Reviews

If you are going to fly with a helicopter at least once in a lifetime, do it in Kauai. It is beautiful. It is worth splurging for an exceptional memory. I picked Blue Hawaiian because they had new helicopter with more comfortable seats. I was little worried where I would get seated and even though I ended up in the middle left seat of the back row (probably the worst seat) the view was still very good. Our pilot Dean was was very good. It felt that in spite of doing this countless times, he still enjoyed the view just as much as we did. The experience of hovering for a few minutes in one of the Na Pali valleys or in Wai'ale'ale crater surrounded with waterfalls was unforgettable.

We were rescheduled from an original departure date due to the weather conditions and the staff was really helpful in accommodating us. We chose this company for their ecostar helicopters which has glass on most of the front. Their office is located in Harbor Mall and after getting checked in (weighed), the computer generates which seats are good for everyone depending on weight. After watching a safety video, they drove us to the helipad at Lihue airport and gave us our seating assignments. We were boarded on the plane in a safe and orderly manner. Our captain (Capt. Andy) was very knowledgeable about the sights and took us on an smooth ride and kept the bumps to a minimum by assessing the wind and avoiding the ridge lines. There were many sights we already saw from driving but to see them from an aerial view was amazing But the most breathtaking view has to be the Na Pali coast hands-down! Capt. Andy flew by slowly so we could all get a good view and then also made a 360 so we full view of the coast line. The helicopter tour was definitely the highlight of the trip and a must do!

We hesitated about doing a helicopter tour on Kauai simply because of the price but could not be happier that we did it. It was the most amazing experience. Everyone at Blue Hawaiian from the person checking us in at the office to the pilot was so friendly and helpful with any questions we had. Very professional staff! I was concerned about the flight because I get bad motion sickness but took a Dramamine and never felt a thing! The ride was so smooth and our pilot (Dean) was so informative and funny. We were given a microphone to ask any questions along the way and Dean did a great job of answering anything we had. We learned so much about the island and were able to take tons of pictures. We also bought the video of our flight since it went so great. Everyone we showed loved it! The tour was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Kauai.

I'm not sure that words can adequately describe this experience. To see Kauai from a bird's eye view is mesmerizing. What a "wow" factor! The tour shows you all the beautiful highlights....and you get informative history and movie tidbits (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park). We felt safe and comfortable throughout the flight. Our pilot (Dean) was skilled, likeable, and humorously entertaining. You have the option to purchase a DVD of your actual tour.

Excellent tour, really worth doing. Kauai is spectacular and many places can only be seen from the air. Blue Hawaiian is very professional and organized, and the tour ran right on time. Check in is at a storefront near (but not in) Lihue airport, read the confirmation carefully for directions. Very smooth flight with only a few bumps despite a strong east wind blowing. If you are taking photos be aware of glare on the windows - wear dark clothing. If there is rain, focus manually or your camera will lock onto the drops on the window. Pilot gave a good tour, pointing out sites and providing interesting information. The DVD is worth buying, you can preview it when you return to the office. Book ahead of time and get an internet discount.

This was one of the top 3 favorite experiences for each member of our family on a cruise and island vacations with MANY exciting and memorable experiences. Even for my husband, who became airsick, he still rates this as one of the best memories. Our pilot/tour guide was funny and engaging and when he wasn't talking, beautiful music was playing throughout. He also made the internal camera show the passengers (us) periodically so when we bought the souvenir DVD we could see ourselves and the other passsengers as well. There are no words to describe the natural beauty of this mostly uninhabited island. Too many waterfalls and rainbows to count, dramatic mountains and of course beautiful beaches. Please take the opportunity to view the Kauai from the air - you won't ever forget it! One member of our group did not want to take this helicoptor ride, and she was able to stay close at the shopping area and beautiful beach area very close to the departing site, which was convenient.

This was the only helicopter tour I have ever taken. I was amazed by it! The ride was about as smooth as can be and the tour goes all over the island taking in all of the great views. I would love to take this tour on the other Hawaii Islands in the future.

We had read in the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook that we should go with this company for the cushiest flight. I couldn't compare that, but overall the flight was lovely with spectacular views. However, when you arrive you are assigned one of two helicopters. On our visit, Daryl or Bruce were our two pilots to be flown by. If you can put a word in for Daryl, it will make the trip worth it. I would not fly at all if Bruce is your pilot. We felt safe, however, he told us to ask questions, and when we did he was very annoyed and quickly silenced everyone aboard. We were very disappointed because this is one of the reasons we chose this company. We loved that you had the opportunity to communicate with your pilot to ask questions. After completing the tour and speaking with several other people we bumped into over the week, who had flown with Daryl, we found that he was an excellent navigator and tour guide, making the trip amusing and informative. Exactly what we had hoped for. So if you use this company...don't settle for less than Daryl. The two gentlemen who drive you to the helicopter from their office are hilarious however, and quite entertaining. They will definitely relax you if you are nervous about flying. I only rated this trip as average because of our pilot. I would expect it to be amazing had we had the other pilot.

