safari helicopters hilo safety record

Safari Helicopters

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Safari Helicopters - All You MUST Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Are helicopter tours safe in Hawaii

If we're referring to helicopter tours only, over the last decade there have been eight helicopter crashes in Hawaii.

Still, having clocked up hundreds of thousands of hours in that time, between a dozen or more Hawaii helicopter tour companies; statistics prove helicopter tours are safe in Hawaii. Incidents happen that involve fatalities, but proof is in the stats that shows it is possible to walk away from a crash .

Hawaii helicopter tour crash statistics

Hawaii helicopter crash record, helicopter type safety, human error common cause, oahu involved in more crashes.

Human error is the biggest cause with incidents in Hawaii as the pilot pulls a manoeuvre or carelessly proceeds on the tour in bad weather conditions.

Causes of crashes does in involve human error more so but engine failure has been known to cause a crash three times over the past ten years.

Despite that, helicopter safety is a high standard in Hawaii so the helicopter type in use then, continues to be used today.

You're very unlikely to be involved in a helicopter tour in Hawaii as the minutes clocked up along with the number of tours each year will see little to no incidents.

Proof is in the Hawaii helicopter tour crash statistics that show eight incidents over the last ten years, to which twenty-two passengers survived out of a possible forty-three.

No Hawaiian island is without its accidents involving helicopter tours as it can happen anywhere, with Hawaii being no different to anywhere else on earth.

Well three of the four Hawaii helicopter tour companies are still in operation today, you won't be familiar with Genesis Helicopters as they're no more.

Its also worth noting helicopter tourism in Hawaii has come a long way over the last ten years, so crashes are less frequent, despite recent incidents.

I've labeled what helicopter type was involved in the crash but once again safety as improved on each model.

Notice how Oahu is the epicentre of Hawaii helicopter crashes followed by Maui who are tied with Kauai - which happen to be the busiest of the four major islands.

Human error is the main cause of helicopter tour crashes where the pilot could be blamed for the accident or is in part responsible, even if its out of their hands.

Of the eight helicopter crashes in Hawaii over the past decade, forty-three passengers were onboard when a chopper went down.

Unfortunately, while twenty-two passengers lost there life, half survived to tell the story.

Helicopter crashes can result in death, but the statistics show you can walk away even if seriously hurt or with minor injuries.

While there have been eight helicopter crashes in Hawaii over the last decade; it can be said its not a common occurrence to see a helicopter tour crash in Hawaii.

• Big Island - 2020, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters : Ten years on from their first crash, Blue Hawaiian were involved in an incident that resulted in the helicopter rolling over on the Circle of Fires tour via Hilo. Rolling is a result of the landing gear coming into contact with the ground, well tipping it over.
• Kauai - 2019, Safari Helicopters : Rain and fog is said to be responsible for this recent crash where all six people died. Change of weather conditions in Kauai is quick and sudden, so its likely the pilot was caught out.
• Oahu - 2019, Novictor Helicopters : Six months after Novictor were involved in a crash the company made the news again only this time all three people onboard died. The chopper caught fire as it crashed on a street in Kailua, Oahu.
• Oahu - 2018, Novictor Helicopters : Pilot passed out as he was operating the helicopter where the co-pilot passenger had to briefly take the controls, which resulted in a crash where everyone onboard survived.
• Oahu - 2016, Genesis Helicopters : While the company no longer are in operation, the crash involved a Bell Jet Ranger which crashed into the water in Pearl Harbor. Well four passengers lived, a 16 year old boy lost his life.
• Kauai - 2016, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters : Five years on the operator was involved in a helicopter crash once again where all people onboard lived. Incident resulted from a hard landing where later the passengers filed a lawsuit.
• Maui - 2011, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters : Less than a year on Blue Hawaiian Helicopters made the news again of a recent crash that left five people dead where the chopper slammed into a hillside on the island of Molokai.
• Maui - 2000, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters : Return of the millennium resulted in a helicopter crash where six passengers and the pilot were killed on rugged mountains as it flow near to the Iao Valley.

Boarding a particular type of helicopter will not guarantee a more unreliable or safer tour, because as you may know all helicopter models crash.

Helicopter tours are safe in Hawaii regardless of the type flown; but know the Robinson R44 overall is involved more in accidents.

I am not saying to not book with an operator who fly the R44, as the helicopter is still a reliable machine.

And as its flown more often for purposes outside helicopter tours, there's an increase in odds of an accident.

Who else appears to be involved in a Hawaii crash over the last ten years is Airbus with their AS series helicopters.

Proof that helicopter safety is not an issue is in the Bell Jet Ranger, which is rarely used.

