Reviews

We did a helitour here, booked through an activity agent in honolulu. Allthough you probably can't go wrong with helitours over volcanos and waterfalls, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience with blue hawaiian. As a couple working in aviation and oil&gas, both of us were quite focused on safety. We were happily surprised with what we saw, and the heli team made sure that everything was done according to good safety standards. Everyone had to watch a safety video prior to departure, and also the boarding and disembarking of passengers was dealt with in a very structured method. We booked the 45 minute tour over the volcano and waterfalls and it was very good value for money. The helicopter pilot was very experienced and knowledgeable and there wasn't a single question he could not answer. We were loaded 4 into the heli, which meant we all had a great view at the window. The views spoke for themselves, it really was an awesome experience. Perhaps an investment for some people but when in your life will you fly over an active volcano!? If you're still doubting whether or not to do it, stop right now and book it. It's something to remember for the rest of your life.

We booked on line Circle of Fire tour from Blue Hawaiian Helicopter for August 1, 2015. This tour was planned to originate from Hilo Airport at 1PM. Aerial view of volcano, waterfalls etc. of Big Island of Hawaii was included in this tour. But, when we arrived at Hilo, there was raining and they decided to cancel that trip due to low level cloud. They offer everyone for rescheduling or refund. Since we have to leave Big Island at next day we decided to get refund of our money. They provided us full refund. Due to cloud and rain they cancelled all trips after 9AM on that day and we came to know that they also cancelled one trip at previous day. Actually Hilo features a tropical rain forest climate, with substantial rainfall throughout the course of the year. Hilo's location on the eastern side of the island of Hawaii makes it the third wettest designated city in the United States. As a result rain and cloud is very common here. So, helicopter cannot fly if there is heavy low cloud. Helicopter will fly above 500ft from ground as per regulation and if level of cloud below 500ft, then there will be no visibility even the helicopter will fly. So, helicopter tour to see aerial view of volcano at Big Island is very much uncertain and it requires good luck because dry weather at Hilo is very rare.

My family of 4 (kids 11, 13) did the Circle of Fire tour with COLLEEN last week. She eased our nerves from the moment we entered the helicopter with her competence and calm demeanor. She engaged with everyone on the ride and had music quietly playing in the background that enhanced the overall experience -- I loved our lift-off to the theme of "Hawaii 5-0!" While it was not a particularly active lava day, we did get to see the huge lava fields with a few smoldering spots, amazing coastline, macadamia nut and orchid farms, and beautiful waterfalls on the outskirts of Hilo. Colleen was very knowledgeable about the island surroundings and history and gave us a great mini education during our trip. From start to finish, the tour was more than an hour, so we felt like we got good value and we really enjoyed our time in the air. Blue Hawaiian was very professional with excellent communication, so I felt like we were in good hands from the initial reservation.

This was one of the highlights of our whole holiday. The tour itself was just amazing, our pilot Scott, took us over all the best sites and we say lava, waterfalls, lava fields as well as all the local scenery and fauna. His commentary was perfect, highly detailed and he was extremely knowledgable being as he was an islander. If you ever get the chance to do this, then do it. Great value, great day out. We got a photo and DVD of the flight for an additional fee, which was great too. Big up pilot Scott, awesome bloke :-)

Our pilot, Scott, was amazing! Great music, great laughs, very knowledgeable, and very patient. Highly recommended! We did the Eco-star and booked it directly from the company's website. So far it's the best price I've seen.

This is a must activity. Truly amazing experience. Our pilot, Scott made the trip feels personal. He not only provides information about the areas we fly to but he interacts with his passengers throughout the trip. Our trip was initially cancelled the day before because of the weather but the staff were very helpful and got us scheduled for the next day. All in all, I really recommend the trip and the company.

Cool day flighing over the rainbows =] volcano and waterfalls. Didnt see the lava fall in the water but you cant control nature so yeah was still amazing. Saw burning forest and flowing lava from the volcano

As you ascend in this small aircraft (5 seater, including pilot), amazing vistas will appear. The Pacific Ocean is on one side and the live volcano in the distance. On a clear day, you will see rivers of flowing lava and majestic waterfalls from above. The price is a bit hefty but well worth the money. You can spend $220 on many small, easily forgettable items or you can spend the same amount and experience something you will never forget.

This excursion was on my wife's bucket list. Our well informed pilot, Ethan, made it an exceptional tour, filled with fun facts about the area that included geography, geology, history, plant and animal information, and recommendations for further activities around the area. The view was outstanding, and the take off the most fun. We even got to see red glowing magma inside the crater. The safety orientation and loading of the helicopter was smooth, and the support crew well trained. Overall, the best thing we did on the big island.

Husband did this trip as a very last minute decision. (I don't do helicopter flights!!!) he came back and was so full of praise of how the pilot went around everything from both sides so everyone in helicopter could see. The only downside was he wishes he was given a map showing where they flew especially over the specific volcanoes.

While this was not a cheap experience it was a great time. Our pilot Jeremy was friendly, extreme knowledgable about the volcano, and lava flows, very friendly he also had a great sound track playing on the chopper PA system. I would gladly pay the money to do this again. Just a great time especially if you are into scenic pictures

We saw nice views of Hilo bay and part of the volcano. We didn't see a lot of flowing lava which was slightly disappointing. We rode in the A-star model which is older but worked well since it holds fewer people (6+pilot). I would recommend doing this but is pretty expensive.

This was an awesome way to see the volcano and the parts of it that you can't see in the park. We opted for newer Eco Star helicopter, we had great views and it was very comfortable. Our pilot Colleen was very knowledgable and made the trip very enjoyable. I would highly recommend this tour and would do it again!

We took a helicopter trip and it was fascinating. We booked throw Expedia and the give us a free dvd with Hawaii landscape and a t-shirt. If you want to make the helicopter trip, you can reserve in advance and some companies give you a discount. You should wear dark clothes to avoid the reflect on the windows. The prices is between 162 and 220 used. It depends of the kind of trip. The advertise shows the red lava but the true is you will see just steam, clouds and dry lava, If you are lucky, you can see lava like a cigarette, red and black, and ash. The rainbow looks like a horizontal circle, not vertical like we see from land. If you go to big island this is one of the best things to do.

Being on holiday we took one the helicopter tours across the volcano. We boarded in Hilo. Stunning views from above, professional and friendly staff. There was a bit of a problem with the headphones but even without the pilots comments it was a nice ride. Recommended.