waterfalls were breathtaking too! If you have the opportunity, this is one excursion not to be missed!

This is a well organised helicopter flight with a range of helicopters available. We rode in their 7-seater and were not disappointed. The pilot provided a great commentary and made sure everyone had the opportunity to observe the volcanic activity. Well worth the money.

This was a fantastic helicopter tour. Everything was well organized and safety was a priority. The pilot, Marco, was very knowledgable and willing to circle to make sure everyone saw the sights. The only sticking point is that while Blue Hawaiian can cancel on you last minute (which I understand), they require 24 hours notice on your part. The last minute cancellations are disruptive to the day you have planned.

We had Tom what a great guy and provided us with information as well as the sights to go with it. What a way to see the volcanoes especially as you get better angles and views of it we were lucky enough to see some lava flowing and burning red then on to the valleys omg what a view waterfalls trees and the view i have never seen anything like this but if you do see it, you will gaze in awe of the view as it is that beautiful.

We took the Circle of Fire and Waterfalls tour out of Hilo with Pilot Eric. The third time was the charm for us as our original time, as well as the reschedule, was cancelled due to poor visibility. We managed to get out on our last morning on the island with very clear skies. The cancellations of tours in poor weather, while inconvenient and annoying, are really a testiment to the company. They do not want you to spend the money and be disappointed/not see anything. Eric was a wonderful tour guide and made the trip very enjoyable and informative. I felt like we were floating on air the ride was so smooth! Just as our tour on Kaua'i was, this one will also be remembered for a lifetime.

The tour guides were great - I had a great time. That being said, I didn't know I would get sick on a helicopter! This same thing happened when I went for a glass bottom boat ride. Just remember to take your Dramamine! I didn't but thank got they have "the bags" and the pilot was kind and didn't make me feel bad about it. They also allow time and get close for all the good pics from above!

We booked this trip from our hotel in Kona so even though it was sunny there at 6am when we left, it was pouring rain when we arrived in Hilo at 8:15am. Tour was cancelled and had to rearrange our day and long trip back. We rescheduled for 2 days later and this time it was a go. The employees prepare you well for safety regulations. This was my first helicopter trip so was a little nervous. You are given assigned seats based on your weight FYI. Scott our pilot was good, but it was very hard to hear what he was saying through the head phones. I expected from the brochure photos we would get close to the waterfalls and lava flows, but we stayed a great distance away. He flew around the volcano crater and over the lava flows. Pilot was good about giving everyone a good view. Only in the air around 30 to 35 minutes. There was a charge of $7.00 to park at the airport after the trip. Pretty expensive, but got to see things you couldn't see otherwise.

My first time ride in a helicopter.I felt very safe. The helicopter held 8: the pilot and 7 passengers. We all wore headphones & mics so we can speak to each other. The helicopter has on-board cameras which can record the interior of the helicopter, as well as the outside aerial views (a usb stick of the recording can be purchased after the tour). Our pilot/tour guide was very knowledgble and professional.

This was a great tour, my favorite so far. It's a bit more expensive than your standard tour but well worth it. We were able to fly over active lava flows and see the awesome power of nature up close. Cruised by the several water falls and did a fly by of the cruise ship to boot. Great tour!!

Took the circle of fire tour from the pride of America ship through NCL. I use the term AWESOME and I mean it. Got to see lava tube and lava free running. Waterfalls, etc. Ethan was our pilot and was very knowledgeable.

We did the 50 min tour of volcano and waterfalls. We got to see lava in the Pu'u 'O'o vent as well as some flowing further out. Saw some pretty waterfalls too. I did get a little ill about halfway through from going back and forth to see the lava.

This volcano and waterfall tour was just that. Maybe I was expecting more. The pilot took us out and we saw lava and some nice waterfalls. He was very informative and answered questions. I just was expecting better views and pictures. If you have never done this, don't let this review turn you off. It is the only way to see some of the sights.