So as you can see as its not often flown in Hawaii for helicopter tours, naturally the stats show only the one accident involving the Jet Ranger 206.

Having said that, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters more recent accident involving their popular Airbus EC130 did indeed crash for the first time, but it was without fatality.

Helicopter safety is an ongoing improvement in Hawaii as shown with little accidents involving engine failure.

Where high standards in helicopter maintenance is not an issue in Hawaii, accidents are usually referred to pilot error.

What that means is the pilot made a manoeuvre through carelessness or ill health that resulted in the chopper crashing.

Example of that is where the helicopter as been known to hit hill sides or the time a pilot passed out mid flight.

In that incident the co-pilot passenger was forced to take controls which probably saved all those onboard.

Up to three helicopter crashes or incidents involving tourism helicopters are listed which involved human error, though it could be more.

That is where I am unable to get the reports of the accident or the investigation is still ongoing.

Human error can also involve weather where the company or pilot were careless enough to go ahead with a flight when the weather was poor or an incoming weather front was ignored.

So while human error is to blame for most helicopter tour accidents; outside of the tourism sector the research is more damning - for example private flights or training.

Remarkably its the island of Oahu that is involved in more helicopter tour incidents than any other island in Hawaii.

Why that is, is hard to say but apart from the now defunct Genesis Helicopters; two of the accidents were involved by one operator - Novictor Helicopters.

Harsh I know because without that Oahu is quite clean in terms of past accidents.

Next up its Kauai with the two accidents with one of them resulting in all those on board losing there lives.

Kauai has more helicopter tour operators on the island along with more helicopter tours departing each day - so it make sense in terms of an accident happening on Kauai.

Maui themselves had two helicopter crashes - up to nine to ten years ago - but no one onboard survived.

The second incident well departing Maui, actually happened on the island of Molokai.

Amazingly, it took more than ten years to see an incident involving a helicopter tour on the Big Island, which thankfully resulted in minor injuries only.

Do not base your helicopter tour on which island has the best record, because as you can see, an accident can occur anywhere.

Basically with only the eight helicopter tour crashes or minor incidents happening over a ten year period, it only averages one accident every fifteen months.

That is of course with years passing before a major or minor accident happens again.

Are helicopter tours safe in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.. well I can say they certainly are.

Statistics show that where an accident can occur, passengers can still walk away.

And where there was fatalities, it usually involves a helicopter crash that is more serious.

To blame for this most is human error where the pilot smashed into a hill side or decided to pull a manoeuvre that resulted in a crash.

Weather is a concern in Hawaii so while weather is to blame, it still lays on the shoulders of the pilot.

No island is immune from accidents involving helicopter tours but Oahu has jumped the list, followed by kauai/Maui with the Big Island having the one more recent accident.

• Wikipedia : List of accidents and incidents involving helicopters
• ABC Chicago : What you need to know before boarding a tourist helicopter

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Highlights from the Business

Discounts available

Family-owned & operated

Free parking

Large group friendly

35 years in business

Locally owned & operated

Review Highlights

“ I grew up on Kauai and never seen it from a helicopter Everyone at Safari Helicopters were so friendly and fun. ” in 178 reviews

“ The helicopter tour gave me an opportunity to see the whole island and decide where I might want to drive to. ” in 77 reviews

“ There we talked with Keith Robinson , a conservationist and the co-owner of the island of Ni' hua ” in 12 reviews

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Location & Hours

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3225 Akahi St

Lihue, HI 96766

Serving Lihue Area

About the Business

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When you gaze out from a helicopter soaring over the largely uninhabited island of Kauai, you'll have the chance to soak in breathtaking views of lush greenery, weaving ridgelines, and cerulean sea. While you glide over gushing natural waterfalls to and vast expanses of mangrove trees, an experienced pilot from Safari Helicopters will explain the rich historical and geographical background of the island. For a truly unforgettable experience in Hilo or Lihue, HI, this helicopter tour can't be beaten. Known as the "Garden Isle," the professionals from Safari Helicopters chose the island of Kauai for its chartered tours due to its unique topography and stunning sights. As a coveted, mostly untouched natural wonder, this area has served as the jaw-dropping set for a number of Hollywood favorites. Now, tourists get a chance to explore the area from the most interesting angle possible. When you take a helicopter tour with this company, you'll get the opportunity to see incredible sights like Mount Waialeale, the Na Pali Coastline, and Waimea Canyon. When you take the Refuge Eco Tour, the helicopter flight will land on remote, private land owned by missionary descendants. Thanks to its high-caliber helicopter tours, Safari Helicopters has received a 2016 Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor, a Hawaii Magazine Readers' Choice Award, and was named one of the best tourist attractions in Kauai by The Garden Island... …

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Can a 6 year old join his parents on a tour?

