All Reviews for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

It was worth every penny to get to fly over the lava fields. Grant, our pilot, has over 30 years experience piloting. He knows the area well. "Luxury" flight only allowed for 4 passengers so there was plenty of room and we all had a great view. We were also given the opportunity to ask the pilot all kinds of questions regarding the lava fields and surrounding area. I highly recommend this activity. Very much a highlight of our trip.

I participated alone. It was about a one-hour aerial walk in a small four-seater helicopter. It was a very valuable experience since it was in a place that you absolutely cannot see from the ground. However, it was a bit disappointing for me since all the explanations were in English and I couldn't understand them. You can take unlimited photos, and they also do a commemorative photo at the end, so it became a great memory.

一人で参加しました。
4人乗りの小さなヘリコプターで約１時間の空中散歩でした。地上からは絶対に見られない場所なので非常に貴重な体験でした。
ただ説明が全て英語なので聞き取れない私には少し残念でした。
写真も撮り放題だし最後に記念撮影もしてくれるので良い思い出になりました。

I would definitely recommend the doors off experience to the doors on. You are able to get much better pictures and video, in my opinion. There were only a few active spots for us to view, but our tour guide answered most of the questions we had and explained a lot about the landscape. The waterfalls were beautiful- I would recommend hiking to them if you are staying in Hilo for more than a day.

It was my first vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii and I booked a full day circle tour with Wasabi Tours with my boyfriend, in order to get acquainted with the island's landscape and popular destinations. Our tour guide, Kala, was absolutely phenomenal! Not only did he show us all of the beautiful sights and landscapes that the island has to offer but he was also an encyclopedia of information! You could ask Kala almost anything about the island and he would almost certainly have the answer. Kala was a historian, a geographer, a geologist, a horticulturalist and even a sociologist all in one! He was a great story teller! Kala was also extremely hospitable, professional, warm, and inviting--right from the start to the end of the tour!Somehow he managed to keep enthusiastic for the 10+ hour long day. Kala mentioned he used to work in the high end resorts in the North Shore and you can really tell that he did, as he provides extremely professional service. He really went out of his way to make sure the guests were all getting the most out of the experience. When we learned the lava was really high in the Volcanoes National Park, Kala made a few separate attempts to return to the site, as the grounds were extremely steamy that particular day. He REALLY wanted us to see the lava, but it is so sad to say the weather did not cooperate that particular day despite Kala's greatest efforts. Despite this bad luck, we were fortunate enough to see all the other beautiful sites that Wasabi tours promises to take you! Finally, to top the day off, Kala knew how much I wanted to see some of the Hawaiian Honu (sea turtles), and he found me some of those as well! Overall, Wasabi Tours does a really great job preparing a fun and informative day for guests. Ultimately, a big thank you to Kala for keeping us entertained and showing us around the tropical paradise of Hawaii!

Mahalo!

Justine & Sam.

We had a great time flying over the volcano and seeing how lava makes an island. A very good way to see the vast flows. As on Kauai, the staff at Blue Hawaiian was great. They know their island and their love of it shows.

The helicopter ride and seeing the volcano steam pots was amazing! Wish we could have seen the waterfalls closer though.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters & former Marine Pilot Greg are the best! Little nervous about 1st time in a helo but there was no need to worry! Ride was smooth , sights were amazing, pilot was very knowledgable & informative.

I have a fear of heights, so I was hesitant at first, but I'm really glad I participated. I was able to enjoy the ocean, islands, volcanoes, and valleys from angles I had never seen before. Especially around the volcano, I could feel the heat from the ground, which I think is a unique experience of the Big Island. I definitely want to participate again!

高所恐怖症でもあるので最初は迷っていたのですが、参加して本当によかったです。見たことのないアングルで海や島、火山や谷を楽しむことができました。特に火山周辺では足もとから熱も感じることができて、これはハワイ島ならではの体験だったとおもいます。また是非とも参加したいです！

I had been somewhat apprehensive as had never been on a helicopter before but I loved it!! What a way to see the volcano and surrounding area!! I was accompanied by my sisters and their husbands and it was enjoyed by all!!

We were hesitant to do this because we had never been in a helicopter, but WOW. So glad we did!! Awesome views of the volcano. Pilot (Jeremy) was very knowledgable and made the experience very interesting. He was very professional and skilled with the operation of the helicopter. An experience we will never forget!! Highly recommended!!

I did this tour on my 60th birthday. It was the best experience of my life! The helicopter pilot, Marko, was knowledgeable as well as entertaining. We saw the amazingly varied terrain of the Big Island but the best was seeing the Kilauea Caldera and lava pool as well as places where the lava was slowing flowing. The Kohala area was unbelievably beautiful. A bonus - the great coffee made by Marko at the midway stop. I would highly recommend this tour especially if your time in Hawaii is limited and you want to see it all in comfort.

