When family and friends come to visit looking for the Best Helicopter Tour on Maui there is really only one company for them – Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. It’s the company I’ve flown with, and the only one I TRUST. Hey, I’m your buddy now… so I’m going to guide you in the same direction and recommend Blue.
There are other good companies, but at the top of the list, the crème of the crop, the company that delivers the highest quality service I EXPECT for my family is Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.
Top-Notch Operation
The moment you walk into their multi-million dollar facility you know that it’s a first class operation – not a mobile office building on the side of the road. In fact, compared to the other companies down the ramp, you feel like you’re in a Five-Star Resort. The many plaques on the walls display their achievements for their maintenance program and the milestones of their pilots exemplify a long history of professionalism.
The well-trained staff make check-in to boarding look easy. If you had any fears of flying it is usually by this point that you have forgotten all about them. It is clear to the perceptive eye that from weigh-in (yes, it is required by the FAA) to disembarking and reentering the building that much thought has gone into the welfare of each guest.
The Dispatchers, as they are called, are truly the heart of the operation – at least on the front lines. Much rests on their shoulders in ensuring that flights depart on time and that guests are made to feel safe and welcomed. However, if there is one area in the entire operation that may be perceived as a weak point it is here.
Some people think there should be more interaction or felt that they were being herded around. In my opinion, if that’s what it takes to keep you safe, then that’s all right with me.
I observed some passengers required additional reminders because they failed to pay attention during the safety briefing video, and one gentleman needed to be “herded” back to the group because he stepped out of the safe zone on the ramp. They even point out step-by-step how to board and disembark the helicopter – they are meticulous!
Outstanding Performance Standards
You’re probably still concerned about safety. Understandable for anyone unfamiliar with the industry. Honestly though, it is not something I pay much attention to anymore.
Why?
Well, I personally know many of the staff and management at Blue Hawaiian including the mechanics and pilots, and trust me, they DO NOT take safety lightly.
Dave and Patti Chevalier have been the innovative, driving force behind the safety standards found in the helicopter touring industry today. They are not satisfied with meeting the “minimum” requirements – they EXCEED it.
When it comes to safety, here is what YOU should know about Blue:
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters was the first company in the United States to be certified under the Tour Operators Program of Safety or TOPS.
TOPS goes beyond the requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations for Part 91 and Part 135 operations, under which most tours are conducted. TOPS members have a cumulative safety record much better than that of general aviation at large.
Following is a sampling of the TOPS safety requirements that exceed FAA regulations:
* Required Safety Program
* Annual Safety Audits
* Designated Safety Manager
* 3 year experience requirement for A&P mechanics
* Pilot Requirements of 1,000 hrs. flt. Time
* Emergency Locator Transmitter required (ELT)
* Mechanic annual training requirement
* Maintenance factory training requirement
* Minimum of 1-mile visibility
To learn more about TOPS go to: http://www.topsafety.org
I don’t want to dwell too long on helicopter safety, but here are more reasons to choose Blue:
* FAA Certified Part 135 Air Carrier
* HAI Platinum Program of Safety Certified
* Department of Defense OAS Certified (only Blue)
* FAA Certified Repair Station
* FAA Certificate of Excellence, Diamond Award (every year since 1998). No other helicopter tour company in Hawaii has received it even once.
Superior Pilots
Each pilot is hand-picked by David Chevalier – himself a veteran helicopter pilot with the US Army in Vietnam with over 10,000 flight hours logged! All Blue Hawaiian pilots are required to pass the State of Hawaii’s rigorous course and are now certified tour guides.
You’ve seen those team-building exercises where you close your eyes and fall backwards? Someone’s supposed to catch you…? Like the GEICO commercial! Well the pilots at Blue are the ones who will run around to catch you! These men and women are the ones you can entrust with your most precious possessions, your family, and who will impress upon your heart, mind and soul the most unforgettable experience of your life! They rock!
What’s the Best Helicopter Tour on Maui?
Well that’s a subjective question… and the more people you ask the more confused you’ll be!
