We had a great experience with Blue Hawaiian helicopters this week. My wife and I enjoyed an hour flight with our Pilot Kaj Loken-Kim from their Waikoloa heliport. The whole crew was very friendly and knowledgeable, but more importantly everyone made us feel safe during the whole trip. We got a breathtaking view of the Kohala Coast and landed on a secluded clearing near a spectacular waterfall. The entire experience was amazing and the video we took with us captured the whole thing for us to review and enjoy again. I hope to visit them again here or on another island for a future flight and recommend them to anyone who wants to make their visit to Hawaii amazing and memorable! read more

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Waterfalls, whales, and windmills, oh my! Kaj knew just how to thrill us locals as we saw our Big Island from the air, 1000+ feet above ground, as we flew over the Waimea windblown crest, where the clouds bunched up against the windward side, with a small opening to the stunning blue shades of coastline. The fluffy cloud cover gave way to a slightly misty and broken front, with the Big Island's coastline calling us closer. The long black sand beach of Waipio Valley gave way to cascading waterfalls dropping hundreds of feet down sheer remote cliffs. We were lucky the drought was recently punctured by rain, replenishing the splendorous sight! We ducked into a canyon for a closer look -- everyone was entranced, overjoyed to see such wonders. Lucky for us no one was nervous, we all were relaxed and ecstatic. Whales came to the surface when we returned to the Hapuna area, it truly was magical, a solid check for my bucket list! At the age of 73, I am now using a walker and so this was a treat. (A short ramp leads into the office in Waikoloa, there is a bathroom inside the building, if you have trouble walking, do not rush to use the bathrooms outside to the left of the building, they are harder to navigate. Once inside and everyone heads to the helicopter, the ground crew will open the gate so you can roll back down the ramp to walk level instead of using the steps out back from the porch like everyone else. Crew will assist you getting into the helicopter if you able to stand up but you will need some arm strength to pull yourself into the seat, the overhead grab bar gives the necessary swing point.) We had a great time with Kaj, being locals, we are looking forward to seeing him in the water at Pine Trees, the Kohanaiki Park is great for watching surfers and enjoying some lunch bought from Pine Trees Cafe, nearby (go all the way to the bay for closeness to the showers and restroom). Yeah, I'm gonna plug my favorite spots! The helicopter ride will be loud (they give you headphones to block), and will be like riding a vibration disk. I loved it. So relaxing. There are 3 microphones shared by the six people riding, otherwise you will be reduced to using body language, not hard to decipher arched eyebrows, open mouths. I did not realize that Kilauea had fountained the night before, glad I did not know because maybe we would have taken the option of cancelling when they offered it, due to the buffeting winds and slight mistiness. I know that others did reschedule, perhaps thinking it was going to be disappointing. But we were gungho, why not? They promised that if we had to turn around due to weather, we would be reimbursed. To be fair, a fountaining volcano is not safe to be near and so it means staying far back. We have been here through three eruptions so we did not feel deprived. And, the fiery display was over by daylight. As a surfer I have watched and lived among the island's locals with fascination for two decades, as the aloha spirit transcends everything they do, and Blue Hawaiian has earned its place of honor. The company has donated lifesaving equipment over the years to the various beach parks and the lifeguard department, which is managed by our Fire Department. The staff I met embodies that spirit as well. From the moment we set foot in the door, the prep process for our trip was smooth, swift, and relaxing. I hope you have as much as we did. Its a full 24 hours later and I am still buzzing from the natural high! Grab a friend or two, or five, and take the ride of your life! read more

1 star. Absolute bait-and-switch. We booked Blue Hawaiian Helicopters directly through their website. Not a waitlist. Not "pending confirmation." The site showed availability. We selected a time. We paid in full. Then, the day before the flight, they casually informed us they wouldn't fly unless they had four people. Let that sink in. If you "need four people to fly," then your website should not allow bookings for fewer than four. Period. Anything else is deceptive. Taking someone's money first and disclosing your internal minimum later is not a policy. It's a cash grab. No proactive call. No warning during checkout. No accountability. Just a shrug and "sorry." This wasn't a weather issue. This wasn't an emergency. This was poor business practice baked into their system. And judging by the volume of similar complaints online, this isn't rare. It's a pattern. Vacation time is limited. Schedules are tight. People plan entire trips around experiences like this. Blue Hawaiian seems perfectly comfortable blowing that up after holding your money hostage. Want amazing views of Hawaii? Plenty of companies can deliver that. Want reliability, transparency, and basic respect for customers? Look elsewhere. Because nothing kills the magic of a helicopter tour faster than realizing the company never intended to honor your reservation unless it worked in their favor. Savage truth: If you book here, you're not a customer. You're a placeholder. read more

