Blue Hawaiian is a helicopter tour operator based in Hawaii with multiple locations

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters runs helicopter tours from bases on the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai. The company operates its own aircraft and handles bookings directly through its website and phone line. Tours range from 30 minutes to two hours and follow set routes over volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and coastlines specific to each island.

You book a tour by selecting your island, preferred date, and tour length. Blue Hawaiian charges per person, and prices vary by tour type and how far in advance you book. The company requires you to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in and a safety briefing.

Tours operate year-round, though weather can cancel or reschedule flights. Blue Hawaiian will move your reservation to another date at no charge if weather grounds your tour, or refund your payment if you cannot reschedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Blue Hawaiian operates from three islands — the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai — each with different tour routes and pricing.
  • You book directly through Blue Hawaiian's website or by phone, and prices per person depend on tour length and how far ahead you reserve.
  • Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early for check-in, a safety briefing, and weighing (the company balances passenger weight across the aircraft for safety).
  • Weather can cancel or delay tours; Blue Hawaiian reschedules you at no cost or refunds your money if you cannot fly another day.
  • Tours include a headset so you can hear the pilot's narration, and most tours allow you to bring a camera or phone to photograph the landscape.

What happens during check-in and before takeoff

When you arrive at the heliport, staff will check you in and ask for your weight. Blue Hawaiian weighs passengers to balance the aircraft — this is a safety requirement, not a judgment. The company keeps this information private and does not share it with other passengers. If you are uncomfortable being weighed in front of others, ask staff if they can weigh you privately; most heliports can accommodate this.

After check-in, you will watch a safety video that covers emergency procedures, how to use your headset, and what to do if the pilot needs to land unexpectedly. The video is brief and required for all passengers. Staff will then walk you to the aircraft, assign you a seat, and help you fasten your harness and headset.

The pilot will do a final safety check, review the route, and answer any questions before starting the engines. Most pilots are experienced and will point out landmarks and answer questions during the flight through your headset.

Tour routes and what you will see

Each island has its own tour options. On the Big Island, tours typically fly over Kilauea volcano, Mauna Kea, and the Kohala coastline. Maui tours often include Haleakala crater, the West Maui waterfalls, and the Iao Valley. Kauai tours focus on the Na Pali Coast, Wailua Falls, and the Alakai Swamp.

Tour length determines how much ground you cover. A 30-minute tour covers one main area; a 50-minute tour adds a second area; a 90-minute or longer tour may circle the entire island. Longer tours cost more but show you more landscape and give the pilot time to explain the geology and history of what you are seeing.

Blue Hawaiian publishes the route for each tour on its website, so you can see the specific landmarks and flight path before you book. Some tours fly over private land, and the company has agreements with landowners to do so.

Pricing and how to book

Blue Hawaiian prices tours per person and charges more for longer flights. A 30-minute tour typically costs less than a 50-minute tour, which costs less than a 90-minute tour. Prices also vary by island — tours from Kauai may cost differently than tours from Maui.

The company offers discounts for booking online in advance rather than by phone or at the heliport. Booking 7 to 14 days ahead usually gives you the lowest rate. Last-minute bookings (same day or next day) cost more.

You can book through Blue Hawaiian's website by selecting your island, tour type, date, and number of passengers. You will pay the full price upfront with a credit card. The company also accepts phone bookings at its main number, though you may pay a higher rate.

What to bring and wear

Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip — you will walk on tarmac and metal stairs to reach the aircraft. Avoid loose items like hats, scarves, or jewelry that could fall off during boarding or flight. The helicopter has windows, but wind from the rotors can be strong near the aircraft.

Bring a camera or phone if you want to photograph the landscape. Most tours allow photography, and the pilot will often slow down or circle landmarks to give you time to take pictures. Do not bring a tripod or selfie stick — these are not allowed on the aircraft.

Wear layers. The air at altitude is cooler than at sea level, and the aircraft cabin is not heated. A light jacket or sweater is usually enough. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also useful, as you will be exposed to sun through the windows for the entire flight.

Motion sickness and physical limitations

Helicopter flights can cause motion sickness in some passengers, especially on turbulent days or if you are prone to motion sickness in cars or planes. If you think you might get sick, take an over-the-counter motion sickness medication 30 to 60 minutes before your flight. Ginger supplements or acupressure wristbands may also help.

Blue Hawaiian has physical limitations for passengers. You must be able to climb stairs, sit upright for the duration of the tour, and fit into the aircraft seat with the harness fastened. Passengers with certain back or neck conditions, recent surgery, or pregnancy may not be cleared to fly. Call Blue Hawaiian before booking if you have a medical condition and want to know if you can fly.

The aircraft is loud, even with a headset. If you have hearing loss or sensitivity to loud noise, let staff know at check-in so they can adjust your headset volume.

Weather, cancellations, and rescheduling

Blue Hawaiian cancels tours if weather makes flying unsafe. This includes heavy rain, strong winds, low clouds, or poor visibility. The pilot makes the final decision on whether conditions are safe, and this decision cannot be overridden.

If your tour is cancelled due to weather, Blue Hawaiian will offer you a choice: reschedule for another date at no charge, or receive a full refund. You must reschedule or request a refund within a set time frame — usually 30 days. If you reschedule, you can choose any available date and tour type, not just the same tour you originally booked.

Weather cancellations are common in Hawaii, especially during winter months or if you book a tour during the rainy season. Check the weather forecast for your island before your tour date, and have a backup date in mind in case you need to reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience or special training to fly on a helicopter tour?

No. You do not need any experience or training. The pilot handles all flying, and you sit as a passenger. You will watch a safety video and receive a safety briefing, but this is standard for all passengers and takes about 10 minutes total.

Can I choose my seat, or does Blue Hawaiian assign seats?

Blue Hawaiian assigns seats based on passenger weight distribution. The company balances weight across the aircraft for safety and fuel efficiency. If you have a preference (window versus middle, for example), ask staff at check-in and they will try to accommodate you if possible.

What if I am afraid of heights or flying?

Many people with fear of heights or flying take helicopter tours successfully. The aircraft is stable, and the pilot is experienced. Sitting in a window seat lets you see the landscape clearly, which can help you feel more in control. If you are very anxious, tell the pilot before takeoff — they can answer questions and explain what you are experiencing during the flight.

Can I bring my child on a tour?

Yes, but Blue Hawaiian has age and weight minimums. Children must usually be at least 2 years old and weigh at least 50 pounds. Infants and very small children cannot fly because they would not fit safely in the harness. Call Blue Hawaiian to confirm age and weight requirements before booking.

How long does the entire experience take, from arrival to landing?

Plan for about 2 to 2.5 hours total for a 30-minute tour, 2.5 to 3 hours for a 50-minute tour, and 3 to 4 hours for a 90-minute tour. This includes check-in, safety briefing, the flight itself, and landing and disembarking. The flight time is shorter than the total time because of preparation and ground procedures.