I did promise to guide you in the right direction, and I’m happy to share some thoughts of my favorite tour, but when it comes down to actually picking one, well, the bottom line is you’ll have to decide that for yourself.
Don’t be discouraged! You’ll love whatever tour you choose.
“But what if the tour I really want is too expensive?”
Then stock up on some groceries from Costco cause you won’t be eating out much. Lol!
Seriously though, if it’s out of your price range then choose a shorter flight like the West Maui Mountains Helicopter Tour or don’t do it at all. I’d hate to see you put yourself in a precarious financial situation.
West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour
This is definitely my favorite tour on Maui, and from what I hear the favorite among the employees at Blue. They used to have a 60 minute flight, but scaled it back to 45 minutes. I wish they had kept the longer flight too instead of getting rid of it altogether. Still, at 45 minutes it’s an awesome flight.
The sense of the surreal seizes you as you cross the Pailolo channel to the island of Molokai. Like the anticipation on Christmas morning Molokai reveals its promise of wondrous gifts. (Wow! That’s good stuff).
From the archeologically rich Halawa Valley to Hawaii’s tallest waterfall, the 6-tired 2165 feet tall Kahiwa falls, to the tallest sea cliffs in the world, Molokai delivers one eye-popping wonder after another. During the winter months there is the added bonus of seeing Humpback Whales when crossing the channel between islands.
On the return to Maui you’ll see historic Lahaina Town (my old stomping grounds). From the West side you’ll enter through one of several valleys, Launiupoko, Olowalu or Ukumehame and exit through Iao Valley on your way back to base.
Keep in mind that tour routes can vary do to changing weather conditions, so pilots will have to make adjustments and you may not see everything in the same order or detail that I described.
Visit Blue Hawaiian Helicopters to book your Maui Helicopter Tour today. If you make your reservation at least 5 days in advance, you can save yourself approximately 15% off the West Maui Molokai Tour.
Weather in Hawaii
Hawaii experiences nearly perfect weather conditions throughout the year with average daytime temperatures ranging from mid to upper 80s in the summer months (May through October) and upper 70s to low 80s during the winter months (March through April), with a nighttime temperature about 10 degrees cooler.
Trade winds account for nearly 70% of all winds here in Hawaii and are felt 83-95% of the time in the summer and 42-60% of the time in the winter. The wind’s strength seems to increase as the day progresses and the island warms up.
Our tropical climate means it rains almost daily (mostly light, overnight showers) in Hawaii, mainly in the interior sections of the islands producing lush, green valleys while at the same time remaining mostly sunny along our beaches.
I’m no climatologist, and this is just conjecture, but I believe the overnight showers clean the air of dust particles making the morning crystal clear. As the island warms up through the day the sky becomes hazy and clouds begin to form around our mountain tops.
Forecasters use the latest technologies to “predict” the aforementioned weather conditions, but they are wrong nearly as often as they are right. So don’t let “forecasts” deter you from setting your plans.
If you wait till the last minute to make your reservation, you will probably not be able to get one as they can sell out days in advance. Tour operators will only cancel an activity due to weather on the day-of the activity, unless there is a strong possibility of a hurricane or tsunami (tidal wave).
Frequently asked questions about helicopter tours
Is it safe?
Helicopter accidents are rare. You are more likely to be injured in a car, by the pool or in the shower.
What happens if there’s bad weather?
The islands have what I like to call, “micro climates” where different weather conditions exist in pockets throughout the islands. So while it may be raining where you are, it may be perfectly sunny a few miles down the road. Rainfall is a good thing as it increases the abundance of waterfalls and rainbows!
Blue will only cancel a flight due to inclement weather on the day-of the tour, and will not take you up if it is unsafe or the pilots feel they cannot give you a good tour. You have the option of a full refund or rescheduling your flight at that time. If YOU decide to cancel, you need to give them 24 hours notice.
Do not let a forecast dictate your plans. Book your priority activities in the beginning of your vacation, that way if things don’t work out you have other days to fall back on.