Our trip along the Kohala coast to see the waterfalls was amazing. Our pilot Gary was very friendly and took the time to answer any and all questions that my 4-year old asked. read more

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Fantastic flight over the Big Island of Hawaii! The pilot, James, was excellent. He was easygoing, friendly, and professional. He was an outstanding guide when th historical and geological information. We landed at the base of a waterfall, which was a highlight of the adventure. read more

Our pilot was Jeff and he did a great job. Super knowledgeable and felt incredibly safe the whole time. Really enjoyed seeing the views from this vantage point. Was a surreal experience! I wish it wasn't so pricey but I do Highly recommend. read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter - Aerial Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

Outstanding Company! Shoutout to Dale our Pilot. Beyond amazing and super funny. He was the highlight of this tour. Worth the price, I will say bring some spf if you're sitting front row like me, it gets slightly hot from the sun beaming in your face. Besides that buckle up and enjoy the most scenic views of Hawaii ! read more

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We had a great flight on Sunday June 21, we did the shorter flight up north of the island due to having a 6 year old. We were unsure how he was going to react (he ended up falling asleep on the way back, I blame the music and the lulling helicopter noise, definitely not due to lack of incredible sights!). We would absolutely do this again. I believe our captain was Mark? He was informative, answered all of our questions and we felt safe the whole time. I would recommend doing a helicopter ride at the beginning of your visit so you can get the feel of the island! That's what we enjoyed anyway! Thanks for making our trip memorable! read more

My wife and son participated in a 48-minute helicopter tour yesterday. We were asked to arrive one hour early, which is entirely reasonable to allow time for reviewing safety procedures and viewing the brief (7-10 minute) video. The staff were courteous and accommodating throughout the experience, which we truly appreciated. My only feedback pertains to the waiting area, which was quite warm and uncomfortable. I would respectfully suggest considering the installation of two ceiling fans, as well as a water station, to enhance guest comfort during the wait time. This would also help improve the overall sense of value for the price paid. Brian read more

We were assigned pilot Shane Beeder who was friendly, energetic, and experienced. A Hawaiian resident, he was able to point out some local volcanic activity he had noticed and shared, as well as stories and historical information he had learned as a tour guide. Our trip was roughly an hour and a half and much of this included gorgeous views of the volcanoes, ocean waves, a look at the observatories, valleys and ranches, lush waterfalls, and sloping cliff sides. The Hawaiian geography is so diverse depending on where you are on the island, and much of it you can only see from the air. Again, our pilot Shane was phenomenal and skilled. My family has taken a Blue Hawaiian helicopter trip every time we have been in Hawaii, and I am so lucky to have gotten to experience it for the first time. This is a must. read more

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Everything was amazing! First time on a helicopter and it was fabulous. The pilot was informed, excellent and showed us all the most beautiful places on the Big Island! Do NOT miss this!!! read more

Definitely the flight of a lifetime! Shane our pilot; made us feel safe, was a great storyteller, and a fantastic photographer! Thank you, Shane and team for making this the highlight of our trip! Notes: I get vertigo walking and didn't experience any motion sickness - the company you choose for your flight matters. read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter - Aerial Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

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I felt totally safe on my first helicopter experience in the Big Island many years ago. Then I tried an open door helicopter experience in Kauai and said I"d never get on another one- scary! I was back on the Big Island with 3 kids in tow and they begged to do a helicopter experience. I was hesitant, but after re reading my review decided to go for it. Unfortunately, by the time I decided we couldn't get a helicopter ride to see the volcano since it was active and that's when everyone wants to see it. Instead I booked a helicopter ride to see the island. They told us to get there an hour early to go thru safety procedures. 30 minutes would have been fine because it ended up being a lot of sitting around, but we make friends with their cat mascot. And then it was time for take off! I was a little nervous at first, but our pilot put me at ease within a few minutes. And it really was such a cool and gorgeous way to see the island! My kids seemed to think it was pretty cool too, although my youngest enjoyed talking into the microphone and annoying us the most. We landed safety, took a few pics and were excited that we were the very last flight of '24. I've now been on a total of 3 helicopter rides and would do it again, but think i'll hold off on anymore open door rides. read more

Our pilot Shane is such a gem! So knowledgeable and personable! His playlist made the helicopter ride feel straight out of a movie. 10/10 recommend! read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter - Valleys - Aerial Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

