Reviews

I read in a guide book that Blue Hawaiian was THE best helicopter tour and was worth the price so I decided to go for it. The two hours went by quickly. James was our pilot and he was very informative and engaging. We were able to speak to him and ask questions, which was nice. I've been on other tours where the pilot simply flies around and doesn't say much but James gave a lot of narrative and history, explaining a lot of how the island was formed, etc. I didn't have time to drive to the volcano so this was a great way to see it and the scenery was incredible. I felt very safe in the helicopter. I chose the Eco-Star (more expensive than the A-Star) and didn't pay attention that they put me in an A-Star. At the end, one of the staff told me what had happened and told me that they would refund the difference. I think that speaks volumes, as I would not have known (my fault) but the whole operation seems to be a well-run, class act. I would recommend this. It's pricey, but it's worth it!

This Helicopter experience was a blast. We did the Big Island Spectactular, and though it is a higher price, it was everything we hoped for. Flowing Lava, Volcanic land being created, The different topography on the island and so much more. The pilot did a wonderful job explaining everything we saw and we could ask questions. The DVD is also well worth is as is the Eco Star heli. More expensive but more stable and lots of room for all of the passengers. The waterfalls, valleys and Cattle country on the north side show how the volcano cut the land. What a sight to see and we even got so see some whales just jumping and playing. The pictures were one of a kind and you could see everything. Our pilot did a great job at making sure we saw everything from every vantage point. It was also amazing to see the bridges and farms on the other side of the island from where we stayed. If you are hesitant, don't be--it fulfilled our dream of seeing flowing lava and so much more!! It is what Hawaii is all about.

Fabulous to see the lava and the magnificent water falls and valleys. To see the diversity on one island is amazing. Scott our pilot gave us a very informative and humorous commentary. The DVD will leave us with lasting memories.

Professional, safe, fun, relaxed, interactive... No complaints! Our group included a small kid and a teen and us (middle age) and a senior citizen, and all loved the trip. We did the 2 hr volcano/waterfall trip with Justin as our pilot. Whole team there was nice. Even saw some whales. :) skip a few other activities to save up enough for this tour... It's worth it!

If your going to the Big Island a helicopter tour of the Kohala Coast is not to be missed. We missed a chance to do the valley and waterfall tour during our visit in 2011 due to weather. We made the mistake of booking it for our last day on the island so we could not reschedule. Don't make the same mistake as we did the fist time and book this tour for early in your stay. Keep in mind that the Big Island has 11 of the world's 13 climate zones so even though it may be bright and sunny in Waikoloa the tour may still be canceled due to weather on other parts of the island. To be sure that we had the best seating and quality photos we booked a private charter for a 7am departure on March 7th to the Kohala Coast, with one of the doors off. If you are serious about getting the best images possible this is the only way to go, its extra exhilarating with the door off as well. Our pilot Jason was fantastic. His flying skills made us feel safe and his knowledge of the island greatly furthered our education of this wonderful place. All of the base staff were very curteous and friendly, just as they were in 2011. Overall a great experience that is highly recommended. A word of advise to people planning to do the Big island Spectacular to see lava, keep your expectations realistic and you will be very satisfied. Weather and active lava flows are beyond the operators control. First, lava flows can disappear overnight. Secondly flights over the national park are restricted and finally the FAA mandates a minimum allowable altitude of 500 feet over the island. Do some research on the lava to check current conditions prior to booking and keep your fingers crossed that Pele cooperates on the day of your flight. Tom.

We did the two hour spectacular on an Eco Star. Worth the extra cost, as even the middle back seats had a good view. We were really lucky, it was a beautiful day and our pilot (Scott) was great, he spun around a lot to make sure everyone on board saw everything several times. And he did a detour out to sea when a whale breached right in front of us, amazing. The volcano was very cool, but the flight through the valleys was the best, the waterfalls are incredible.

