Reviews

live reviews and counting.

The only way to see it all
Kauai - Lihue

Very good tour, at least if you have a window sit (like me). It's a nice and modern 6 sitter, but I am not sure you can see much if you have a middle sit in the second row. THEY decide where you sit, not YOU (to balance the copter, etc.). The tricky part is to find their office at Harbor Mall, but most people manage it. Another trick is to make sure you get YOUR flight recorded on DVD, not a generic flight. Otherwise, it's a fantastic experience, and the only way to see the island at its entirety and full beauty. Eco-Star helicopter is very convenient, you'll feel safe at all times whether you are a 10-year old or an 80+.

8 years ago
Absolute Highlight!
Kauai - Lihue

This was an AMAZING trip! It was an incredibly way to see the island. We were a bit nervous but after our pilot told us he flew helicopters in the US Armed Forces while being shot at...we realized we were in really good hands. We loved the soundtrack too. I would recommend this trip to EVERYONE! What a way to see and appreciate this beautiful island!

8 years ago
Not to be missed
Kauai - Lihue

Our pilot Geoffery's less-is-more commentary style and deadpan jokes combined with stunning scenery and unparalleled smooth flying made this a fantastic tour. When in Kauai, this is the thing to do... Don't second guess, go for it. You won't regret it!

8 years ago
Blue Hawaiian Heaven!
Kauai - Lihue

I'll admit I was a little nervous to take a helicopter ride, but was strongly encouraged by other friends to do this while in Kauai. Nate was an EXCELLENT pilot and guide for Blue Hawaiian Helicopter company. We give a special thanks to Nate for providing his superb qualifications as a pilot (previously flew in Iraq with the military), and for navigating in such a way that all could see and enjoy the beautiful sights. The overall tour was well done from start to finish - organized and efficient. Wonderful experience!

8 years ago
Tips from an Experienced Hawaii Helicopter Tour Pilot
Kauai - Lihue

Not too long ago I lived and worked in Hawaii as a Helicopter Tour Pilot. I get asked all the time by my friends and colleagues about the Tours and advice when visiting Hawaii. For those of you lucky enough to fly I would give you the following counsel; 1.) Always call the Helicopter Operator DIRECT, and ask for the DIRECT BOOKING PRICE! If you use the old fashioned Yellow Pages and call direct, you will ALWAYS save $$$. This is because ALL of the Helicopter Tour Companies pay enormous commissions to Hotel's that book your flight, as well as "Tour or Activity Desks". This coupled with the Time Share people ensure that Helicopter Companies pay out Commissions to them on YOUR flight. The commission rate is all over the map, but it normally is around 30%. 2.) Fly Early! In the morning the air is nearly always cooler and calmer, it usually is also much clearer and visability is better. For those of you that get airsick easily this is a must. You improve your odds greatly of not getting sick. If you fly in the morning you should have better visability and a smoother ride. If you do start feeling sick, 1.) look straight ahead at the horizon 2.) BREATH NORMALLY! 3.) Don't bend forward 4.) Dont cross your arms or legs 5.) Relax, your in Hawaii! 3.) DONT FLY IN A STARS! Most of the operators fly these French Helicopters because compared to American built Helicopters they are cheap. Blue Hawaiian and Tropical are my two favorites. Blue still flies a few AStars, but mostly the Echo Star. The Echo Star is French, but it is a good aircraft and it is safe and comfortable. A Stars in my opinion (I have good reason) are Bad Birds...(Dangerous). The best helicopter in the air there is either the Echo Star (Blue Hawaiian) or the Bell 407 (Tropical). Both companies have had accidents, as have nearly every company in Hawaii. This doesn't mean its too dangerous, it is still far more dangerous to go swimming than flying. Blue and Tropical are obsessed with safety and quality, and both are family owned and wonderful people. 4.) Tip your Pilot - As a former Tour Pilot I can tell you that this is literally how we survive. Tip your pilot no different than you would a waiter in a fancy restaurant. 15% to 20% is good. The companies in Hawaii don't pay as well as they say they do. Most Pilots in Hawaii make around $60k a year with the older Vets making about $80k per annum. This includes tips and although it sounds like a lot, is not a lot in Hawaii. Hawaii is REAL expensive and that $20.00 tip you gave will likely contribute greatly to the Pilots monthly grocery or fuel bill. It is good Karma and Pele will insure the rest of your vacation is a delight! 5.) Last but not least, drive yourself if you have a rental car to the Helipad. Sometimes there are temporary weather delays or a last minute mechanical issue (Don't worry). This way you can jump in your car and run to the store or grab a bite to eat while you are waiting for the Tour Company to call your cell and give you the green light to return. Hope your flight is safe and memorable! Shawn

8 years ago
Jimmy is the best and most knowledgable tour guide we had in two weeks of vacationing. Kudos. To Jim!!!!!! Highly recommend
Kauai - Lihue

We used two differant helicopter companies while in Kauai and big island of hawaii.and found that the job that blue did was far superior and professional as compared to the other company we flew with and was cheaper!!! If you sign up with any pilot I would highlty recommend jimmy be your choice you will not be disappointed. Very pleasant and professional and knowledgable!!!!!! He made the trip awesome .