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5/5. Our family flew with Blue Hawaiian out of Waikoloa on March 4 and it was a highlight of our Big Island trip. Weather prevented our originally scheduled tour, but the team handled it perfectly -- they rerouted us to the Kohala Coast Adventure with Landing, refunded the price difference without us asking, and the substitute tour turned out to be spectacular. We landed at a waterfall that none of us will forget. Pilot Shane deserves special recognition. Knowledgeable, professional, and clearly passionate about sharing the island with visitors. He struck the right balance between narration and letting the scenery speak for itself. My family felt completely safe and engaged the entire flight. Practical notes: the First Class seating is worth the upgrade, the operation from check-in through departure runs like clockwork, and I'd strongly recommend purchasing the in-flight video. It's a memorable keepsake that captures what you're seeing in a way your phone simply can't. Would highly recommend and would fly with Blue Hawaiian again. read more

We flew with Dale yesterday. He was hilarious and a really good guy. Whole operation was really well run, and totally worth it. Maybe only feedback is a little less chatter on the radio would be great :) read more

We went on the tour of the Kohala coast with the landing. The views were breathtaking, with stunning waterfalls coming downtown he steep cliffs. It was so impressive how close we could get to the cliff side, including landing right in front of a waterfall. Our pilot, Kai, was interactive and answered guests' questions. The first class seat for the front row was worth it. It was a cloudy day so I was nervous that we wouldn't be able to see much, but you normally fly so low and get so close to the cliffs that the clouds don't hinder your views. Great once in a lifetime experience! read more

What an amazing experience! Sebastian went above and beyond to guarantee our safety and comfort on a breezy day. Blue Helicopters is unparalleled in our helicopter ride experiences on the islands. Their extensive knowledge of the elements and excellent service made our time enjoyable! The kohala Coast tour offers a fantastic opportunity to see the stunning protected landscapes of the Big Island from the sky! Highly recommended! read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter - Aerial Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

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Helicopter experience including our pilot, Shane, could not be better. Shane is a professional through and through. He makes the flight safe, fun and entertaining. The tour is a once in a lifetime experience. If you can afford it, it is absolutely worth it. We did the full Island Tour and it was phenomenal. However, the staff experience before the helicopter is a mixed bag, which makes it impossible to give this company five stars. Shane is five stars without question, but the business needs to re-evaluate its customer service. We first booked for Sunday. We arrived early with no pressure. The staff greeted us, took our weights, and asked us to wait. About 15 to 20 minutes later we watched the safety video. After that, we waited again until about 20 minutes before our scheduled flight. No one told us that anything had changed. Then the pilot approached and struggled to explain that we could not do the full tour due to weather. This was shocking because the full island tour and Kīlauea were the reasons we booked. If earlier flights did not go due to weather, we should have been told on arrival. Instead, the pilot delivered the bad news and even he said he could not explain the financial difference but instead we were mostly pressured to take the flight we didn't want and were led to believe it was all due to weather. That should never be his job. The whole encounter felt like a bait and switch. I understand weather issues, but this was poor communication and a poor customer experience. We wasted an hour only to get information that should have been shared up front. The staff seemed reluctant to let us rebook, which made the situation feel even more uncomfortable. We finally rebooked for another day. Two days later we came back for our 10:30 flight. Our family arrived at 9:33 due to a missed turn. Check-in was 9:30. Three minutes late. The man at the desk treated my family terribly. He raised his voice, blamed us for being late, and ignored the fact that we wasted 45 minutes two days earlier because of their lack of communication. And the inconsistency in their process was stunning. Two days earlier they did not start the safety video until twenty minutes after we arrived. Today they played the exact same video at 9:30 and then blamed us for being late. What changed? The inconsistency made the experience feel arbitrary and unfair. You should be excited to do this not feeling bad that you are spending thousands of dollars to be berated upon walking in. Imagine your family excited for a bucket list experience, already frustrated from the first failed attempt, and then being yelled at for arriving three minutes past check-in. It was a surreal contrast. I do not know if the hostility was due to our rebooking or just a bad staff member, but either way, the customer experience needs serious attention. It's beyond horrible. Shane is amazing. The flight itself is everything it should be at this price. This is entertainment, not transportation, and the cost reflects that. I recommend flying with Shane without hesitation. I cannot recommend the company's ground staff. They do not seem to care about the customer experience. I now understand why there are bad reviews. What should be a spectacular vacation highlight is a mixed bag. There is no excuse for the way patrons are treated before they ever reach the helicopter. read more

