The views were amazing and breathtaking. Our pilot was friendly, knowledgeable and patient. Despite two flights back-to-back, he gave us an experience just as if it was his first flight of the day. He took his time to show us the volcanoes, searching for lava, because he knew we have neither seen a volcano nor lava in person. He also took us on several different views of the valleys and waterfalls. They had good safety procedures. We were scheduled on a 9am flight only to be informed that there was a technical problem and had to cancel the flight. This showed that safety is their number one priority. We were lucky to find another opening slot in the afternoon. Since, the location was quite a distance from the hotel, they offered complimentary shuttle service to and back from a nearby mall. The only set back was when we were informed that our flight had to be cancelled, there was no alternative slots offered to us. We had to ask if they could find us a slot. They did offer us a slot on other islands, but each island in the State of Hawaii is different. As we only had 2 nights on the Big Island and were departing the next day, we were lucky that they managed to find us a slot. Imagine if they didn't. It would be better if they allocate reserve flying hours each day to accommodate such incidences since they do not have spare helicopters in their fleet. This is to avoid disappointment among customers. Overall, the 2 hours flying time was an experience of a lifetime. The life video recording of our flight was also a great addition. Must try when visiting the Big Island.
When my wife and I decided to go to Hawaii for our honeymoon I insisted that we spend time on the big island because I wanted to see active volcanoes. Seeing them from an aerial perspective was breathtaking. What's more, the big island's thousands of waterfalls and amazing valleys were just simply amazing. If we hadn't done the helicopter tour these sites would have been impossible to see. Originally, my wife did not want to go on a helicopter tour out of fear for her life. At the last minute, our hotel concierge (of all people) convinced her to go. She felt perfectly safe the whole time, and we both felt like the experience was the highlight of our trip! We did the two hour tour with Toshi as our pilot and guide. He was so nice, funny, and knowledgeable. We were lucky that we got him as our pilot. If your going to spring for anything on your trip, it has to be a helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian!
Our family of 4 signed up to do the Big Island Tour out of Waikoalo and it was a definite highlight of our trip. Our pilot, Noah, was fantastic and very informative. This trip was well worth the money and the 5:30 am wake up call to be at the helipad for 6:15 am. We had a great day for flying and it was very smooth. We were so fortunate to come so close to the lava flow and the waterfalls and the trip along the coast was so beautiful. Purchased the video of our tour and we have memories now forever.
It's not cheap (and unfortunately the brochures don't list the full price), but doing the combined volcanoe and waterfall tour (I think it's called Island Spectacular) is definitely worth the money. The island is spectacular from the air. It's also the only way to see the lava (rather than the glow) without the need to hike through mud for hours. The helos are comfortable and spacious and the operatons are well ran.
We had scheduled the 2 hour “Big Island Spectacular” helicopter tour, but were unable to go to the Volcano side length due to bad weather. So instead we did the 50 minute Kohala Coast Adventure. It turns out that it was the perfect length for myself, 11 year old son, and husband, and the waterfalls, valleys, and coastline were spectacular. The waterfalls were particularly excellent due to some recent rains. My son and husband had never been in a helicopter before, but our pilot Toshi made everyone feel at ease with his clear safety instructions and great sense of humor. We rode in the A-Star (not the Eco Star) and thought the space and views were fine. Riding with us was a Mom and 8 year old girl. Riding in a helicopter is such an amazing experience not to be missed, but I did notice that the kids towards the end got a little overstimulated and motion sick (nauseas). In hindsight, I recommend the 50 minute tour with younger kids, or if you are at all prone to motion sickness. Dramamine would be wise too, although they were well equipped with “courtesy” bags and some aromatherapy to help with the nausea. No one wants to feel sick to their stomach at all for something so expensive and wonderful! Overall it was a highlight of the trip, and the expense is worth it because you will see a point of view and sights that just aren’t possible any other way. We also bought the video from our flight, and have really enjoyed watching it since coming home.
