The really see the rainforest, you need to hike into it, or fly above it. The flight was so smooth, we could see how beautiful the coast is, and waterfalls we would not be able to see via car. Purchased the trip on video after the ride. Definately go! once in a lifetime
And that was just our pilot Colleen. We had such a great time on this flight. Lucky for us the lava was flowing and it was truly spectacular! Colleen gave us some great information and showed us some beautiful sites. We were truly amazed. Our son was so busy flirting we don't think he saw very much. Haha. You take a very brief safety training which more or less tells you keep off the controls and don't panic. Truly this was the best thing on our vacation.
My fiance was nervous about the "Road to Hana" so we took a helicopter tour instead! The staff was incredible. We took the ecostar helicopter and requested to sit in the front row. The pilot was knowledgeable and provided an great tour of the island. We enjoyed the ride so much, that we bought a DVD of the tour at the end of the trip! Don't leave Maui without a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour.
Not sure it's worth $200, but a rewarding scenic journey nonetheless. We chose Blue Hawaiian based on travel guidebooks that recommended them, and after we saw other company's aircraft, we were glad we went with Blue Hawaiian. Blue Hawaiian's helicopters are more modern and safer looking. Our experience was great from beginning to end, with the booking process and with the ride itself. Very professional and organized group. I really have no complaints. We were seated in the back row, which certainly isn't as good as the front row, but still good. A word of caution: if you are at all prone to motion sickness DO take something beforehand. I thought i'd be fine since it was only a 1-hour ride, so i didn't take any precautions, but i came REAL close to losing my breakfast on this ride, just 10 minutes into it. A close call indeed. The ride is smooth, yes, but you still move a LOT, up and down, back and forth, turning...I was feeling waves of nausea the whole entire day after this ride, unfortunately. Still glad I did it, but i'd definitely do something to prevent motion sickness beforehand.
The price was right , weather was good, knowledgeable pilot and SMOOTH flight. Took some great photo's as well as purchasing the video of our "special" day over Maui & Molokai. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed the fourty-five (+) minute ride and the ground crew(s) were polite and informative.....thanks again.
My husband and I have been on many helicopter tours, and I most post that this one on Blue Hawaiin was the most expensive and totally disappointing. First off let me say that they are by far one of the safest and have friendly and very well trained pilots. That being said, we upgraded to the newest Eureostar copter with 3 passenger seats in front with the pilot and 4 large seats in back. It is air conditioned inside so it is very comforable. We booked the Whole island tour which was suppose to land at the crater. We nit only didn't land we were so far away from it I couldnt even see it. The only thing I seen on this tour was the ocean which I could see from our condo. We were suppose to see the waterfalls up close. Our pilot never got anywhere near them. We flew over the ocean looking at them from a distance. I was expecting him to fly inland and up close to the waterfalls so we could see and take photos. There were caves long the shores but we got no where near them. Again every helicopter tour I've taken has taken us into area's that were not excessable any other way. If you are lucky enough to get a front seat then you can see above and below you through the glass but if you sit in the back you're screwed. The pilot kept the copter at one level and seemed to be avoiding any in/out or up down maneuvers, and just circled around the island at the coast, pretty much what you can see from a plane ride upon landing. This tour needs to give the people ALOT more information and it's way overpriced It should cost about $200 per person for the smooth coastal ride and they should offer a more adventurous ride for people that really want to get closer and don't mind the up & down motion of a helicopter. We have other islands to see this trip with more helicopter tours but we are going to cancel this company as they are more suitable for seniors, kids and first time flyers. We bought the video but if our voices weren't on it from questions you can't tell we are even in the copter as we were in the back.If you have never been in a helicopter before this is the best technology for comfort and safety and that's why they charge so much. Personally the best helicopter tour I would recommend is in Sedona, Az were they take you right up to the cliffs and over as well as getting you right along side the Indian caves. Ask more questions before you book.
The ecostar helicopters are very nice. The views if Kauai were amazing and we were able to see things on the island you can only see from the air.
We did the West Maui Mountain and Molokai tour last week. It was amazing. I have always wondered what the West Maui Mountains looked like 'inside' and have been very intrigued with the Molokai sea cliffs... Our pilot Glenda was very professional and a great pilot. This was my first time in a helicopter and I was nervous, but had no reason to worry. In my title I say another item off my bucket list. But I want to go again! I'm also looking forward to getting my bluray dvd to show the kids!
The staff at Blue Hawaiian were very professional and thorough. Our pilot Chris was excellent. Smooth ride and he took us up close to waterfalls and the coastline and mountain ridges. The new EcoStar helo was awesome! Don't hesitate to purchase the HD video of your trip
Had a fantastic time on the 65 minute Echo-Star Complete tour of Maui. Our pilot Justin was friendly and was a great tour guide. This was a amazing time for my 5 year old son and I. No worries about getting motion sick because the pilot and helo were very smooth. Breath-taking views, well worth the cost. Didn't want the tour to end. Only hiccup was introducing the existence of a microphone to a 5 year old! (Which I had to fight him for.) :) Can't wait to do it again.
We thoroughly enjoyed our ride up and down the coast and to the volcano. The pilot was very informative and entertaining. We went through the history, some locations where the lava gobbled up neighborhoods, the flumes, and finally to some waterfalls. Get the HOLO discount card!
We decided on this kind of last minute & it was the best! There were 4 adults & 2 little one's (2 yrs & 10 mos). Our pilot was excellent & the views OMG!!!! Just a beautiful way to see Maui & its a must do if your here! You will not be disappointed!
My wife and I took the Maui Spectacular tour, and I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Maui. The tour took us through the mountains of the west side, to the crater and the waterfalls of Hana. We even stopped in the valley off the crater for a champagne toast! The champagne was pineapple flavored to boot! One of the areas that we passed was a series of waterfalls off the side of the crater. The waterfalls were apparently a very rare site because it took a certain amount of rain on one side of the crater to produce them, but if you are lucky enough to see them, it was one of the most amazing natural sites I've ever seen. Our pilot Justin was very informative and provided great commentary to our tour.
Back again this year for a blue Hawaiian flight, this time on Maui, we did the Molokai and west Maui mountain flight and it was amazing! Once again our pilot, Tim, was very nice and very informative, the flight was nice and smooth and the views spectacular! Didn't want the flight to end. I would recommend the eco star as it's a newer helicopter with more windows. Bathrooms in the office, wear dark clothing to avoid reflection on the window
My wife and I had never been to Maui and wanted to splurge on our honeymoon, so after much research we selected the West Maui-Molokai tour on a Blue Hawaiian Eco-Star. We're so glad we did! After reading other reviews about front seat or bust, we were worried when placed in the back, but we had spectacular views the entire flight. Our pilot, Eric, was incredibly knowledgeable and personable, telling stories and answering questions (two-way radio is a great touch!) throughout the tour. It was a bright sunny day in Kahului at the heliport, but the weather quickly changed when we got up into the mountains and went over to Molokai. The clouds and drizzle didn't dampen our tour, as we saw amazing waterfalls and the spectacular Molokai sea cliffs. At the conclusion of our trip, we bought the Blu-Ray of our tour for $25. It was waiting for us in the mail when we returned to the mainland, giving us a permanent memory of our terrific excursion. The Eco-Star was roomier than we'd envisioned, and the air conditioning vents overhead ensured our comfort throughout. As others have mentioned, be sure to wear dark clothes. We highly recommend Blue Hawaiian!