Very professional organization, I mean everyone you deal with is A+. Great way to tour areas you would net see and I am averaging 20,000 steps a day foot and bike and had a car rental for a day, so this is must try. read more

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(Tom Cruise voiceover) The vibe is I should be flying but instead enjoying a fab helo tour of the Big Island. Janie warmly greeted us. She is so friendly! She'd provide us with those fancy floatation devices. Jonalynn went over the safety briefing. Super helpful. Amazing service! Hans was our pilot. Super cool. Super safe! (Fiction:) I'll ask him for advice on stunt flying for my next Mission Impossible. Thankfully, he didn't see past my disguise as a tourist from Texas. Shhhhhh. Haha! (Fact:) Hans is so knowledgeable and dare I say humble like me with an amazing music playlist. And he happily shared all the in and outs of things to see and do on the Big Island. From boar hunting to zip lining to snorkeling. A super welcome wisdom & knowledge transfer. Then we landed in a small patch of green right by the falls. It was epic! Reminded me of filming for one of the best movies on planet Earth: Tropic Thunder. Needless to say it was Hollywood spectacular! But nothing beats seeing the majesty of nature firsthand! The experience is truly surreal and cinematic! Would do it again! Thanks Janie, Jonalynn, amd Hans! Woohoo! read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter - Aerial Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

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Amazing views, eco friendly, smooth wonderous flight. Thank you Robert for the beautiful aerial tour of Kauai. Spectacular is an understatement. Kauai is the most beautiful island and the waterfalls are even more amazing flying bythem. We were even fortunate to see humpback whales as well. Blue Hawaiians safety records speaks for themselves and was one the most important reasons we chose them. We will be back. 10 starsIf you debating whether it is worth it, I can tell you it was a memory of a lifetime. Teared up at times and speechless, simply beautiful read more

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It was a great experience- very smooth and views are amazing. Great staff from start to finish Definitely one to put on your list - can't wait for the next time read more

Everything went beyond well!!! Dale, our pilot had top notch information on the sights and the history of our flight! Great customer service, and had me and my 17yr old daughter calm and laughing!!! First time in a helicopter and it was amazing!!! Thanks Dals and Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours!!! I recommend this to anyone who visits Hawaii, Best Tine Ever! Venecia B. read more

The day was beautiful. Lots of rain the day before. Toshi was a great pilot and guide. Cool helicopter. Perfect recipe for an outstanding trip. The water falls were flowing spectacularly. Seeing the Big Island from the air for 2 hours was amazing. Volcanoes, jungle, different lava flows, coast lines. Barren slopes. Cliffs and many waterfalls. Highly recommend this company, this pilot, and this trip. It's a splurge but so spectacular. read more

This was the first time I've ever been in a helicopter and what an experience! Our pilot Hans was very informative as he pointed out the various lava flows from different eruptions and explained how certain areas of the island were formed and where development of the island had taken place for the sugar industry. The views were breathtaking and provide a unique view of the island you just don't get from the ground, especially as the helicopter gives access to areas of the island and coastline that are otherwise inaccessible. I have been to the island before and I've been all over it by Jeep so I can honestly say that you may think you know the island but you really don't until you see it by air. It is an experience you will not forget if you are willing to take one small step out of your comfort zone for the ride of your life. read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is a very professional and organized company. Safety is their #1 priority. The Team at Blue Hawaiian Helicopters are very friendly and helpful. Ki is a great pilot and made our trip very enjoyable with his skills of flight and knowledge of the the Big Island. The Big Island has been blessed by its Creator and overflows with its abundance and beauty. A beauty that all should see while traveling this Earth. Thank you Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Team for a wonderful tour! read more

Amazing pilot, great waterfall landing, clean facilities, great helicopters. Friendly service and an amazing adventure. Thank you. Very professional and safe tour. read more

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Aloha. We were a party of four on the Big Island Spectacular with Landing tour. The phone booking agent, receptionist, ground crew, and our pilot (Kai) were all super friendly, knowledgeable and eager to make the experience pleasant and enjoyable. They were successful! The helicopter was state of the art and using headphones and microphones to communicate with each other made the ride super quiet. Hawiian themed music is piped in throughout the flight. The landing, by the waterfall, was exciting and memorable. You have time to take in the beautiful ocean and waterfall views. Seeing the Kilauea crater from the air as well as the cones atop Hualalai was spectacular. We would highly recommend a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour. A hui hou Blue Hawiian! read more