4 of us flew from oahu for this helicopter flight. You need to check what is happening with the volcano first as we were expecting to see some sort of action. The flow had obviously been active for sometime recently but what we saw was not what we were lead to believe was happening. Flight was good but dont take any notice of the pictures in advertising as they are deceptive. I k now this is a nature based activity and the company has no control over the volcano,but to over promise and under deliver is allways a recipe for disaster. The pilot Tim was excellent but the ground crew organinzation was lacking.Had us stand around in the sun for 30 minutes while they organised 5 flights at the same time.So dont expect to leave on the timeyou have booked,doesnt work that way.We hired a car and went to Volcano national park,fantastic and highly recommend that instead of this trip at only a fraction of the cost.The couple we shared with whilst disappointed could not speak more highly of the Maui trip they had with this company, so maybe consider that option

We really enjoyed our recent flight with Tim as our pilot. The sights were spectacular. Everything was organized like clockwork. The equipment is clearly very safety and comfort focused. Tim was entertaining ad a very competent pilot.

My husband wasn't too excited about coming to Hawaii but his one request was to fly in a helicopter to see the volcanos. His choice was the open door option. Neither having been in a helicopter before I at least had some trepidations. It was a blast! Our pilot, Rhys, a Kiwi, was very knowledgeable and a good pilot. Thank you!
And yes, you can feel the heat from the lava. Good times!

I loved that I could upgrade and guarantee a window spot for this tour. I got some great photos. I would recommend this as an exciting way to view the volcanos!

I hesitated because the price was high, but I heard that if the volcanic activity is not active, I wouldn't be able to see a volcano erupting lava even if I took the time to walk there, so I chose to take a helicopter.

In fact, I was able to see the bubbling lava from above the crater.

In the ocean, I also saw a mother whale and her calf.

Flying through the valley of Waipi'o Valley in the helicopter was very mystical and wonderful. It was a unique experience that only a helicopter can provide, and I really enjoyed it.

値段が高いので迷いましたが、火山活動が活発ではなければ、時間をかけて歩いて見に行っても溶岩を噴火する火山を見られないと聞いてヘリコプターを選択しました。

実際火口を上から見て、ボコボコ湧き出る溶岩が見られました。

海では、鯨の親子も見えました。

ワイピオ渓谷の渓谷の谷間をヘリで縫うように飛んでくれて、とても神秘的で素晴らしかったです。ヘリコプターならではの体験ができ、とてもよかったです。

This helicopter trip was fabulous! Our pilot, Reese, was very informative, friendly and helpful. Gave us a great view of lava fields, the active Kilauea volcano and waterfalls. He was very attentive to BOTH sides of the helicopter, making sure everyone got a great experience. Well worth the money.

We used it as a family of five and were very impressed. You can experience emotions that exceed the price. I highly recommend it.

家族5人で利用させて頂きましたとても感動しました。価格以上の経験感動を味会えます。是非お勧め致します。

This was our first ever helicopter ride, so obviously we had goosebumps....our pilot, Nate, was a pro & the entire 50 mins tour was v nice. He went as close to the volcanoes/steam geysers as legally allowed. At the end, since we had spare time, he even took us over the ocean to do whale spotting....and spotted 2 whales too! We even purchased a $30 DVD of all our views & cockpit videos...

There was no lava erupting nor flowing. We had Door closed Ride. What Open Door Tour will experience ? Prior to our arrival at Hilo, I was told , " YES " you can see Lava , etc. Your office should give real truthful information. Some tourists come from too far away, like we came to Hawaii from Michigan, ( Main Land ) ... ... 1 ! !.

This was not my first doors off helicopter experience in the Hawaiian islands but definitely the worst. First, you should know that even though you pay full money for doors off you may get stuck in a cramped little seat between another passenger and the pilot in the front. You have no choice where you sit as you are assigned your seat. Good luck trying to get any pictures from that spot. The pilot takes you out the same way as he returns....over flat nothing. There is a tiny spec of lava (maybe) but it sure no spouting red flowing lava as advertised. You do not fly over the ocean at all so you dont see any ocean lava flow. There is definitely NO NO heat. There are fly zone restrictions so you cant get near the pahoa town they talk about to respect the privacy of the residents. You see a couple waterfalls from so far away... It is riduculous. Save your money... Go to Kauai..... Those doors off tours are true.... Everyone gets a doors off spot. Everyone can see. You fly right into the waterfall areas. You see things you will never forget. This was a wasted day of our vacation not to mention the huge cost..... To see nothing. At least they could have flown back another way over the coastline or something. I would not recommend this to anyone. Very disappointed and wasted money.

