We recently went on a helicopter tour of Kauai in Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. From the online reservation process to checking in on the day of the flight and to the flight itself, this was a fantastic experience. We booked on line and received a discount off the full fare. We then needed to change our date and I received a reply and a change in date within 15 minutes of my email. We arrived at the appointed time for our tour and were greeted by very courteous staff who gave us very clear instructions about what would take place that morning. I observed a staff member handle a customer who was acting very rudely in a very professional manner. This same staff member conducted the safety briefing and tour orientation without a hint of what he just had to deal with - the disgruntled customer was present for the orientation and safety briefing. Our pilot, Geoffrey, is a native of the island and he gave an excellent tour. It is very obvious that he enjoys his work and that he takes a great deal of pride in how he represents the company and his state. This was the coolest thing we have ever done when traveling. This is truly the best way to see the island as much of it is inaccessible by car. The views are beautiful and often breathtaking. Kauai is truly the garden island. It is best to keep in mind that this is a sightseeing tour as opposed to a photography tour. Try not, as hard as it may be, to not see the sights on this tour through your camera. It is inevitable that you will get some glare from the aircraft windows on your pictures. This is impossible to avoid, but can be minimized by following Blue Hawaiian's advice to wear dark clothing. We found it best to wear something short sleeved instead of sleeveless, and without a logo. They do have dark shirts to borrow at no cost if you forget, but you may have to compromise on the size. The helicopter is spacious and air conditioned. No need for a jacket. Seating is based on your weight and that of the others on the tour. The helicopter seats 7 including the pilot. It is not necessary to sit in the front to get a good view. Those sitting in the 2 middle seats in the back may have to lean over the person next to them a bit, but the windows are large enough to get a good view even from these seats. Our pilot did a very good job of rotating the helicopter so that passengers on both sides could get equal viewing time of the main sights. Passengers are given microphones for 2-way communication and you can request that the pilot turn the helicopter so that you can get a view of something that may be on the opposite side of the aircraft. They are very accommodating in that way as long as it is safe to honor the request. Blue Hawaiian offers a video, for purchase, of your flight. It will feature pictures of you and the other passengers in the helicopter and includes audio of the pilot's commentary and that of the passengers (so be careful what you may say as it will be included on the audio). The video is available on DVD, BlueRay, and on USB in HD. The USB is priced slightly higher than the other 2 options. We purchased the USB version and it was worth it. It is very well done and makes it worth focusing on the tour as it happens rather than focusing so much on taking pictures.Finally, it is made known up front that you will receive a confirmation email. Be sure to check this over for the correct date and time of your tour and contact Blue Hawaiian immediately if there are discrepancies noted. This will prevent any problems from occurring on the date of your tour. Also, be aware that camera cases, iPads (used as cameras), purses and other large items are not permitted. There are storage lockers available in the office or you can store these things in your car if you drove to the heliport. You are permitted to bring a water bottle on board the flight. But since it is climate controlled, you may not not need it. All in all, we were very satisfied with the tour we had with Blue Hawaiian and would recommend them without hesitation to anyone considering a helicopter tour of Kauai!
My advice would be to take this tour as early as possible so that you can get a lay of the land. And of course the helicopter takes you to places you otherwise will not be able to go. The tour was well organised, our pilot professional and you are encouraged to ask questions and make comments. It was a pleasant flight without any problems and I can safely recommend this tour.
I was told to go early in the morning and early in your trip. I did just that and the weather turned bad and they cancelled our flight 5 min before takeoff. They were quick in re-scheduling for two days later. When the day came, it was GREAT! beautiful sights with island music in your headphones. Waterfalls, rainbows, canyons and blue water. Get ready for a memorable trip! Spend the $$ and do it! We bought the video after for $40. good times.
Pilot was knowledgeable. This was a great overview of how volcanic activity formed the Hawaiian Island chain. At this time, helicopter tours are the only way to see actual lava flowing since it is not visible at the visitor center. Price was high end but they did pick up & return us to our hotel.
This was my first helicopter ride. I am not a fan of heights. Staff was very professional and not pushy but lock in your reservations quick. We called then drove over within 1 hour and most spots were sold out. You have to take the two-hour ride from this location if you want to see volcano due to distance. No other way to experience and take in the island than by air! Prices where high but well worth it. Our pilot Eric was very professional and informative. I felt very safe knowing he had many prior years of flying in previous jobs. Would recommend this place to everyone.
This was my first time in a helicopter and was an amazing experience. Staff made sure that you feel completely safe the entire time. Pilot Julie was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and made sure the flight was fun, informative and interactive for everyone. Would highly recommend this company to any visitors to the island of O'ahu. Definitely a great way to see the island and very reasonably priced also.
That was the single best tour on the whole island I would recommend this to all of my Friends and Family. Thanks for a great trip Loren you were amazing 10/10 Swearse Family.
From start to finish this trip was amazing, starting off with complimentary hotel pick up, when we arrived at the helipad the staff were all very friendly and the complimentary coffee and water were an extra touch. The helicopter flight itself was sensational and the views we where able to see were out of this world, from flowing lava, to the biggest waterfalls I think we will ever see in my life. This is by far the best way to see the island, no picture we toke truly shows the views or beauty we seen. Our pilot Gregg F was great throughout the whole trip his knowledge was second to none and he was able to answer any questions asked and also made it a fun and exciting experience for all. I would highly recommend Blue Hawaiian to anyone.
From making the reservations to meeting Vincent at check in and our pilot Julie made the tour the Oahu just breathtaking!! Even the ground crew to make everyone on the tour feel special. Can not wait to come and take the tour on Maui next year!!!
Best part of our trip! Our pilot, Marty, was great and the views were unforgettable. It was a little rainy at times and the trip was still wonderful. From check-in to completion all went smoothly. The helicopter was comfortable. I'd recommend this !
This was our first helicopter tour and we can't wait to take another. The helicopter was large and comfortable and very safe. Our pilot Marty was very experienced and knowledgable and made the tour so informative. We saw places we never imagined and would have missed if we didn't see them from the air. We purchased the optional video of our trip and watched it on our second day home. We will be able to relive the memories for years to come. Truly the highlight of our visit to Kauai.
This was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. The flight over the waterfalls, canyons and cliffs of Kauai was beyond gorgeous. The pilot Geoff, was skillful, informative and had a great way of getting our little group of people all connected. The music selection for the various sights was spot on. There were moments when I wept for the beauty of it all.
My first helicopter ride and completely jaw dropping. Words cannot explain the views and beauty you can see from the ride. My pictures do no justice. This tour was so professional and orderly. I could not be more impressed. Miguel was our pilot and he explained everything so well. He made it very fun and was knowledgeable about about questions. The video is worth it!!! Buy it.
Superb helo tour. Ask to be assigned so Marty is your pilot. He is a superb pilot with 20 years and 12,000 hours in helos. Also he is a knowledgeable travel guide who is friendly to kids and adults and is open to all your questions.
Great tours would fly with this company anywhere in Hawaii. Service terrific, tours spectacular! We did a fly over Oahu great pilot, shuttle service to and from hotel included. If you get chance do it early in your stay in Hawaii