What is the best time to fly?
This is a tough question to answer. It can actually be good at any time as weather conditions change throughout the day. On average though, mornings do seem to produce clearer and calmer conditions. Anytime before noon is pretty good.
Are the flight times actual “in-air” minutes?
Of course it is! How else do you measure flight time? I know there is a website out there that implies some companies include loading, starting and unloading the helicopter as part of their flight time. That’s just ridiculous.
How low can Blue fly?
An FAA altitude restriction of 1500 feet has been in effect since 1994 with deviations to 500 ft. on each major Hawaiian Island. Nearly all helicopter tour operators in Hawaii share the same deviation authority to fly as low as 500 feet.
Will I get sick?
Most people will be fine. If you are prone to motion sickness or are unsure, then you might want to consider taking something before your flight. There are many over-the-counter products that will relieve motion sickness. There is even a wrist band that uses pressure points in your wrist to relieve the symptoms.
Is there a video included of our flight?
Blue Hawaiian was one of the pioneers in providing live, in-flight videos of your tour. The 4-camera video recording system captures video feeds from 3 exterior cameras and 1 interior. It also records the pilot’s narration and music and any questions or comments you may have made during the flight using the 2-way communication system. It’s NOT included in the tour price, but you can purchase one for $25.00. The quality is okay, but I prefer the pre-made Blu-ray of the four islands that Blue Hawaiian does tours on. The quality is like that of a National Geographic special.
Can we book the front seats?
All helicopter tour operators are required by the FAA to weigh all passengers at check-in time in order to run an accurate weight and balance of each flight. Seats are assigned using an FAA approved weight and balance program at the time of check-in.
Under most conditions seats cannot be pre-assigned as there are too many variables involved leading up to boarding the helicopter. Some of these include, but are not limited to inaccurate weights, the mental, physical or emotional condition of a passenger, no-shows, change in pilots, change of passengers and change of aircraft. They will try to accommodate requests, so be sure to make it at the time of booking.
You CAN book the front seats if you charter the helicopter – buy out all the seats.
Why does Blue cost more than the other companies?
This is just my logic, and maybe it’s flawed, but it is my belief that to produce a superior product requires a higher expense. You want a really good steak? You’re gonna have to pay for it. Am I right?
It’s been my experience that if you are comparing similar products (aircraft types and/or flight length), then the prices are the same or better. When comparing prices online, be sure the prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees. Many companies list their discounted base rates before any surcharges. Blue’s prices are inclusive of all surcharge fees.
Does Blue fly with doors off?
Hughes 500 have no air-conditioning, so remove the doors and call it a “thrill ride.” A very clever bit of marketing. Average cruising speeds of over 100 miles an hour at 1000-3000 feet without doors – you gotta be freakin’ nuts!
Now I could be wrong, but I suspect that the reason why airplanes and helicopters don’t normally fly around with the doors off is for your safety? Might even be the same reason cars have doors.
Now, if you have some unresolved issues or got something to prove, I know Blue offers private charters where you can customize a tour and fly with the doors removed or locked in the open position, but I think they are specifically for photo shoots, not tours.
What’s the difference between the Astar and Ecostar?
The main difference is comfort and visibility. The Ecostar has 23% more room in the cabin providing greater personal space and more comfort, while the raised rear seating and large wrap-around glass cockpit provide significantly improved visibility from every seat.
If you’ve never flown in both, then you wouldn’t know the difference and it wouldn’t matter. I have, and I’m on the more… handsome side (heavier), so go with the Ecostar. For those of you that are still working toward handsome, you’ll be okay on the Astar, but the Eco is a sweet ride. Your choice.
Well, this is probably the most I’ve written about anything in the entirety of my high school career, so I’m going to call it quits for now.
Visit Blue Hawaiian Helicopters to book your Maui Helicopter Tour today. If you make your reservation at least 5 days in advance, you can save yourself approximately 15% off any of their Maui Helicopter Tours.
Take care and aloha!
~your Buddy
