Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Tour: Pearl Harbor, Oahu Helicopter tour Pilot: Koje
This would have been a 5 star experience if only the seating arrangements was different. I don't know the science they use for assigning seats - weight distribution, right? My family of 3 rode with another family of 3 (very nice people, btw) but the 3 of us were stuck in the back with my husband and I sitting in the middle. While the other family had the son and father sitting up front with the pilot and the wife sitting in the back with us by a window. Anyway, check-in was easy and the ladies who checked us in were very friendly and professional. Our pilot was nice and didn't do any crazy twirls in the air, so that was appreciated. Also, he did his best to make sure the people sitting on the right side of the aircraft got a view of everything (unfortunately, since 2 of us were sitting in the middle, that didn't really help either one of us). Considering this was our first heli ride, we didn't know what to expect. The views were amazing and gave us a glimpse of Hawaii that we would not otherwise get. Would we do this again? Absolutely. Probably with another company that provided open door rides. It got really hot in that aircraft!
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
This was my first ever helicopter ride ! ( age 75). It was a beyond words,awesome experience from start to finish. I must admit I was just a tiny bit nervous. The young lady who did our intake was thorough and calming. Our pilot , Markus, was very professional in getting us seated and keeping us informed about take off. Once in the air, the ride was very smooth and Markus kept us entertained by pointing out all the places of interest. The music on the flight was soothing. The only disappointment I felt was that the flight came to an end. 😉 It’s certainly going to be on my plans when I come back to Oahu.
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The booking was a bit stressful as I had to reschedule booked flights to accommodate the helicopter tour- as I was only in Kauai for a day- but in the end it was so worth it. You really appreciate being alive while on this tour. The sights of Kauai are absolutely beautiful- I wanted to see Jurassic park and I did. The coast is spectacular and Chris the pilot was great. I was a bit worried about helicopter flight after hearing about a terrible accident a month earlier but some things in life you just have to go for no matter what.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
50 minute flight over the Island of Kauai,saw the Jurassic falls. What a spectacular flight,pilot was Dave,very experienced, great commentary,you have to see this island fromthe air. Be aware,you can only take a small camera or phone,no tablets allowed,no hats,jackets or bags of any size,no water or food. Highly recommend
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
To really see the beauty of Oahu you should see it from the air. Yes it is expensive as is everything on Oahu but it is worth the money. I was hesitant about getting on a helicopter at first and the cost but I am so glad I did, it was the most beautiful and fun thing I did. And Blue Hawaiian has such experienced and helpful pilots.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Best helicopter tour on the island. I fly in helicopters for a living and still enjoyed this experience. Tour guide/pilot, Benjamin, was experienced pilot and was very knowledgeable about the island. He was safe but also made sure both sides of the aircraft could see everything. The video recorded was also a great purchased and allows us to relive the experience. The office staff that greeted us and performed our safety briefing were also amazing. Spend the money and do the tour. You won't regret it!!
Also, wear dark clothing so you can take great pictures. Otherwise you will get your reflection in the windows in every picture!
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Great pilot, very informative. Once in a lifetime experience, fairly expensive though, around AUS $500.00 each. Thought it was a bit cheeky to have to pay an extra US $100 to sit up front.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
This was the highlight of our Honolulu holiday! Our Pilot Fernando was incredible! Cannot say enough about this tour. My husband and I were very moved by the whole experience and will be recommending to everyone we know in Australia. Thank you, we can't wait to bring our family next time so they can experience this also.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Where do I start. The experience as totally awesome. Jenny in the office is absolutely exceptional. I do not want to try and slaughter my pilot's name (Kojo??)--he was so great about showing us great points of interests and making sure we were able to get great photos.
Written April 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I paid for a full tour of Oahu via helicopter with the concierge at my hotel. He insisted that this was the BEST way to see Pearl Harbor. First problem - this is a lie! The helicopter tour I did barely even flew near Pearl Harbor and there was certainly nothing about the view that was special. Second problem - the van was REALLY late in picking me up at the hotel which was part of the package. Third problem - when I arrived at Blue Hawaiian, we waited a crazy long time to get things going. But, once we watched the safety video, I was called over to the desk and told that I needed to pay another $100 (I had already paid $375 for the tour) in order to sit in the front - and not next to a kid that was on the flight. They saw that I was solo and basically threatened that I pay extra or that I would be seated next to this young kid and it would be miserable. I told them right then and there that this was a complete scam to shake down people for more money. The girl at the desk actually laughed at me! I didn't want to sit next to someone else's child, so I felt that my only option was to pay the extra $100. What other company threatens customers like that - pay or we will sit you somewhere that sucks!?
Then ... they sat me in the front middle which was hands down, the worst seat in the helicopter. Visibility was poor at best. The pilot was boring. The helicopter was so HOT and had no air (and a vicious smell of oil) - it was pure misery.
I don’t know if there is a waterfall landing in Oahu. But there is a waterfall landing option on the Big Island. I have done that one 3 times and it’s spectacular!!
Aloha! We are staying at Marriott Ko Olina Vacation Club and want to do the island tour on the day of my wife’s 50th Birthday. Does this tour provide pick up at our hotel as we won’t have a hire car. Thanks
You have the answers below. Here's a tip from a traveler not likely to return: Pay the extra $45 for the optional video of you helicopter trip. It's a fantastic remembrance.
Aloha,
We provide complimentary shuttle service from all hotels in the Waikiki area to our base at Honolulu International Airport.
If you are staying a the Ko Olina Resort properties, the Holo Ka'a courtesy shuttle stops at each Ko Olina hotel as well as our Ko Olina Base of Operations.
Please note that our Waikiki shuttle service will only services tours which depart Honolulu International Airport, and the Ko Olina Holo Ka'a Shuttle only services tours which depart Ko Olina.
I hope this answers your question, we look forward to flying with you.
~Mahalo,
Its been a while since i went on the tour , but i know there is weight limit on all helicopter tours.They have about five to six seats in each helicopter , but they balance your seating by the weight of the individuals on each flight.If to many large people are trying to ride on a flight some will be separated and put on other flights.
The doors are closed but that doesn't stop anyone taking pictures from anywhere on the helicopter. All the pilots will fly in any direction to ensure that you get the shots you want.
Enjoy the experience, and if you get Kristi as a pilot ask her about the windmills!!
Mount Gambier, South Australia, Australia6 contributions
Hi,
Depending on the length of flight, most finish by about 5 pm. Just bear in mind that weather conditions are variable and flights can get cancelled. But well worth the time and money.