クチコミ

We (2 of us, married, in our 30s) opted for the Big Island Spectacular. We really wanted to see the volcano side, but we figured that since we were already shelling out money for that, that we should do the waterfall part too. It does cost more, but we figured that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you can afford to pay for it, you should. It's not something we'd necessarily do again because of price, but well worth it. I thankfully got a window seat in the Eco-Star (can't rate it against the A-star), but you don't get to pick where you sit because of weight (they weigh you, but no one can see what it reads--very discreet, thank goodness). We read not to wear white, but no one told us not to. And the person in front wore a light color, so it shows in the pictures, along with their legs because they were wearing shorts :( so that was disappointing. The pilot was good, answered questions, flew around a few things that we all wanted to see so that each side could get a photo. I was dead-set against buying the DVD for $25, but in the end, I caved. After spending in 2 hours what some people make in salary for a month, what was $25 more to have our trip on DVD? I haven't actually watched it yet, so I can't comment on the quality, but it was OUR actual trip and not a general one, so it seemed like I might as well buy it. They seemed like a professional company. Always got my questions answered on the phone. They were nice. Couldn't say the same about everyone else on the helicopter necessarily. However, no tour company could guarantee good people with you on the trip. For views you couldn't get on the ground, it was a trip highlight.

You cannot come to Hilo with the intention of seeing the volcano and not take this tour! This was one of the best experiences we had on the island with unbelievable tours of the Volcano. There is no other way to get a complete overview and view of the amazing crater and the lava flow into the ocean. This helicopter tour is well conducted and the pilot took extra care to make sure people on both sides got a view of the important volcano spots. A Must-DO when on Big Island.

One of the best experiences in Hawaii. Now if you research you would know what to expect so that you are not disappointed. We knew we would not see lava flowing from a tepee type volcano. But we were excited to see some lava. All of the people that worked there were very nice. We had a wait a little bit to have it gassed up, but no big deal. A must do, but expect some fog/bog. The video was a good price at $25.00.

My husband is physically disabled and cannot walk or stand on his own, yet Blue Hawaiian was very willing to help us so that he could take this helicopter tour ride and see lava flows. I greatly appreciated their professionalism. The lift did have a problem at the end of the tour, but a staff member helped me to transfer my husband, and things worked well for us. This was the most accommodating helicopter company for disabled individuals, and that was why we chose Blue Hawaiian (that, and it didn't hurt that they appear to have some of the best reviews!). I am glad I knew ahead of time not to expect to see views like they show on their website, which can give you false expectations. There is a rule that helicopters have to fly at least 500 feet above the ground, so you're not going to get those close-up shots. However, what you do see is still really amazing. My husband and I got to see a vent with fiery hot lava, lava flowing into the ocean, steam vents galore, the eruption site, and waterfalls--all within what felt like a very short 45 minutes. We also liked being able to see the house in Kalapana that was destroyed by lava a few days after we arrived on the Big Island. I took photos, although I'm not so sure I was able to get great shots. However, we did purchase the tour video as well as their general island one (they are offering a special, buy both for $35--a deal!), and we look forward to watching them! I recommend this company and this tour--for us it was the best way for us to see lava flows, since it's hard for my husband to get around. Also, it helps you avoid sulphuric gasses and other problems you might encounter on the ground from the volcano. Blue Hawaiian seems to be the best based on the reviews, and I was very impressed with the professionalism that they displayed in addressing my questions before our tour. I also was impressed with their willingness to work with me and my husband with his disability. Even though our tour seemed very short, we were glad we took it and appreciative of the excellent views. Next time we hope to try a longer flight and see more (like Pololu and/or Waipio Valley). Plan on wearing light-colored clothing and don't set your expectations based on what you see on the website, and you should still have a pretty good time. Also, the Blue Hawaiian website will give you a huge discount and help you save money.

Our pilot / guide was Julie Fung and she "made the trip". We saw hump back whales over the water, a bunch of beautiful waterfalls and sweeping landscapes and other points of interest on the Hilo side of the island. The volcano area (Puo o) was breathtaking. Saw a little lava. Julie was expert in telling us when our view was coming and related all kinds of interesting info during the tour from the farmers market on Sat in Hilo to Jack's house in the lava fields to the Mauna Loa Macadamia nut factory and groves. Excellent. Blue Hawaiian has very nice equipment as well. Great job!

We had a excellent time on the helicopter and really enjoyed getting to see the sites. Our pilot was very knowledgeable and made sure that people got a good view from every seat. The only bad part was that neither couple on our trip got to sit together and the lava is not currently flowing all the way out to the ocean

Went out yesterday and had a very nice time. They had a great pilot Colin and he was really nice and was lovely with our children. He made us feel very safe. These helicopters are slow and bring you to fantastic views of the volcano. They are not for thrill seekers as it is not thrilling but very informative. We were five on the helicopter rather than six and we knew that one of the best seats would go to the sixth person who would book later. We thought that this was very unfair but that is the way it is. They say that it is weight distribution done by the computer but having looked at the combined weights, this is not the case. It would just be hard to sell a seat to an individual on a group tour if they did not have a front seat. If you want the best seat, join another group on your own. It is the only guarantee. I felt that the staff were great and everything was really well organised.

While on the Big Island we wanted to take a helicopter tour. We went on the Circle of Fire tour. In short it was excellent, everything you hope for, great views and a smooth ride. Jenny our pilot was fantastic and the ground crew were also very professional and pleasant. Don't miss out on seeing the island this way, well worth the cost.

