Reviews

After reading the trip advisor reviews I was aware of the 'risk' of the heli tour. These tours aren't cheap and can even make or break you trip (especially if your itinerary makes this the highlight of your stay). Blue Hawaiian uses the ECO-STAR chopper which flies faster than those used by other tour operators and may account for the shorter tour lengths, IMO. It seems all the south side heli tours have same itinerary; a clockwise route around the island en route to Waimea Canyon, track out over Palihale to the Napali Coast, then around Princeville and then over to the crater. The problem with this route is that the unfortunate person in the left back doesn't get the same experience as those in the front or right; I heard folks that were in the back saying that next time they'd fly doors off. I was lucky enough to be up front, which gives you a great view but the bubble shape to the front glass isn't kind to picture taking (more reflective). Pictures out the right window were typically clearer however the BRIGHT YELLOW pouch containing our lifebelt was reflected in many shots as we were told to wear them on our right hip. Regarding picture taking, you don't need a big zoom lense as the flight takes you close to what you need to see. Using my DSLR all of my shots were in the 18-70mm range. I took a couple with a 200mm zoom but a bit blurry, even with a VR lense. DON"T TRY TO FOLLOW THE WEATHER FORECASTS TO CLOSELY! This bit several of us in the butt. I booked my flight on-line before arriving and on my first day on the island the forecasters gave a 40-50% chance of rain for my tour the next day and 0-10% for the following day. Well, I called to change my tour and they said they had received many of those requests. Well, you guessed it, at my original flight time I walked out of my hotel to bright skies with scattered clouds and on the next day intermittent showers for several hours. The flight went on, and we saw the coast with mostly flat light and the interior of the islnad was shrouded with clouds. There were 3 and half WOW moments for me: 1-the first time you get a glimpse of the coast from the air (about 2 minutes in) 2-The Napali Cliffts (awesome) 1/2- Waimea Canyon - if I hadn't driven to it a day earlier it would have had more visual impact. When we hiked it, it was sunny. When we flew into it, rainy. Plus they fly into the same area that you can see from the road. 3-Lastly, and most surprising was the flight upto the crater right at the end with about a dozen waterfalls. Even though it was rainy we were below the cloud ceiling with very good upclose views (out the right window). TIP: If you're on the island for more than just a few days, I suggest making your reservation after you arrive. There are deals and specials available at Activity Kiosks (one near JJ's Broiler) with rates much lower than the advertised prices. Not every tour operator participates but if you don't care which operator you choose you can get a great deal and if you end up in the backseat it won't be as upsetting.

We had an afternoon ride with Pilot Joffrey who may have been the most mellow person ever...very chill and calm, which was nice for a first-time helicopter passenger :) He grew up on the island and as a result knew tons of fun and sometimes obscure facts and gave a great running commentary. Whenever there was an especially cool/popular sight such as the "Jurassic Park" falls, Joffrey made sure every side of the helicopter got a good view of it. According to our guidebook, Blue Hawaiian is one of the only (maybe THE only?) tour that uses the Eco-Star helicopters, which are extremely roomy and comfortable. The trip was about an hour in total so we really felt like we saw everything. We would highly recommend this company to other visitors to Kauai...this type of excursion is definitely very pricey, but from what we hear if you pick one island to splurge for this on make it Kauai...the landscape is totally unique, lush, and gorgeous. (Very different from Maui, which is the only other island we have visited.) Thanks Blue Hawaiian for an amazing tour that we will definitely never forget.

Had a wonderful flight with Tobias. Very knowledgeable and a great pilot. Check in staff was friendly and prompt. I whole heartedly recommend blue Hawaiian!

We took this flight on the second day of our 2 week stay on the island. What a great way to get your bearings and plan your vacation! We were greeted by friendly, smiling staff and given safety instructions in a very professional manner. We were then escorted to the helicopter, by van, where we met our pilot, Josh. He had a very calm, confident demeanor that made us immediately comfortable. Wow, this was incredible! Our pilot was very knowledgable about the island and the culture of the Hawaiians, while pointing out special places that people like to go to hike, drive, swim or whatever. He had knowledge of the history and geography of the island and was able to answer all our questions. We would recommend this tour to everyone.

very professional. they had every thing down and figured out.awesome experience. we had booked a flight couple of days before. when we got there it was kinda cloudy.we went up for about a half hour when the pilot reported that the northern part and coast line was socked in with clouds and Vog. so we returned to base. where we were advised that we could either re-book or refund.no worries. we re-booked for the next day.pilots are great,we had music and mics.views are spectacular.pricey but awesome. Don't regret it and wont forget it. DVD was a good deal too$25.they had 3 or 4 cameras, 1 inside the cab so lots of good shots hint- ask when booking to sit up front or right side of pilot better views

We splurged and booked a tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters after a friend used them on the Big Island during their trip 2 years ago. We were not disappointed. We were fortunate enough to sit in the front 2 seats (seating is determined by weight & calculated by their computer). Our pilot was friendly and welcoming. We were staying on Kauai for only 3 days so the helicopter flight gave us a great quick overview. And the views of Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali coast were incredible. You felt as though you were floating over this gorgeous vista. When we come back to Hawaii someday, we will definitely use Blue Hawaiian Helicopters again.