8 years ago
AMAZING
Kauai - Lihue

This is a must do if you are going to Kauai!!!!!!!! It was just beautiful words can not describe it!!!!!

8 years ago
Did This On My Honeymoon
Kauai - Lihue

Kauai beach Villas hooked us for a timeshare presenation when we checked in - our gift was Buy 1 Get 1 helicopter tickets to Blue Hawaii Helicopter. WOW!!!!! How awesome!!!! We flew over the movie set of Tropic Thunder (yes this was 2006 or 2007 and I'm just now reveiwing it). Na Pali Coast was to die for. So cool this tour. The pilot was a little funny, telling war & pig hunting stories but this was the highlight of our first time to Kauai!

8 years ago
Magnificent scenery, edifying commentary
Kauai - Lihue

Our pilot was Nathan, who handled the helicopter with great skill and the commentary sprinkled with humour. I felt quite safe in his capable hands and was thrilled to see whales breaching out at sea as well as the awesome scenery of the Waimea Canyon and the majestic Napali cliffs. Brian our guide and Steve, the driver were full of interesting information and a few jokes.

8 years ago
For the Best View....Go Blue!
Kauai - Lihue

We ventured to travel with our adult disabled daughter and so we looked at several options for accessibility to take a helicopter ride. There are many choices of vendors, but it became evident Blue Hawaiian was the most experienced, professional and helpful in every way. Our experience was beyond expectation. This was the best way to see the island up close and intricate from Black Goats living on the steep cliffs of the Napali to the herd of Whales we hovered to watch as they gently arose out of the waters for air to a 360 turn around the crater of Mt. Waialeale and more! Everyone was exceptional with Aloha spirit, helpful, and intuitive to our daughters special needs. Vince, our pilot, gave accurate and fun information while engaging everyone by name. The office staff was helpful to prep us and everyone helped our daughter get safely on and off the aircraft from our driver to the helipad and the ground crew. It was evident all the staff treated everyone like Ohana (family). If you want the best service, professionalism, knowledge, experience and accessibility..... Go Blue - Blue Hawaiian Helicopters! Thank you to Vince and everyone at Blue Hawaiian for such a tremendous experience!

8 years ago
Stunning views, safe and comfortable
Kauai - Lihue

The guest services rep at our hotel convinced me and my husband to take a Blue Hawaiian helicopter ride over Kauai, and I'm so glad we did! I have never been on a helicopter before so was a little nervous, but the crew and our pilot Geoff made us feel safe and comfortable. You just can't beat the views of the valleys, Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and more. Geoff, the pilot, was very knowledgable and gave great commentary. If you have the time, I recommend spending the little extra and taking this tour. One recommendation is booking in advance and not scheduling for your last day. Two couples on our tour had cancelations due to weather so had to reschedule for the next day.

8 years ago
Incredible experience!
Kauai - Lihue

This tour was the highlight of our trip! The views are amazing and this helicopter tour takes you to places that you will otherwise never see. Kauai from the air is breathtaking! Jimmy our pilot was great and the tour operation was very organized. The EcoStar helicopters are beautiful with great viewing and look to be the best of all tour operators. I recommend getting the DVD of your flight. Booking on-line at least 5 days before your flight will save you some bucks. We changed our actual flight day ad time after the initial reservation with no worries.

8 years ago
Best thing to do
Kauai - Lihue

I got a little motion sickness on the ride, but not enough to ruin it. You have to do this in Kuaui. You can't see the entire isalnd without a helicopter. The background music they play on the headsets was well timed and added to the tour. Out pilot knew a lot about the island and got really close to the mountains. We even saw whales! Definitely worth the money.

8 years ago
Well worth the money
Kauai - Lihue

This was my favorite part of the trip! Kauai is such and amazingly beautiful place and viewing it by helicopter is the best way. We also went on a catamaran tour which was nice but the helicopter was so much better. We had a very skilled pilot who was also very friendly. At some parts of the ride you get pretty close to the mountains but I never felt in danger and felt that our pilot had very good control at all times. The ride was very smooth. The views are amazing and you get to see how absolutely gorgeous Kauai is. Kind of pricey but worth it. I highly recommend a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour while in Hawaii!

8 years ago
Headphones didn't work but good tour if you have the money
Kauai - Lihue

A helicopter tour is a great way to see kauai as much as the island is inaccessible by car. I took the fifty min tour that covered the entire island. The blue helicopters seat two in front and four in the back and feature large windows. Seating is done by weight so u can't control where you sit. Views are incredible and you can get some great pictures provided u or no one else wears white bc of the reflections. I think the helicopters they use are pretty quiet for helicopters and they provide noise canceling headphones that block out the noise and play music And the pilots narration. My headphone didn't work so I just got the views and helicopter noises. Blue gave me a free DVD that they make of the trip with cameras on the helicopter and the pilots narration of the trip which is normally twenty five dollars. If you have the money to spend a helicopter is a great way to see the island

8 years ago