We were out in Honolulu on our first trip to Hawaii. My girlfriend and I purchased the Small Group Circle Island, Waipio Valley & Volcanoes National Park out of quite a few similar guided tours around the Big island. It was a fun experience that helped us learn quite a lot about the Big Island, geographic facts, ancient legends, etc. This drive is about 10 hours or so and is on and off the beaten path. Different from Honolulu and Oahu, this mostly rural island has its own culture, farmers’ markets, tropical rain forests, and black, green, and white sand beaches. Our tour guide was awesome (and I totally forgot his name) and a great story teller. He was punctual in picking us up from the Kona airport. Although the weather didn't really cooperate that particular day, it was rain and cold, our tour guide made it fun with providing us all kinds of great information as well as a really smooth ride. It was obvious he loves what he does and where he lives. The sights and landscapes were incredible - black, green and white sand beaches, lava fields, waterfalls, etc. Our approximately 250 miles tour (long but fascinating) touched at first the Parker Ranch in Waimea the bay-side town of Hilo and an orchid nursery. We stopped at the Waipio Valley Lookout, a must see location. The lookout offers sweeping views of the valley, which is breathtakingly beautiful even though the weather was very cloudy and it probably took away from the experience. We stopped at the Mauna Loa a macadamia farm and packaging place for lunch and snacks. We stopped at the Rainbow Falls very close to Hilo. It is a shorter visit with great photo ops. An absolutely fabulous view and yes, we did see a rainbow. At the Volcano National Park we saw smoke but no lava flows from the viewing area but walked through a lava tube. The black sand beach is one that is different to anything else we saw so far. We counted 12 turtles resting on the beach. My girlfriend and I highly recommend this guided tour.

The view of Hawaii Island from the helicopter was amazing. I was very satisfied to see the lava as well. I got so close to the lava that I could even feel the smell and temperature, which was really exciting. I wasn't expecting much, but Waipi'o Valley and the neighboring valley were wonderful, with breathtaking scenery. The waterfalls were also incredibly beautiful. The helicopter pilot got really close to the lava and waterfalls, allowing us to see many sights I had never seen before. I highly recommend it. I want to experience it again.

ヘリコプターからみるハワイ島は最高でした。溶岩も見れて大満足です。
溶岩近くでは臭いや温度まで感じるくらい近づいてくれてとてもワクワクしました。
そんなに期待してなかった、ワイピオ渓谷やその隣の渓谷がすばらしくて、圧巻の景色でした。
滝もすごく奇麗でした。ヘリのパイロットがすごく溶岩や滝の近くまで接近してくれて、いままで
見た事もない景色が沢山みれました。本当におすすめです。また体験したいです。

This was wonderful! Would definitely recommend to all visiting the Big Island, best way to see the whole island.

Our tour guide Denis, (spelling?) was fabulous - I wanted to take him home with us. He is very knowledgeable and entertaining. This tour was more than we expected and would do it over and over again! Especially because of our guide! He is so patient and kind....the BEST!

I had Paul as my tour guide and had an amazing experience. Got to see a lot of cool places and Paul was very knowledgeable and very friendly. Will definitely book another tour when I come back to visit the big Island.

We boarded with a group of four from Taiwan, making a total of six people. The pilot was a young white man who resembled Tom Cruise, and my wife was delighted. The explanations were in English, but he spoke slowly, making it easy to understand. He casually chatted with the women about where they were from, but he didn't ask us men anything. He made several turns to make it easy to take photos, showing great service spirit. We flew over the Pu'u 'O'o crater and Kalapana, and on the way back, we enjoyed a view of Akaka Falls. I realized that you can only get there by helicopter.

台湾からの４人組家族と私たち２人の計６人で搭乗しました。トム・クルーズ似の白人青年がパイロットで、女房が喜んでいました。説明は英語でしたが、ゆっくりと話してくれ聞き取りやすかったです。女性には何処から来たかなど気さくに話しかけていましたが、私たち男性には何も聞いてくれませんでした。写真が撮りやすいように何度も旋回してくれ、サービス精神満点です。Pu'u'O'o火口とKalapana上空、帰りにアカカ滝を遊覧しました。ヘリでないと行けないのを実感しました。

Blue Hawaiian is the best. Flew with them on Oahu too and experience was just as good in Hilo. Having to pay to park at airport sucks. Other than that, it was perfect. Flight is super safe, never felt nervous about it. Jeremy was our pilot and was very friendly and kept us informed everything we saw and questions we had. We took several turns to ensure everyone could see the lava and got in close. It will rain in Hilo often but that's the norm, be prepared for possible rainy or cloudy conditions but they will fly around any rains. They are used to it.

Basically, well worth it, fly the Eco Star is most comfortable, don't let fear of flying be the reason you don't do this. None of the volcano ground tours will get you anywhere close to the action, this is the only way to see the volcano.

The pilot was amazing and told a lot about the area. The overview over the volcano was incredible, I had just hoped to see a bit more lava.

Kilauea does what it wants, but the only way to really get an idea of what that is is to see it by helicopter. I've done that on two occasions a couple of years apart. This tour was by far superior to the previous one. While we covered essentially the same territory, our pilot on this trip was pleasant, knowledgeable, and very professional. At the end of the tour, we had a much better understanding of the nature of the mountain; and the waterfalls, too, were majestic.