Yes, we had a 6 year old with us. They told me they take infants!

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Overall rating

438 reviews

We were planning a trip to Kauai. Realized that a helicopter ride is the best way to see the island. When I called them, they were super friendly and helped me decide the best package and date for the ride. Ended up booking a private Deluxe Waterfall Safari. Unfortunately our tour had to be cancelled 2 times because of weather conditions, but the staff here were really helpful in rescheduling it for us. We ended up flying just 2 hours before our flight back home :D On the day of the tour, they gave us a safety briefing and drove us to the heli pad. Our pilot Micah was very friendly and knowledgeable. This helicopter ride was the best way to end our trip to Kauai. Also shout out to Jessica for helping us out.

Business Owner

Nov 27, 2023

Mahalo for your 5-star review!

This company is the way to go!! There were several options to chose from for helicopter rides, but Safari Helicopters had the best availability and price, and we definitely lucked out. The rundown: You meet at their office at your appointed time (30 mins prior to your scheduled helicopter time), have a brief run though on what to expect, and then you are shuttled to the airport. Once there, you're briefed again on wearing your life vest and headphones, and are escorted to the waiting chopper. We had pilot Max..and he was wonderful. He was knowledgeable about the terrain and the island history, and he did this amazing 360 degree turn in an area called the crater. I was amazed on how the take off, flight, and landing was so smooth, but I had my motion sickness baggie (provided by safari) ready just in case. It was so smooth that my friend's 2 year old kid fell asleep during the flight :) We also had headphones and mics if we needed to ask questions or wanted converse about our observations..but everyone was just stunned over the absolute beauty of Kauai. A helicopter ride is an absolute must in Kauai, and with the highest confidence, we recommend safari helicopters for the job.

See all photos from Nneka M. for Safari Helicopters

Thank you so much for the review and choosing Safari Helicopters, and we're so glad everything went so smoothly!

From the moment we arrived we felt very comfortable with the way Safari handles their customers. We checked in and went through a briefing then loaded up in a van for a short ride to the pad. Once there we successfully executed the loading process and met our pilot Max. The takeoff was exhilarating but the waterfalls were the reason we came and they did not disappoint. It had rained the night before and we were rewarded with so many beautiful waterfalls and Max took us right up to them. What we were able to see from the helicopter is a sight we will always remember. I have to mention the soundtrack on the Bose headsets that Max himself put together, it was magical. Thank you for a wonderful experience Safari Helicopters and Max!

Thank you for choosing Safari Helicopters and we are glad you had a great flight, also thank you for the 5-star review! We appreciate it.

I booked kuai delux tour 2/5/24 for 4 for 2/8 am. Pleasant lady on the phone booked trip but did not mention cancellation policy or any information about restrictions on phone. On the 2/7/24 I called and spoke with the same lady to notify them we had sick members in our party. The pleasant lady turned snark. she stated since I set Tour up by myself we would be charged anyway. I explained we were to travel with 2 other people, which she agree. I commented the other 2 people would not be happy if we arrived sick and spread our virus. She said no discounts! I will be charged full and I was to sign waivers. I opened waiver which states clearly if you arrive sick you will not be allowed to go on tour. Since we were sick we didn't go but were charged full fair. BEWARE

We went on the Kauai Canyon Landing Safari with captain Eric. We had a wonderful time! Our only wish was that we could've had a doors off experience but it was not available. This is still an amazing experience and the best way to view the entire island of Kauai. Between Waimea Canyon, the Napali coast line, and the various waterfalls, canyons and towns we saw, I don't think we could pick a favorite! The helicopter was comfortable to ride in and Eric was very informative about everything we saw. I would recommend Safari helicopters!

Stephanie M.

Business Manager

Oct 11, 2023

Aloha Christine! Mahalo nui loa for choosing Safari So glad you enjoyed the experience!

Wonderful but dont wear white or bright clothes for taking pictures ...................

See all photos from Tell It Like It Is .. for Safari Helicopters

Thank you for your 5-star review!

2 stars is because the pilot was skilled and very pleasant. By far one of the worst helicopter experiences I have had. The picture attached was my view the entire flight. I do not understand why they didn't cover this woman with a black blanket. Per their instructions they require you wear dark.colors yet they seated her at the window. It was atrocious. I informed two different team members after the flight and showed them my best photo (the one attached). They didn't seem to care. I would recommend trying a different company. There are plenty to choose from on Kauai.

Dec 10, 2023

Aloha R.G., you are correct that we recommend dark clothing, however we cannot require it, or remove passengers for not taking our recommendations. Additionally we cant ask someone to fly around with a blanket around them in a hot, tropical environment. With all that said, we understand the frustrations in your photos.

