I know there have been crashes, injuries, deaths with certain helicopter operators. Where can I find more info about which companies to avoid, and what the safety records are? Thanks.

I can't tell you which ones to avoid but I can tell you that Blue Hawaiian is top notch. They have the best record for safety in the industry. We were also leary, but we checked this company out and it was wonderful. We did the Haleakela tour and bought the video of our flight and have not one regret. Each time we watch the video with us in it we feel that we are on the flight all over again. Hope this helps

i know the last helicopter crash in hawaii was sometime in july 2000. it was a blue hawaiian crash in maui with all 7 passengers killed. i'm not sure who would have complete safety records, but maybe you could work backwards and find one you like, then search out their safety and accident records online.

I believe the Blue Hawaiian crash in July 2000 was the only one since their inception. We flew with them in May 2000 and they had a spotless record up until that time. I would not hesitate to fly with them again.

I subscribe to Hawaii magazine and the issue I got just last week had an article on this. I'm assuming it would be the July issue? Anyway-had a great article on safety and what 3 main questions you should ask the company with regards to their certification/safety. I remember one question was if they were certified with the Department of Defense! That is the highest safety rating they can get.

Something to consider is that maintaining helicopters in the tropics is very expensive and time consuming. A friend's husband is a helicopter pilot and they really wanted to tour Maui in one. Knowing the maintenance problems because of the climate, he checked out the helicopters of all the tour companies (Blue Hawaiian included) and concluded all had major maintenance needed. My friend was not happy with her husband after spending a day checking out helicopters and not taking a trip. Plus he's a real daredevil kind of guy so she was surprised at his reaction -

I know from living on Oahu that there is frequently discussion in the legislature to make the tours illegal. This has resulted from crashes throughout the islands, not yearly but significant in numbers. I can't in good consciences let my sister and her family fly on them. Whenever I want to do any kind of hang gliding, glider flight or helicopter flight, friend who was born and raised on big island warns against. They own a vacation home on the BI that you need a helicopter or all day trek on foot to reach. She always chooses the later option.

Yes the casualties are fewer than the success story but hard to turn a blind eye to the news on the industry.

It was six people in Kauai in 2000 a professor from Seton Hall and his family. A very sad story they went down to explore that area that appeared in Jurassic park (take off sight in movie). What follow up investigations found is that the pilot that flew this plane had an accident history that the company ignored. So you can inquire about your pilot’s history. It is important to ask about the pilot on your flight and not the overall flight history of the company. Do an archive search for more details on selecting companies.

Blue Hawaiian definitely! Of course there's risks but so is flying airplanes. Blue Hawaiian was VERY professional and makes you feel very comfortable. The only problem is it goes by too quickly! Enjoy!

I just received my latest issue of Hawaii magazine and it has a great article on everything you want to know about these helicopters and these company's. It was very informative. We flew Blue Hawaiian in the latest model helicopter and felt very safe. They truly are the best company, are very professional and our pilot Dave had a great sense of humor.

LL the number of accidents in helicopters in Hawaii is much higher than on commerical passenger planes. Think about it if commercial jets went down as frequently on the mainland nobody would fly.

Sue you didn't check out Blue Hawaii if you think they have the best safety record when they had a major crash in July 2000.

There were also helicoptor crashes (don't know what company) on Maui in
1992 and 1996. In 1999 a tour plane crashed on the Big Island killing ten.

Just did a helicopter tour in April with Jack Harter. When we researched the different companies, we found Jack Harter and Air Kauai(?) to have 100% safety record. Don't know what all that means, but we did hear that neither had ever had an accident.
Good luck!

Sue -

Jack Harter is definitely the best to do a helicopter tour in Kauai. Jack has an impeccable record and has also been called upon numerous times to do rescue missions. Saw him on 20/20 or some similar news program several years ago and they also commented on his safety record. However, you must book early with Jack. We have flown with him three times and have found him to be extremely conscientious as well in giving you a good trip; he will not hesitate to cancel if weather is inclement, which, as we have heard from many others, is rare.

I met a young Hawaiian woman a couple of years ago who said very politely that the "juests are very brave, we locals would never fly in those helicopters". She said that her father was the chief of police on Kauai and even he doesn't care to fly in the very well maintained government helicopters. The dangers of weather changes, up drafts and down drafts make the flights inherently dangerous. At the same time an FAA officer, on vacation in our concierge room joined in on the conversation and said that only a couple of years before, the FAA came in an grounded every operator for poorly maintained maintaince records. He said that he loves to fly, but would never fly in an island helicoptor.

Rod: I'm sorry if you've had a personal bad experience, what I wa trying to express is that anything "fun" that involves a risk is just that- so go for it, Bon Vivant!

I just got back from Kauai and Maui and we took a helicopter ride in Kauai on Air Kauai and it seemed very safe. I know that Air Kauai has never had a crash but I didn't check on the pilot since you don't know until you check in who your pilot is. I would recommend a helicopter ride to anybody since you can't see most of Kauai without it.

Did it to lava field on BI (Hilo) with Sunshine Helicopters -- Would NOT recommend it. If you do it (I wouldn't suggest doing it with them).


** Unprofessional **

Left too early (air-sickness pill hadn't taken affect, wouldn't leave at scheduled time or give refund)

Weather poor - didn't go to falls or crater.

3 or 4 other copters flying in same area in very cloudy conditions [two were Blue Hawaiian].

Can't communicate during flight


++ That being said, another in our party did Blue Hawaiian on Maui and enjoyed it.