Big Island Helicopter Tour?

We were thinking of taking a helicopter tour on our next visit to the BI. First, for those who are a little uncomfortable flying, it is a smooth trip or would it possibly be considered ';scarey';? Second, what group/service would you recommend?

Thanks!

Big Island Helicopter Tour?

You%26#39;re going to get a lot of different answers for certain parts of your question. Here%26#39;s my 2 cents.

The ride isn%26#39;t bad, but it really depends on the weather. Storms, updrafts, etc can make a smooth ride a bumpy ride very quickly. All-in-all I%26#39;ve had mostly smooth flying. I wouldn%26#39;t worry about it.

Next is cost. If you have a lot of $$ to spend, take the full island tour that leaves from Kona. I%26#39;d go with Paradise bc they don%26#39;t refuel in Hilo (Blue Hawaiian does).

If you don%26#39;t have a lot of green to spend... you can choose between the Kohala tours and the Hilo tour.

The Kohala tours are beautiful, but personally... I prefer the volcano.

Dan will be the first to say the Hilo tour is a waste of money. I disagree. The reason... where else can you look into Pu%26#39;u O%26#39;o and see the lava bench from that close without hiking for miles? You can%26#39;t... it%26#39;s a once in a lifetime experience, trust me.

If you want a REAL adventure, fly with Paradise and take their doors off tour in Hilo. Nothing beats looking straight down into a lava vent with no windows. It%26#39;s incredible... I%26#39;ll never forget that experience.

Hope that helps.

Big Island Helicopter Tour?

The helicoptor tour will be the highlight of your trip. We have flown with several, but our favorite is Blue Hawaiian near Wikaloa (sp?)

We also only fly the tours in the more modern Eco-star as compared to the Bell style because of the comfort of seating. They run about $25.00 more, but are worth it.

A previous writer mentioned stopping in Hilo---you want to! The lift offs and the landings only add to the fun. Watch the weather on the Hilo side because Hilo and that side of the Island get alot of cloud cover and rain. I suggest taking the Kohola coast tour. Hope my three cents worth helped.

Enjoy!

My husband did the one from Waikoloa from Blue Hawaiian. It was the Eco Star helicopter. It was more money but he really enjoyed it. One little girl threw up but my husband said it seemed like the parents had the kids eat a buffet breakfast before they went on the helicopter.

Speakin%26#39; of breakfast... if you fly, try and do it in the morning. Else the valley%26#39;s will cloud over in Kohala most days.