We actually picked the Big Island over Kauai because of the active volcano and knowing what we know now we wouldn't have. After reviewing a lot of tour companies we booked with Blue Hawaiian. They seemed to be a little bit higher priced than everyone else but the staff was great. I guess when you hear active volcano you think mountains of lava pouring out of the thing but what we saw was one little lava tube pouring lava into the ocean. The lava is so hot it creates steam and for the most part you couldn't actually see the lava because the steam was in front of the opening. We only ended up with 2 pictures that actually had the lava in it. The other part of the tour was supposedly waterfalls but we just went over Rainbow Falls and that wasn't anything worth bragging about. Akaka Falls is maybe 10 minutes North of that so we were hoping to see that one which is spectacular but no such luck. For the amount of waterfalls and lava we saw we paid way too much. I guess maybe check and see what the lava is doing before you book anything.

while staying at the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island we booked a 45minute flight over the active volcanoes on the Hilo side of the island. we drove from the Kona side over to the Hilo airport where we boarded the helicopter. I thoroughly recommend this adventure. we were upgraded to the better helicopter which had more glass for viewing. our tour was late in the day ,about 4pm and the weather was good although we went through a light shower of rain on the way back as we flew over Akaka and Rainbow falls. as far as you could see there were waterfalls. Just beautiful. The staff were very friendly and the experience was great. As soon as we were buckled up and aquatinted with our pilot - we were all miked up and could all interact with each other and the pilot (there were 5 passengers on our trip) the soundtrack to Hawaii 50 began to play through our headsets. it was awesome!!! our pilot was fantastic. She talked the whole time. We learned all sorts of facts, not only about the volcanoes we were about to see but also many other landmarks we passed on our way. She was very knowledgeable.We hovered over the volcano crater for ages and she circled around so everyone could get photos from all angles. the flight itself was so smooth and quiet -I have never been on a helicopter before .although scary to me it was simple amazing to be hanging over the volcano peering into the crater and then we flew out over the water and then back to the airport via the many waterfalls. although this was my first helicopter experience and I have nothing to compare it to, I would recommend Blue Hawaii Helicopters . When we returned we waited for our DVD . Only about 15 minutes. They were not happy with the entire overall quality of the DVD so they never charged us for it. It was fine to us when we viewed it . as we left the airport we walked out with a young man who was the safety officer to got us prepared for the flight with i safety instructions and helped us into our gear. He stopped at his pickup and proceeded to show us coconuts he had on the back. He husked a coconut and gave us all a taste and explained that was his family's business. This fellow gave us his profits and was more than happy to share what was his . This just added to the wonderful day we had. once again if the mystery of the volcanoes are an interest to you then I recommend this adventure.

The Blue Hawaiin Helicopters offers a great view of the Big Island. We opted for the shorter Kohala Coast tour (vs. longer trip from Waikaloa to the volcano, which is lucky because it was not active that day anyway and most of that trip is just travelling TO the volcano). Being IN the valleys, up close to the many waterfalls, travelling along the dramatic coastline, above and through the clouds was like being in an IMax movie. Stupendous. Our pilot, Shane, added his own words and perspective to the stunning views.

Blue Hawaiian in Hilo canceled our flight bc the helicopter door was malfunctioning. While we were upset bc we couldn't do the flight and had driven all the way to Hilo, they made up for it by rescheduling our 45 min flight to a 2 hr flight over the entire island. They also picked us up and dropped us off and gave us a DVD of the entire flight! The 2 hour flight was amazing. Our pilot was knowledgable and made us feel super safe. The time flew by and we got to see lava pouring out of the ground, we flew into canyons and right up to the waterfalls. You experience the kohala coast over the ocean. Awesome! If you have the funds it is worth every penny. Parking: they have a lot Kids: can go Seating: is by weight, no requests Dress: warm in helicopter Air sick factor: "comfort bags avail" very little turbulence so you should be good Cost: $$$$

We took the small helicopter over the northern part of the Big Island -- Mountains and Waterfalls - about a 45 min flight. The office staff and pilot were professional, personable, and informative. I felt very safe. The seats are a little tight and I am a normal sized person, but you won't notice any discomfort because you will be spellbound by the scenery and flying in a helicopter. Each person has a headset so you can communicate with each other and the pilot. Even though it was a very windy day, you could not feel it while flying -- just a little bumpy getting from the lower elevation of the island over the higher ridge into the mountain area. You will go from dry desert landscape to the greenest green lush landscape in only a few moments. A truly unforgetable and exciting experience.

We took the Blue Hawaiian "spectacular tour" around the Big Island. It left from Waikoloa and covered a large part of the island. There was a brief re-fueling/bathroom stop in Hilo. The name of the tour doesn't even come close to describing the experience! Shane was our pilot and did an outstanding job of showing us the sights and educating us about Hawaii. We've taken many helicopter trips, and this was by far and away the best ever...right down to Shane's choice of music over the headsets. He ensured we saw the "important stuff" by making several passes over Pu'u O'o, the active crater we visited. The tour isn't inexpensive, but it was worth every penny.

One of the most expensive trips on the Big Island, but well worth the money and 2 hours of time. Noah was an excellent pilot, the views of volcanic flow, rainbows flying through clouds, and flying near to cliffside water falls - totally magnificent! It's a shame they charge an additional $25 for the DVD of your flight (could leave "a bad taste in your mouth" for the experience).