Took morning helicopter tour on Sat 5/24/14. Morning seems like the time to go since there was not a lot of helcopter traffic. The staff was friendly preparing explanations and safety videos. Pilot Greg was incredible and friendly. Provided an interactive experience. Explained a lot. Real nice guy. Helicopter was modern and clean. Felt safe the entire time. Views were incredible. Were told in advance that could not guarantee activity but saw soem lave flow. Had a great time.
We took an afternoon flight with Ethan, our pilot, out of Hilo. Having done our research, we knew not to expect to see flowing lava. We did however see bubbling bits of lava, great waterfalls and flew into a rainbow. My only complaint was that many of the other helicopters were flying lower than ours which would have been great for photos and the view in general. The customer service was top-notch. My husband and I were on our honeymoon and they were able to make it a memorable experience by getting us into the front seats. Very friendly on the phone and in person.
Staff was friendly and informative. Our pilot Colleen was excellent. Had pointers about things to do along with information about the area. Made sure to swing around to both sides of the volcano and other spots to be sure every one got a good view. We did a helicopter tour of Maui with the same company years ago and definitely they were worth the the time and money.
Very friendly stuff . On time !! Very friendly pilot ! What an experience !!you really get to see the lava from top ! The volcano is active !!!
Awesome experience. Seeing the volcano from the helicopter was well worth the price. Our pilot Jeremy was great.
First trip on an helicopter and we loved the flight, we will do others in the future. we got Jeremy as pilot and he was great, fun and very knowledgeable . I was near the left window and I had the greater view possible. Recommanded it to anyone.
First trip on a helicopter. John was our pilot was awesome. Felt safe and secure with him. He was an pilot for the armed forces. He told us about every bit of the Big Island of Hawaii. The flight was smooth and comfortable. Everyone had a great view. This is something everyone should do when visiting the Islands. Worth the money! Also wanted to mention our shuttle drive Maryland was great too!!!!
My wife and I have now had at least 6 flights in various helicopters over some magnificent places. Two things are always the same, it never gets old and it always gives you a new perspective. We took two flights with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters , one on the Big Island over the Volcano and one on Kauai, the Eco Adventure. It goes without saying that the scenery was breathtaking. On both occasions the pilots were extremely professional and did their very best to please. They showed enthusiasm for what they were doing and some nice personal touches like their own soundtrack for the flight. On our Kauai flight we were scheduled to fly at 10.00am but everything was covered in cloud. Fortunately we were able to reschedule for a 2.00pm flight which went very well. This process was handled in a friendly and professional manner. All in all I think everyone from the ground stuff to the pilots did a great job. I would strongly recommend to anyone, if you get the chance take a helicopter flight at least once in your life and if you are going to take one, Blue Hawaiian are as good as any I have been with!
My kids (7 and 12), my husband and I went on a helicopter ride over the volcanoes and waterfalls on Father's Day. Coleen was our pilot. We had an amazing experience. The check in process was super easy, and the safety talk was useful. My daughter and I were somewhat nervous on our first helicopter ride, but the dear quickly dissipated as we got to the helicopter and started talking with Coleen. My 12-year old daughter and I sat up front with her, and she could tell my daughter was a little timid. She did a fantastic job talking to my daughter and keeping her engaged. She was truly awesome. We had a beautiful day with sunny blue skies. We flew over the volcano, and Coleen did a great job of pointing things out and telling us history the area and the lava flows. We were able to see some of the lava flowing. Then we went to see the waterfalls which were beautiful. We rode in the EcoStar, which I would highly recommend. Everyone had a good view/seat, and there was plenty of room. It's not bench seating so everyone has their own seat, too. Lots of windows. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone looking for a helicopter ride. Will definitely come back!
The flight was awesome and our pilot was informative and accommodating. The views of the volcano and valleys with waterfalls were spectacular! I was concerned I would get motion sickness as this was my first time on a helicopter. I didn't get sick at all...don't hesitate to experience the incredible views! My only advice would be to wear dark clothes...including long pants and a long shirt. Even though I wore black, my shirt was sleeveless and it did cause a reflection in my pictures.