I loved the doors off experience! Definitely something you should consider. The helicopter ride was much smoother than I expected. The harness and seat belt made me feel very secure so I was able to get some great pictures without the doors. The company recommended you dress for 50 degree weather so we were prepared for the cooler temperatures when in the air when the breeze went right through the back seats.
Review by: Angela B, October 2017
Our pilot Chris was very informative and pointed out everything of interest and history of the Island. We were too awestruck to speak.
Review by: cjmmangino, September 2017
Too short for the price paid, but there aren't very many options for this type of tour. The pilot Pete was great, but we would have liked more close ups of the falls and volcano.
Review by: weixing d, August 2017
Excellent experience and service!
Review by: Rafael Angel C, August 2017
This was amazing from beginning to end!! No regrets at all. The pilot super cool, the views no way better and the experience was totally above expectations. The only thing is the pick up that we had to go to the airport directly because they couldn't pick us up at the cruise pier terminal and back.
Review by: Terri S, August 2017
Words cannot express how amazing this experience was! I am afraid of heights but was determined to go on a helicopter tour. This company explained everything, went over safety tips and completely put me at ease with their professionalism. The ground crew was knowledgeable and very helpful. I rented a GoPro for a very reasonable price, they gave me some tips and how to operate it. The flight was smooth. Flying over volcanoes was amazing, the pilot was very knowledgeable, unfortunately you are at the whim of the volcano. Not much lava to see but lots of steam. I was disappointed in the waterfalls we were shown...it was a series of falls in Hilo. I would've liked to have seen something a bit more extravagant or maybe fly over Kilauea, if that is allowed.
Review by: Diane R, July 2017
This was by far the highlight of our time on Hawaii. The views were amazing, and the flight itself was so fun. All ages enjoyed it....put this on your list of things to do on the big island!
Review by: Traci H, July 2017
Fantastic!!! We loved everything about this helicopter tour. Got right up to active lava, and even got to witness a rare flow that had popped up above ground. Very knowledgeable pilot, we felt extremely safe and secure the entire time. This helicopter had 3 passengers up front, two in back. It gets very windy and chilly on this ride with the doors off, especially in the back. A light jacket and pants are a very good idea, even though you'll be sweating while you stand and wait to board. We would do this tour again for sure. Highly recommend.
Review by: Katherine N, July 2017
Open door helicopter rides are a must-try! Matt was a knowledgeable and fun pilot. It was amazing experiencing the wind, fresh air, heat from the volcano, and no windows with glare that affect your photos. So glad I got to sit in the co-pilot seat! Only complaint was that I couldn and #39;t get enough...
Review by: John C, June 2017
Had a great time and the views were amazing. Our pilot Paul was very knowledgeable about the area and history. Flying open door is the way to go, you can feel the heat coming up from the lava flows and volcano below. Paul circled the sites from both sides of the helicopter so everyone could get a good look at what was below. Great experience and I would highly recommend this adventure.
Review by: Deborah R, June 2017
Very easy to book tour. Staff at Paradise Helicopters were friendly and helpful, explaining what to do, especially the safety briefing. Pilot was excellent, pointing out unique spots at volcano and around Hilo. Definitely a great way to see Hawaii.
Review by: ebass171, June 2017
Our first flight in a helicopter and it very exciting. I didn't have a door on my side which made for great pictures and a higher pulse rate. _br/_ Everyone at Paradise Helicopters was professional and very friendly. Got to see, smell and feel the heat of the lava. Being up in a small aircraft with no door is wild enough but to be over a boiling lava pit intensifies the experience immensely. We will definitely do it again.
Review by: Susy C, May 2017
Was a little hesitant when we booked this but thought what a great experience. Yes, no doors. I suggest if you are adventurous, do this, it is the only way to go over the volcano. If you are scared, do not do. Glad I have done this, was a bit windy in the back so did not enjoy as much. Even though I did not take photos, because of the wind and being scared, we felt the heat from the volcano, smelt the sulphur from it as well. Rob was experienced, great pilot, great experience to be had.
Review by: THOMAS M, May 2017
This was an amazing experience. The ground crew took care of everything and made sure that nothing was taken for chance regarding your safety on this open door flight. The pilot, Pete, was extremly knowledgeable of the history of the area. The views and experience from an open door helicoper cannot be fully expressed. This is the only way to fully enjoy your helicopter flight.
Review by: rozkelly, April 2017
Definitely one to tick off the bucket list. The most amazing experience. My granddaughters had no idea we were flying into Hilo to do this tour. The look on their faces said it all. Its something they'll remember for the rest of their lives. I've tried to post photo's but the site won't allow me too. It says access denied. Its a shame as we got some really good photos of lava etc.
Review by: d.edwards11, March 2017
This was the highlight of our trip. It is cold at the beginning heading out to the volcano but warms up once you get out there and feel the heat of the lava! Worth every penny!
Review by: Gale B, March 2017
Simply awesome. Could smell the trees burning and feel the heat from the volcano.It was a once in a lifetime experience!!
Review by: Paul T, January 2017
The tour was great, the pilot excellent._br/_ However, the pre-tour booking experience was not good. The flights I booked on line were not honoured and I had to split my 5 family members across 3 flights, over three hours. This was a huge waste of time due to the limited time we had on the island. This was extremely disappointing, as we could not even get the open door flights we booked except for one of the flights, with 2 of my family members.
Review by: John K, November 2016
Great trip. Flying directly over the lava pools and the lava hitting the ocean was the only way to really experience the volcano. Great fly-bys over the waterfalls. Truly the only way to get a good appreciation for the terrain of the Big Island.
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