helicopter flights

We are planning to take a helicopter flight from the Big Island to the volcano and waterfalls.

I have seen that the ';Circle of Fire'; flight approx 55 mins looks good.

Has anyone got suggestions on best companies etc.

Thanks

John

helicopter flights

Narbotto,

I don鈥檛 recommend the shorter flights out of Hilo. While it may sound like they are much cheaper, the circle island flights out of Waikoloa or Kona are a much better value IMO. There are two areas on the island that are accessible only by air 鈥?the volcano vent and entry point and the waterfalls in the Kohala Mountains. The circle island helos take you to both. The circle of fire + waterfalls is only volcano and small part of the Wailuku River above Hilo.

As for operators, that is a personal choice, depending on which aircraft you want, if a video is available etc. Everything else is about the same. Search for a thread Blue Hawaiian vs. Tropical vs. Paradise or something similar.

Good luck and happy travels!

helicopter flights

Thanks Echolynch - Looks like i%26#39;ll have to do some checking out on the net. Do you recommend that we pre book before we leave her or do it when we get there?

Regards - am really looking forward to the trip.

John

Hi

I did the 2 hr big island tour with Blue Hawaiian. Very comfortable ride, got to see everything, including lava running into the sea, the Kohala coast falls, into the spectacular deep valleys, as well as the flying between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa (we started just down the road from the Fairmont Orchid) Highly recommended, but not cheap.

Hilo flight is a waste of money compared to the other options

Blue Hawaiian is the big name with the bast ads and the highest prices. Paradise and Sunshine, out of Kona are 100 cheaper for the same flight of 2 hours

My wife and I took the black beauties out of Hapuna a few weeks back. We were with another couple. Don%26#39;t be afraid to ask for discounts. The two hour tour was fantastic and worth the money. We paid about $295 per person including all taxes.

for the best circle island tour...go fix wing you will see 40% more of the volcano than with the helos which cut across the middle of the island and dont really fly around....Big Island Air out of Kona

Can%26#39;t say I agree with the Big Island Air recommendation. The helicopter can stop and hover. Our pilot made sure that everyone got an opportunity to take great pictures. If the better view was on the left than he turned around and the right side then got there chance for a great picture. Can%26#39;t do that in a plane that can%26#39;t stop. When we were looking at the water falls and some of the valley%26#39;s we were above the water but below the land line. A plane can%26#39;t do that. I can only tell you my opinion. The helicopter was more expensive but a plane can%26#39;t compare. Spend the extra money.

Can%26#39;t say I agree with the Big Island Air recommendation. The helicopter can stop and hover. Our pilot made sure that everyone got an opportunity to take great pictures. If the better view was on the left than he turned around and the right side then got there chance for a great picture. Can%26#39;t do that in a plane that can%26#39;t stop. When we were looking at the water falls and some of the valley%26#39;s we were above the water but below the land line. A plane can%26#39;t do that. I can only tell you my opinion. The helicopter was more expensive but a plane can%26#39;t compare. Spend the extra money. Considering the other poster has 6000 posts and is a Big Island expert, I%26#39;d say he may have an interest in the Big Island Air. Me, I don%26#39;t post often and am more of a reader of Tripadvisor but I%26#39;m giving you an honest unbiased opinion.

flterp, do you remember which company you used for your tour. I am researching for a fall trip and it%26#39;s overwhelming!

I think a helocopter makes more sense than a plane but I am so naive as to what is where still...I am in the learning curve as to who %26amp; what %26amp; where...let alone how much.

patti

flterp, I know HD and I can tell you the only thing he has interest in is good food and good booze. :)