Reviews

Our first experience was with Blue Hawaiian out of Hilo in September 2011 and remains one of our best travel experiences. In June 2014 we flew out of Lihue and had a slightly mixed experience: Advice Fellow Travelers Before your flight: Pre-flight experience at Hilo is much more laid back compared to Lihue. During your flight (If I were rating the flight alone it would be 5 stars) Blue Hawaiian’s pilots are outstanding and they provide you with unequalled views to some of the most beautiful places on Earth. After your flight I highly recommend purchasing the DVD of your flight for several reasons: -There is so much to take in you won’t see it all the first time -The price of the video is inexpensive in comparison to the ride itself -High-quality video has allowed me to even create pictures from the recording Advice to Blue Hawaiian Lihue Facility Here is some free advice, some of your ground crew is making a common Customer Experience mistake in thinking that all passengers have the same drivers of customer satisfaction. Yes, you have received a few comments from your “Photag Enthusiastic” customer segment regarding glare in pictures. However speaking as a member of your “Live in the Moment” customer segment the experience is more important for us compared to the pictures. Because of the number in our group, I purchased the entire helicopter and had to explain to the same employee numerous times in a 20 minute span that we were not interesting in wearing another layer of clothing in the form of an oversized black t-shirt* to eliminate glare. Again, yes some of your customers are concerned with glare (per your online reviews) however we were: -Not concerned with glare for pictures (we purchased the video) -Purchasing the entire helicopter for our group (not impacting others) -Suffering from particularly warm day and did not want to add another layer of dark colored clothing to weigh us down The number of times and the level of aggressiveness from one employee pursuing us in wearing the t-shirt from one employee in particular was surprising and clearly in conflict with the normal laid back Hawaiian experience we had at the Hilo location. In the end we did not wear the t-shirts, enjoyed our flight and video purchase—but the pre-flight experience was very uncharacteristic of our other interactions with the Blue Hawaiian Helicopters brand and the reason that I cannot once again give you 5 stars this time out. I would suggest that perhaps you explore the idea of segmenting customers during the purchase process to keep those concerned with photographs together, when possible. Perhaps this could be a point of differentiation for your experience and a means to help your employees cater to customer needs in the short period of time that they are at your ground facilities? In the interim I would also suggest that you perhaps revise you policies in terms of the tone/manner in which employees approach the issue of glare with customers. *To be clear before passing on the t-shirts I was very careful to verify that doing so would not create a safety issue, they provided to prevent glare for picture taking only.

We enjoyed this experience so much more than words can describe. Our second helicopter ride (first one out of Vegas over the Grand Canyon). The first ride was amazing. This was WAY better than that. The ground crew were warm, funny, friendly, and respectful of the safety element. Our pilot was smart, informed, and knew everything he needed to know as it related to what we were looking at. The ride into the crater of the extinct volcano was undeniably the coolest thing I've ever seen with my own eyes. For the rest of the trip to the Island, every time I saw a Blue Hawaii copter overhead, I smiled.

We booked our trip with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters based on past experience and their safety record. Our pilot, Geoffrey, was as good as the scenery out the window....simply the best. He is also from the island and served our country in the military.....unexpected privilege This excursion was one of the nicest things I have ever done for myself and my family. Awe moments practically from start to finish......Kauai is the place to do your helicopter ride. You cannot be disappointed with this experience!

OK, so we're going to Hawaii and we hear that a helicopter tour would be cool. I go on TripAdvisor read the reviews and decide to book a 2 hour with the Eco line and then gasp when I see the on-line price (there is a discount if you book on-line) for $990. But friends reassure me that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The day of your tour was super windy and I thought for sure they would cancel. Plus my husband has experienced sea-sickness so we were sure if this would impact him. We are loading into the helicopter and they assign us by weight (I've recently read that you can pay more for the front seat...if I had known this I would have opted to do so). Based on weight, my husband was in the center, I was to his right. Another couple's husband was also center (next to my husband) and his wife to his left (that was the back row). And, two females in the front. We took off and the pilot told us we were traveling 90 mph. It literally felt like we were floating. No motion-sickness was experienced by all. Since the island has a variety of climates, we got to see it all. We started on the Kona side (more arid), traveled to the volcanos (it was like being on the moon), landed and took a break in Hilo and then the second half was on the rain/forest side. You know how you show family and friends pictures and you say, "this just doesn't show the beauty of the actual experience" and we all nod. Well we enter one of the valleys and the waterfalls are flowing from all directions. It was so breathe-taking and emotional that I cried (so did the others). I would highly recommend doing this excursion, it will be a life-time memory for you.

we had a great trip, it was my wife's first trip in a helicopter and even though it was a little rainy with low clouds we had a great time. Nice friendly people and well worth it

We went on an afternoon tour at 2:30. We were fortunate enough to see the active volcano, many rainbows, and waterfalls. Our favorite was the waterfalls. Shane, our pilot was very informative and very pleasant.

There was a moment when I thought the weather would get the better of us and i wouldn't get to see the highly anticipated volcano. But it did and I did and I would do it all over again! We chose the valley/waterfall/volcano tour which was about 2.5 hours long. Our pilot was witty, charming and informative. We got so close to the waterfalls, the helicopter got soaked, and close enough to the volcano that I was hoping we wouldn't fall in ! :) Just fantastic, highlight of my trip. Well worth the $$$

Totally worth every penny!!! I would spend the money again to see the sites you can only see from the air!!! Toshi was an amazing pilot and wonderful tour guide!!! DO NOT MISS THIS CHANCE!!!

Our pilot Julie was exceptional, made sure all board saw everything, very informative. You get a much better appreciation of the island from the sky. Just a pity it takes such a short time to see the island, well worth the money.

Expensive, but once in a life time experience. Have you ever been to an IMax Theatre where you are soaring over mountain tops ? Well, that is what it is like to be in a helicopter riding over Kauai . Felt very safe with Craig in the driver's seat . Great chit chat and commentary from the pilot. Second to none scenery . Kauai is a beautiful island no doubt about it. Loved that you didn't have to "tell" your weight, you just have to stand on a metal plate that lets THEM know how much you weigh so that they can balance out the helicopter. Everyone very pleasant . Enjoyed the whole experience.

We gave this flight to our son and daughter in law for a gift. They said the whole experience couldn't have been better from the pilot to the scenery to the very comfortable smooth ride. A very top notch company. Would definitely recommend

We booked a tour for 5 of us in an Eco Star helicopter. From start to finish the service was excellent. We also purchased the video for $25 to remind us of the amazing sights

Was a little apprehensive about going up in a helicopter but this trip was a trip of a lifetime. The pilot (Vince) was very informative about the island and made everyone feel at ease. It is one of the best ways to see the island (especially those areas you can't get to any other way). Would highly recommend Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tours....

We first flew Blue Hawaiian on our first stay to Maui several years ago. For our first visit to Kauai we thought we would use them here as well. Outstanding choice. First rate facility for briefing and waiting, coupled with friendly staff, outstanding transportation, and a great guide (Brad was our guide - over 20 years of flying experience). They are not the cheapest option but they by far are the best. Never felt safer and more informed. Highly recommended!

Our pilot, Chris, was a pro- so knowledgeable and hospitable! He made us feel totally comfortable and relaxed. The views are surreal, and the experience is best described as BEYOND.