Reviews

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.

My friend asked me if I wanted to join her on a helicopter ride to see the Na Pali coast. I was a bit hesitant but really wanted to see this area that you can't see otherwise (or by boat which I didn't want to do). It was fantastic. Saw a lot; very smooth flight; lots of fun. Highly recommended.

This is the way to see the island of Kauai! Blue Hawaiian Helicopter's staff was very professional, helpful and set our minds at ease about flying. Our helicopter pilot was Andy and he was good. I'm sure he does this a thousand times but he made us feel like it was a trip just for us. Cannot describe the beauty of this island!! WOW A don't miss experience.

My girlfriend and I took the morning tour of the Kauai Eco Adventure, and I highly recommend it to all first-comers to Kauai. You get to see many parts of this beautiful island that are otherwise inaccessible. Our pilot, Barrett, gave an excellent narration and kindly responded to all questions asked of him. He also showed great piloting skills and would come in close (but not too close) to the many cliffs and waterfalls allowing the passengers to get in some great photo opportunities. The Eco-Star is a nice aircraft that is as quiet as a helicopter can be (Note: They also play some great mellow Hawaiian tunes through the headphones which really adds to the mood and drowns out much of the blade noise.). The rest of Blue Hawaiian's staff, including those in the office and the shuttle driver, are also very friendly and helpful, making this an overall very memorable experience.

You'd think for $1000 they might treat you with a little courtesy. You would be wrong. You are commanded to arrive 45 minutes early, barked at, then herded into a van for the short drive to the chopper. The pilot was a great guy and a real pro, and the scenery is spectacular. But the attitude from the office staff - wow. A complete departure from the friendly, kind and considerate Hawaiian hospitality we encountered almost everywhere else. So if you want a great ride through awe-inspiring scenery - and enjoy being abused by the people you're paying a fortune to - this place is for you. My guess is the other chopper tours take you to the same heavenly places without the hellish attitude.

we had great fun! loved the staff! got great info during the ride and a great video after!! you have to try them for yourself! they are really really the best!

My significant other gets seasick easily, and we were warned not to do one of the catamaran cruises to the Napali Coast in the wintertime. So this was the only way we were going to get to see that side of Kauai! There was a minimum of administrative stuff to deal with. We were shown a safety video after checking in, and given a fanny pack containing a small folded life jacket. Then we were shuttled to the helipad. We waited in folding chairs for about 10 minutes while the previous tour landed and disembarked and the chopper was refueled. Then we boarded, fastened ourselves in and put on headphones, and got acquainted with the pilot, who was very friendly and obviously very competent. The Eco-Star holds 7 passengers, 3 in the front and 4 in the back. We felt very lucky to be in the front! The tour itself is nothing short of spectacular, and we saw a 360-degree double rainbow to boot. Unfortunately, both of our cameras needed a recharge on batteries after about 45 minutes, and the tour was 55 minutes long, with one of the most spectacular sights (the Waialeale Crater) near the end. So pay attention to this tip: charge your cameras ahead of time, and take extra batteries!

How do you rate the best thing about Kauai? Even the worst of Kauai is better than a lot of destinations. But this was definitely outstanding. First, the helicopter itself. It is a 6-passenger Eco-Star -- the newest and best of the passenger helicopters. Two seats up front next to the pilot and four more across the back, all with headsets so you can hear all the pilot's comments. Seating is determined by weight but even if you wind up in one of the interior rear seats (as I did), don't worry. You still have a great seat. Lots of glass all around you, and the visibility is excellent. Next, the tour: Outstanding! Takes about an hour, and you'll wish it went longer. Some of the most exquisite scenery on the planet. From 5000+ foot mountain tops to ocean beaches, it's all breathtaking. It just defies an adequate description. And best of all, our pilot: His name is Jimmy, and if you wind up with him, consider yourself lucky. His commentary is excellent -- not too sparse, not too chatty, just right. He knows what he's talking about and he gives you a lot of information without being overpowering. Best of all, Jimmy is a seasoned and well-qualified pilot. Flew with the First Cav in 1970-71, so it's probably a genuine pleasure for him to be flying without being shot at. If you're on one side of the helicopter he will turn it around so you get a good view of what your mates on the other side just saw -- and you don't even have to ask him to do it, he just knows. Finally: there is a video of your trip being made while you are flying. This isn't anybody else's trip -- this is the trip you just completed. It's yours for another $25. I know -- you just spent a small fortune for the trip but, trust me, this is the cherry on the sundae. Dollar-for-dollar, you won't spend a better $25. We've been home just over 24 hours, and we've watched it twice. Wonderful! You order it once you're returned at the end of the trip. Takes 15 minutes or so for them to process it and make your copy. Don't think twice about it, just do it. You won't regret it. Thank you, Blue. And thank you, Jimmy, not just for our trip but for your service to our country too.

We had a wonderful and very informative flight. The only way to see large parts of the island. Gave us great perspective and insight. Our captain was incredibly knowledgeable. Highly recommended. Helicopter was top notch with great visibility and comfort from every seat.