My husband and I did the Circle of Fire + Waterfall tour and it was amazing! Our pilot was Colleen and she was awesome. Very knowledgeable and was able to answer everyone's questions. She provided us with several interesting facts about the island and volcanoes. She was also very good about making sure everyone had a good view by circling around the coastline and volcanoes. I was allowed to take my camera and she often asked if I was able to get the shots I wanted. Make sure you were a dark colors (black t-shirts would be best!). I wore a yellow shirt and was given a navy shirt to wear over it because light colors reflect on the glass in the helicopter and it obstructs your views and the glare shows on your pictures. Also, you are not allowed to take your bags in the helicopter. They will store them for you or allow you to go back to your car to lock them up there. Overall, we had a fantastic tour and definitely enjoyed it.
We didn't see much lava, but a few red lava patches and lots of smoke. It was still very impressive for the first timers. I was impressed by the operator - very organized, friendly and efficient. Runs like a clock work.
When you make a once in a lifetime trip to Hilo to visit volcano national park only to find the park closed due to the US governments shutdown, you need a plan B. That plan B was Blue Hawaii Helicopters 50 min ring of fire flight over the volcano area. Safe, well organised and great viewing we were a let to see it all thanks to Blue Hawaii
We flew with a great pilot called Scott. As we took off Scott put on his selection of music and cracked us up with the theme song of Hawaii Five-O. What a thrill it was and we are so glad we did it as the Volcano National Park was a bit of a disappointment as there was no lava to see. We saw lots of red patches from the air and got a much better perspective of how much lava had recently covered the area. Frankly if I was going to recommend the Park or a helicopter ride and cost was no issue, do the helicopter ride, you will not be sorry. Oh and you will see magnificent waterfalls that are not accessible by ground. A fab ride! Thanks Scott.
A Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour was one of my two favorite things from my last visit to Hawaii (the Kauai tour was incredible 5 years ago) so was really looking forward to visiting volcanos and waterfalls with Blue Hawaiian on this trip to the Big Island. Book ahead of time online at their site for best value. They honored our request for front deats for me and my friend (there are two seats in front and 4 in the back) so that was great. Also remember to ear dark clothes so that your clothes don't reflect off the windows. During the fliht you have headc]pones and a mic so can communciate with teh poliot and answer questions. Our pilot was Scott -- he was terrrific - very engaging and a great pilot -- very smooth flight. Only disappointment was that something happened to the viedo recording of our actual flight. At only $25, its one of the best values on the island -- it shows your actual tour from 3 cameras including showing you inside the cabin during flight. But either he didn't press 'record" or there was a technical glitch but the recording of our flight did not work -- big disappointment. Had I known I would have brought video camera and taken more pictures. Another disappointment was the the actual volcano had very little flowing lava. We saw lots of old black lava from the many years, a few orange spots of lava at the surface, smoke from smoldering areas and some burning trees. You obviously can't control Mother Nature - but wish it had been more dramatic. Even so, would still recommend the tour regardless of the lava. We learned lots about the volcano over the years and then got to see several series of terrific waterfalls -- these were on private lands so only way to see was from the air. The Volcano National Park was shutdown due to the Government shutdown so the helicopter tour was only real way to see it. Net we were very glad we'd booked in advance. You can't go wrong with Blue Hawaiian.
We all wanted to see the Volcano on Hawaii but none of us felt like the long day of driving we new we would have to endure. Two of the six of us were afraid of going in a helicopter but we braced ourselves and did so. I'm so glad we did it. We felt completely safe and enjoyed the tour from above. The ride can be a bit nauseating just form the slight bouncing and turning but there is really nothing you can do about that. Our guide was professional and knowledgeable and we left happy. Safety is taken very seriously which was important for me.
This was a great trip. There were 6 of us (ages ranging from 23 to mid 50s), and everyone agreed that it was well worth it. You see parts of the island that you can't get to. In addition, if you don't have a lot of days, you can see Hilo, Volcano National Park, the volcanos with lava, the inaccessible coastline, etc. The flight itself is VERY smooth so there is no problem of feeling sick at all. The pilot's flight background was very strong - he flew in the military and we never felt any worry at all over his skills. He gets close so you can really see the sights. We could even see the whales in the ocean when they lifted their fins, we were so close. Though it is expensive, it really allows you to understand the setup of the whole island and go from the hot humid areas into the rainforests in two hours.
Pilot Toshi is fantastic, informative, made the trip well worth it! We had debated about this two hour trip because of the price, but many, many had told us Blue Hawaiian tours are awesome. They were right. When we went, this was the ONLY way to see any lava flows, but the real highlight was flying along the Hamakua coast and into the Waimanu Valley! Oh, the waterfalls!!! My personal photos were okay, and I bought the video they took which was of the whole flight (for only $25) which gave a 360• view without as much glare. My friend and I were both VERY glad we splurged on this!
This is one of the coolest excursions I have ever been on!! I have been on one other helicopter tour to the grand canyon, but this trip blew that one out of the water. My husband and 2 other couples had the helicopter and pilot all to ourselves. The pilot was very knowledgeable -- I learned so much during the trip. The flight through the valley and the kings and over the waterfalls was fabulous. This is the best way to the see the island. I suffer from motion sickness, but I took meclizine the night before and the morning of the excursion and didn't have any issues. Remember to wear dark colors to minimize your reflection in the photographs you take from the helicopter. And have fun!!
Four of us took the Big Island Spectacular. This is a MUST if you are visiting the Big Island. From Dave Douglas to our pilot Tom to Darren and Mary, all very helpful and professional. Thank you. We loved this excursion.
We were on the island for a week and unless you want to spend a lot of time driving around, this is simply a "must do" experience while you're there. From the volcano (yes, red lava in evidence) to the gorgeous waterfalls, you won't be disappointed and although I can understand the price sticker shock, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Our pilot Noah was a friendly and informative guide and made everyoen feel welcome and comfortable.
Pilot John was informative and knowledgeable. During the 2 hr. tour, we saw lava flows, whales, valleys, waterfalls, and other interesting terrain. Weather on the Hilo side is variable; check with Blue Hawaiian if they recommend an earlier vs. a later tour because of cloud buildup. I highly recommend Blue Hawaiian helicopter tours. Very professional, and a must-do activity while on the Big Island!
The 2 hour trip was simply amazing. It was very expensive, but it was an excursion that we won't forget. Great to see the diversity of the entire island. Our original day was cancelled due to rain, but they worked with us to reschedule for a different day.
Once in a lifetime experience. This was an up close and personal tour of the island. From the sunrise to the lava flow, everything was incredible. Our pilot Tom was the best, including the bad, but funny jokes he told along the way. He took the time to explain what we were seeing and indulge us by making sure everyone had a good view and photo opportunity of the sites. I would highly recommend this tour!!
Thank you for the great ride & allowing us to get such great shots :) Our Pilot was very knowledgeable & she was a great pilot- smooth flight!