Kevin from the office was very difficult to deal with. I tried canceling 24 hours before and he wouldn't let me because he said I couldn't get my money back. Looking at other reviews this isn't the first time they have done that to people. read more

Big Island Spectacular Tour was a great smooth flight. The pilot Shane was amazingly knowledgeable and accommodating. The flight was gorgeous. We went over the saddle between both volcanoes, and over Kilauea, which was the day before an active eruption so we were able to see lava. Hilo was beautifully clear so the flight of the coast was gorgeous. We saw a huge pod of spinner dolphins, and all the amazing waterfalls. I ended up buying the video at the end simply because I don't ever think I could relive that adventure any other way and it made it easy to share with others. read more

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An outstanding helicopter flight. Even though we couldn't do part of the tour we booked because of poor weather at the volcanoes, Blue Hawaiian worked with us to create an alternative tour that was amazing. Dale was a fantastic pilot and tour guide. They are an amazing couple and I hope top fly with them again in the near future! read more

Highly recommend! One of the top two things to do in Hawaii is definitely the helicopter tour. We had amazing views and it was so informative to see all of the volcanoes and land/ocean scape from above. As a bonus, we also saw so many whales in the ocean from above! Shout out to our pilot Shane from being so knowledgeable and helpful throughout the tour! read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter - Aerial Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

The counter person was unfriendly as soon as we walked up. he was short staffed I believe. Tried to get us to pay an extra 300 dollars to ride in front seats. We didn't want to so our seating was going to be in the center in the back. Made us watch an extra video after safety video in a hot room. Canceled flight due to maintenance issue. The family with us had the same company cancel their flight last year. Didn't even apologize and even though it's took seconds for them to take our money to book it will take 5 days to get our money back. I would suggest to anyone on vacation to not book with them as their are a lot more friendly and reliable operations. read more

This is such a wonderful way to see the Kohala Coast. It's actually the only way! The entire staff was wonderful. I wish I could remember all their names. They all embodied the aloha spirit! Mahalo to every person we came in contact with! During the trip, I couldn't stop smiling or exclaiming "wow","amazing", and "omg." The amazing waterfalls and landscapes were breathtaking! Our pilot was Dale, and he was wonderful. If you want a one of a kind experience, this is it!! Please follow the suggestion of wearing dark clothing. My husband ended up with the reflection of the front passenger's bright shirt in his picture views. read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter - Aerial Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

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Five stars all the way around! Spend the extra few dollars for this company. Mike was our awesome pilot. He was so informative with the facts of EVERYTHING we were flying over. He took the time to make sure both sides of the helicopter got their pictures. He found a rainbow & made sure all of us had our chance for a great shot. We felt safe & at comfort the entire time. Great experience & highly recommend it. read more

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Horrible costumer service. We are suppose to leave at 2pm and I get a call at 1:20 saying they are taking off. It's my husband's birthday, we were 15-20 minutes out and they said we can no attend the flight. Great way to treat firemen and first responders. Btw they said I cannot get a refund for my $800.00. I would rather use a different company that believes in hospitality. So disappointing. I hope you think twice on booking this company and thank you again for ruining a fireman's birthday that is always there for you when you need them! read more

Easy to book, great pre-trip prep and a wonderful experience in the air! The Big Island Spectacular was just that - beautiful views for a good long trip. We went all over the island - a great way to see the varying topography and learn more about the Island. Highly recommend and worth the money! read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter - Kilauea - Aerial Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

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Very organized, professional group with a comfortable fleet of helicopters. Located very conveniently right off the main highway in Waikoloa. We did the Kohala Coast 50 minute tour. The views were jaw dropping, as expected. To see the Kohala Coast from the sky, get up close to some remote valleys and waterfalls, and get a glimpse of the WaiPio Valley where we once horsebacked was amazing. Price is steep and definitely a splurge. Also, the 1hr pre-arrival time was a bit unnecessary being that all we needed to do was watch a 5 minute safety video. But, of you're considering the splurge, Blue Hawaiian is a very notable company and our experience reinforced their reputation. read more

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We were skeptical at first in seeing the price, but went after some encouragement from family who had been on it before and we're glad we did! The views are incredible, and you'll see - and visit! - parts of Hawaii you wouldn't be able to by any other means. On top of that the staff is friendly, courteous, and professional. Shout out to our pilot, Greg! If this is your first time on the Big Island (like it was for me), do yourself a favor and splurge on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter - Just one of many gorgeous views - Aerial Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii