Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Above, Kilauea volcano from the air. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was spent heading sixty-some miles to the other side of the Big Island to Hilo to go on a helicopter tour of the Kilauea volcano and along the Hilo coast. We rented a car at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car desk at the Marriott Resort and Spa.

Above, during the tour. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The drive's scenery was somewhat desolate, with ancient lava beds on both sides of the road and cinder cones.

We got to Hilo at around 10:00 and stopped for breakfast at a very good Mexican restaurant.

Following that, we headed to the Hilo International Airport to check-in with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.

After check-in, we sat for a 20 minute orientation and safety video. When that was completed, we were handed life-preserving pouches and were escorted out to our helicopters.

Above, we got to see some lava. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I sat in the back of the helicopter.

Above, along the Hilo coast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In minutes, the helicopter took off. This was our first time flying in a helicopter. We all enjoyed it.

While I enjoyed the viewed and the overall experience, I was disappointed that we only flew by one waterfall. The tour advertising touted volcanoes and waterfalls. But, we lucked out and saw some bubbling lava.

I ordered the DVD video of our tour. I was told it should probably arrive home before I do.

My grade: A-.