Our Kauai helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian was simply amazing. From our booking experience, to the sign-in process to the actual flight, everything was handled with professionalism. Our pilot Barrett gave our family of five on a trip we will never forget. The sights and views are breathtaking. This was the highlight of our trip to Kauai! The Eco Star helicopters offer a fantastic view from every seat. I think the spacious design and window configuration of the Eco Star allows for the best viewing experience. I sat in one of the back middle seats and got outstanding pictures throughout the trip with my digital SLR camera. Having read many reviews about the coveted right window seat, I was concerned that my experience would be compromised by being seated in the middle, but not once did I feel that way on the flight. Also, I give kudos to pilot Barrett for making a special effort to give the person seated on the back left seat (my husband) an equally enjoyable experience. While it is true that due to the flight route, the right window seats offer a prime view, on several occasions Barrett turned the helicopter around to give my spouse on the left the same view. Also, there are many places you fly over that offer an exquisite from all angles, so the left seat didn't seem as bad as had been described in other reviews. We are very grateful to pilot Barrett for this amazing experience. I would highly recommend Blue Hawaiian for a helicopter tour of Kauai!

This was a big splurge for us. We had to pay for a "comfort seat" because my husband was over the weight limit. So, we paid a high price for this experience. However, I wouldn't have missed it for anything. We were both hesitant because neither one of us had ever been in a helicopter. However, as soon as the helicopter took flight, we forgot about our fears and were mesmerized for the hour we were in the air. Our pilot was excellent at pointing out landmarks and giving us information about the island. We were given microphones so that we could ask the pilot questions. I couldn't ask even one because I was rendered completely speechless. My jaw dropped when I saw the shoreline, the mountains, and the waterfalls. We got so close that I felt like I could reach out and touch the cascading waterfalls. We even flew right through the complete circle of a rainbow (which I never even knew existed!). I was in tears for much of the flight because I had never experienced anything that overwhelming. Now I know there is a heaven and I have seen it! We purchased the DVD of our trip. No, the quality of the film isn't perfect and viewing it isn't the same as being on the flight. But, when we watched it, I was reminded of the emotions and feelings I had during our experience. It was, after all, worth every penny!

This is a good company! They went out of their way in customer service. Pilot did a good job and Blue Hawaiian flys the best helicoptors! Hawaii is an awesome place to take a helicoptor flight.

We really enjoyed the helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian. The helicopter was very comfortable & we felt very safe with our pilot, Steve. Riding in the helicopter was not scary at all & felt smoother than being in an airplane. The views were great & the waterfalls flowing down the Waialeale crater was an amazing sight. We saw several whales off the Napali coast & Steve made sure to fly around each sighting a few times to make sure we all got a chance to see. The glare on the glass does affect some of the photos from the backseat, but that didnt bother me since I was already planning to go ahead & buy the video of our flight for $30.00. I would definitely recommend Blue Hawaiian for anyone who is planning on taking a helicopter tour & will always remember this trip fondly for the rest of my life.

great views. fun adventure. i can see how your seating assignment can make a difference. we were lucky and got assigned to sit in the front. it felt like it was just us and the pilot! the poeple in the back seemed to enjoy it as well. we thought it was a great way to view the entire island. i can also see how the weather on that day can make a difference. i guess we just got lucky! our pilot was great and made it an interesting flight! bring a camera!!!

What an amazing experience! Our pilot was courteous, friendly, and showed us the gems of Kauai. The entire staff at Blue Hawaiian was professional and treated our family well. They were safety oriented without being overbearing (they had an infant life jacket and noise-canceling headphones for our 10 month old and a child life jacket for our 3 year old). I highly recommend Blue Hawaiian to anyone visiting Kauai.

If you don't take a helicopter tour of Kauai, you will not get the whole picture of the island. Even if you take a boat tour of the Napali Coast, you'll not truly experience it until a Blue Hawaiian pilot has taken you so close you feel you could reach out and touch it! We had a wonderful experience and highly recommend it to everyone. They will weigh you (yes, put you on the scales - but no one will see and they won't even tell you) and select your seating based on the distribution of weight. Please don't take your children. You'll either disembark the chopper carrying a vomit bag, or your child will have a very expensive nap, as one of our pilots suggested. No one likes to be stuck in a small space with a vomiting child -- neither a parent nor a fellow traveler! And you'll enjoy the experience more. I think a precocious eight-year old or older would love it - as long as motion sickness is not a possibility. Don't forget your cameras and do follow their instructiosn to wear dark clothing. Bare legs and light clothes will cause reflections in everyone's photos.

Fantastic helicopter tour. Our pilot Barrett was very informative during the flight and local as well! Made several passes of important sights (Napali coast, certain waterfalls). The only way to see most of this island. Definitely do it again!

I chose Blue Hawaiian because of the safety ratings. The entire process was efficient. Our pilot, Andy, was good at narrating the journey, and I really enjoyed the music that was synched up to the different locations we saw. It's definitely a MUST DO when in Kauai, since you see things that you're never going to see otherwise. Seeing the waterfalls and Waimea Canyon up close was amazing!