First off, I was one of the lucky ones and was able to sit in the front. The front has a fish-eye view of EVERYTHING. The back not so lucky. Even though the winds were strong and the sky overcast/drizzly, the tour was fabulous. The rains made the waterfalls flow stronger, and I felt that I could reach out and touch the Pali. The pilot seemed comfortable and knowledgeable. He would turn the helicopter to try to give everyone a view.

All the guidebooks and cable shows seem to like this company the best (they operate on all the islands), but the "Ultimate Guide to Kauai" (these are the best guidebooks to all the islands in my opinion) liked the Kauai flights the best. And I can't say I disagree with them. Me and my mother took a late morning (10:00am) flight. She's never been on a helicopter before (my only other time was at the Grand Canyon), but when she read about how nice the Blue Hawaiian copters are (very roomy and beautiful Eco Stars, with lots of viewing space out if their windows), she knew we were in for a comfortable and fun flight. The 50 minute flight gives a great overview of the island. You get to see Waimea Canyon, lots of waterfalls, the Na Pali Coast, and the rugged backcountry where very few people get to visit in Kauai. Our pilot played some very nice music during our flight and told us facts and even a few jokes. He pointed out areas where movies got filmed, including "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Jurassic Park". Also, while our flight was going, he was burning a DVD (there are several cameras in the copter) while in flight. When your ride is over, you can shell out your cash or credit card to buy a DVD of the flight you were just on. All in all, this is the copter flight to do on your Hawaii vacation.

We picked Blue Hawaiian based on the recommendation in the "blue book" guide to Kauai. Overall we were pleased with our tour though there were a couple complaints. It's hard to judge this company vs other companies since this was the only helicopter tour we've taken but we had a good experience in general. Pros: Local Hawaiian pilot with good commentary Well organized and efficient staff Nice location Comfortable helicopter Cons: Can't pick your seat - done by the computer. Though I think the people in our helicopter might have bribed them to get the front... ? Cheesy music in the headphones Tour lasted only 45 minutes though advertised for an hour. Though we saw the whole island so I don't know that we missed anything... This might be industry standard.

As part of our trip to Kauai we booked a helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters over the internet. The day before our scheduled trip, I contacted the company and confirmed our reservation. Everything was fine. I was somewhat concerned when we were assigned our seats because I was in the back in the middle seat. However, our pilot, Travis, did a great job of turning the helicopter to each side of the helicopter got a great view. The high point of the trip was flying in to the crater of Mt. Wai ele ele. It was fantastic. We saw many water falls and the views of the Napali coast and Waimia Canyon were fantastic. If we ever return to kauai, we will again book a trip with Blue Hawaiian.

We decided to take a helicopter ride, we got a good price if you went to the time share presentation. When I called it wasn;t that much more for the fuel surcharge that the other companies were adding on, in fact it was the cost quoted on the paper. I asked for the window or front seats not thinking I would get them, We got the front seats and Capt Andy was great, You couldn't even feel the helicopter move. We were up in the air about 50 minutes or so and it was smooth. I was able to take lots of pictures and they take video of your flight and a few shots in the cockpit (you can purchase for an extra fee $25). The Island is beautiful no matter where you are - land, sea or air. If you are able to swing the helicopter ride, do it with Blue Hawaiian, they were great!

This was one of the activities I just had to book after seeing the pictures of Wai'aleale Crater. I did quite a bit of reading in the various guidebooks and of course the reviews on Trip Advisor! Fare for a family of four was pretty pricey no matter what company you took, and at first Blue Hawaiian seemed like the most expensive. Then I started to look at the gas surcharge that some of the "cheaper flights" charged, which made them not so cheap. I purchased a A3H gold Card for $30 and ended up saving $173.00 when I booked through that website. If you go to a timeshare presentation the Aloha card they gave you offered discounts, but I wanted to book ahead of time to make sure we got a spot. I also read an article in "Kauai Revealed" about the safety records of the companies, and ruled out a few and opting for Blue Hawaiian (no accidents) and they also fly the bigger, quieter copters. So...even though we were staying in Princeville,we drove into Lihue to go with this company. We then made a day of it, proceeding on to Waimea Canyon. Barrett was an amazing pilot. Very personable and a native of Kauai, which made his touring narration a perfect blend of info and personal stories. His operation of the helicopter was flawless. The scenery was beyond words. Two tips: 1.) Don't give you kids dramamine the night before the trip, like I did. They were so sleepy, and even though they enjoyed themselves, they weren't themselves. If they get motion sick, ask your doctor for scopalamine patches, otherwise go without! I gave it to them "just in case." 2.) Don't wear white at all not even socks. The reflection it causes ruins any pictures you might be taking. Make sure you have a polarizing filter, it will help!

My husband and I went to Kauai for our first time and really researched helicopter tour companies before we went. We finally decided to go with Blue Hawaiian, and we're so glad we did! We booked online through their website before we left for Kauai, and that saved us about $80. We also requested the front two seats, and whether it was by chance or not, we got them (you have to enter your weights at time of booking, and they weigh you again when you get there.) Our pilot, Andy, was awesome, and talked just enough during the flight to be informative without being annoying. It was our first time in a helicopter and we felt safe the entire time. I'm sure there are other reputable companies out there, but we would definitely choose Blue Hawaiian again.