Our group of five absolutely loved the tour by pilot "Chewy" Machuca, first of all attentive to safety with his pre flight checks. Once in the helicopter he clearly explained how the headsets and mics work, and that he'd sometimes need to ignore us to talk to other pilots and air traffic control. He'd then return and resume his detailed descriptions. He was also a top notch guide, as he lives in Hilo. The waterfalls are incredible, ones not accessible by foot. Ground crew Cookie and Stephanie added to the experience but are also task /safety oriented. They scrubbed the first flight for weather/ safety reasons but we returned from Kona for the rescheduled flight a couple of days later. To see creation from the air was exhilarating!

Mar 2, 2024

Aloha Dave! Chewy, Cookie and I are truly appreciative of your review and rating. So glad to know you enjoyed the experience!

Great locally run business with an amazingly friendly staff! I would certainly recommend them to anyone visiting the island.

AMAZING! Micah and Sherri were wonderful. Beautiful views, friendly service! Definitely coming back!

Mahalo for your review, and hope to see you again soon!

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Safari Helicopters

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Volcanoes National Park Safari

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Safari Helicopters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Safari Helicopters

• See all photos

Volcanoes National Park Safari

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

SAFARI HELICOPTERS (Hilo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Safari Helicopters

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Volcanoes National Park Safari

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Safari Helicopters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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How It All Began

In June 1987, Safari Aviation, Inc., d.b.a. Safari Helicopter Tours, was incorporated in the state of Hawaii. At that time, it was operated as a Part 91 tour company. Preston Myers, founder and owner, was the original and primary pilot while his wife worked the front desk and shuttled passengers. At inception, The idea was to keep the business small as an owner-operated family business. At the time Safari Helicopters was founded the Hawaiian “flight-seeing” tour business was extremely competitive. Therefore, Safari would have to provide tour services not already offered by the well-established competition. The decision was made to fly aircraft on Kauai that were not being commonly operated; thereby establishing Safari Helicopters as a leader and innovator within the business.

Safari Helicopters made this decision by flying the six-passenger AS350 Series helicopter because of the advantages it offered tour guests: open cockpit viewing, forward seating, smoothness and air conditioning. In 1987, most small operators flew only four-passenger helicopters. Safari’s foresightedness prevailed, despite the odds against its success. Today, most helicopter tour operators fly the AS350 Series helicopter statewide, not just on Kauai.

In 1991, The first full-time pilot was hired, due to the possibility of Preston being called up during the imminent Gulf War. (He participated in the Naval Reserves, COMUSNAVCENT, at the time.) This was the beginning of the structural change of the company. He decided to certify the company as a Part 135 Operator in 1991. Within 10 months, Hurricane Iniki devastated the Island of Kauai. Prior to the hurricane, Safari had two AS350 Series helicopters flying on the Island of Kauai. Afterwards, there was no business for one helicopter, let alone two. By the time one helicopter was repaired from the damage sustained by Hurricane Iniki, the island still had not recovered economically, so Safari leased one of its helicopters to a Big Island operator in Hilo. That particular company eventually filed for bankruptcy and Safari then expanded with an operation in Hilo.

Another Hawaii Corporation was created, Hilo Safari Air, Inc. The Hilo operation was also certified as a Part Pilot 135 Operator. By 1997, Safari Aviation, Inc. consolidated both companies under Safari Aviation, Inc. and Hilo Safari Air was dissolved. During the later part of 1998, Safari made the decision to expand to the Kona International Airport and started its operations in February 1999. At that time, Safari was also expanding into more utility work. He established its Utility Division and started working on its Part 133 External Load Certification and its OAS inspection. After many months of reorganization, Safari was certified under Part 133 in August 1999 and OAS inspected in October 1999. The primary business in the state of Hawaii is sight-seeing tours but Safari also provides charter work, aerial photography and external load operations. The company was successful in its first US Government bid providing helicopter services to the US Navy in 2000. This required another restructure of its operations and maintenance departments in order to comply with Department of Defense (DOD) requirements.

These requirements included inspection and approval for AMC (Air Mobility Command). AMC inspections are very extensive and are directed primarily towards Part 121 airline type of operations. According to US Air Force representatives, it is extremely rare for a small Part 135 operator to pass initial inspection. However, Safari passed its very first inspection, which included implementing a Safety Program, parts and component traceability, and tracking and trending program.

By this time, Safari had added two more aircraft to its existing fleet with the purchase of a Bell 412SP and a Bell 206L3. Because of the complexities of the Bell 412, pilots received Initial and Recurrent Training through Flight Safety. The Navy contract was concluded in June of 2001.

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