We decided to splurge, so we took the "Big Island Spectacular". At sunrise we toured the entire island for two hours in one of Blue Hawaiian's Eurocopter EC130s. We decided to do this since Mount Kilauea (the most active volcano on earth) is still in active eruption from its Pu'u 'O'o vent. The current flow has been going on now for an unexpected 4 months (surface lava visible) and could stop at any time. What they say is true: "You may never see anything like this again in your lifetime." You can't really see this unless from the air. Walking takes a considerable effort, distance, like twenty miles and you are unlikely to see much, particularly flowing lava. You can go by boat but you see mostly steam except at night, except sometimes when you see the red hot lava pouring into the sea. We looked into the boat thing but it was going to be a pain, had to drive clean over to the other side of the island, the best way was to make a two day trip out of it and stay overnight. The current eruption began in 1983 with flows starting and stopping from various vents every since and periods where surface lava is visible, like now, may only be of short duration. In 1988 my wife and and I were here and drove over to witness the action, at the time the 1986 to 1992 flow was really getting with it. We drove as far as we could on the Chain of Craters road until we ran into a blockade as the lava had destroyed the road ahead, then we walked. We got fairly close but all you really could see was steam pouring up from the ocean where the lava was entering it. Since then there has been four other big flows, the current one started in 2007. It is interesting for me to note, that from the point where the road ended in 1988 due lava, when we were there, to where it ends now, another 7 miles of road has been wiped out by these flows. It was a beautiful day, but even at that, due all the hot gas and stuff from the vents the volcano sort of makes its own weather. So there were stretches where the smog was rather thick. We stopped in Hilo to refuel, then continued on along the coast. Very spectacular waterfalls, one after another, all set in the beautiful rain forests on that side of the island, then you come to Waimanu Valley, wow. I've only been on a chopper once before and that was when I was 15 or 16. No wonder helicopters are taking over visitor flight seeing the world over. Blue Hawaiian gets an A plus in my book and I was in the airplane game all my life. Ask for pilot Greg. Excellent pilot with a personality and one who not only knows flying but island history and geography and isn't afraid to share.

Well worth the expense as you could never see these sights from the ground. Flew over volcanoes, coastline & fantastic valleys. Our pilot Scott was very knowledgeable & friendly & made sure all passengers got a great view by doing circuits over the sights as we went. The weather on our way back from Hilo wasn't too kind & it rained in patches but this in no way spoilt the trip. Would highly recommend this adventure no matter what the price!

Our pilot Grant was both highly skilled and informative. Best way to see The Big Island especially hot lava flows and dozens of waterfalls. Would recommend it highly.

Speechless! Ecostar@7am. We have driven, walked and seen all of the island but this event added so much more to the sights of the 'Big Island', From flowing lava to flying up the valleys and seeing a 2000' waterfall. Simply spectacular and worth the money for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is a must do!

Amazing views of volcano activity, great customer service and our pilot Ethan was very knowledgeable. Best way to see the volcano and worth every penny.

This was a great way to see the Volcano on the southern part of the island. Scott was a fantastic pilot that showed us some active lava flow, collapsed lava tubes, old houses that were taken over by the lava flow, some waterfalls, and more. They recommended that we wear dark shirts and we're glad we did as another passenger was wearing a white shirt and there was quite a bit of glare because of it. We picked the eco-star helicopter option and it was very comfortable. The rain was on and off and when it was raining, it appeared to really impact the visibility of those sitting up front, but in the back it wasn't bad. That being said, when it was clear skies, the front really looked like the place to be so I'd request that if you can (they do balance weight so it may not be an option). They also honor AAA discounts and have web discounts so give them a call and see what the best deal is.

Our pilot Ethan was great. He knew a lot about the island in addition to information about the volcanoes. The whole staff was great as well.

My wife and I were awed by this exceptional tour. Our pilot was very good and gave us a beautiful tour of the coastline and the famous waterfalls and canyons of Kauai. This is a MUST for anyone stopping at tyhis beautiful island.

We loved our pilot Tim. He did a great job telling us about what we were seeing. I liked looking at the live lava. It was cool. It was fun going on a helicopter for the first time. Nicholas Age 7.