About Phil Expertise Big Island of Hawaii-- as a 15 year resident of the Big Island (both East and West Hawaii), and an aviator, I am familiar with most every nook and cranny of this great island. Hidden beaches, special trails, unusual places to stay and/or eat, are my specialty. Looking for outdoor activities? I`ve experienced most of them, and can make recommendations!
Experience Island tours and activities, camping, beachgoing and watersports, hiking, etc.
Question Phil,
We will be visiting the Big Island in seven weeks and are interested in flying over the volcano. Please compare the plane vs helicopter tours, the major companys and give your recommendations.
Also, any recommendations on coffee farms to tour.
Thank you and have a great day.
Answer Aloha Louise,
We look forward to having you visit our island. As it happens, I am involved in the air tour business, so can give you a good idea of what to expect. 3 years ago, the FAA, in response to a rash of helicopter accidents, mandated minimum altitudes for flights around the volcano. As a result, both helicopters and airplanes fly at about the same altitudes. Helicopters are much more expensive to own and operate, and hence, you have probably already noticed, rates for helicopters are almost double that for a similar flight in an aircraft.
I highly recommend the oldest airplane tour company on the island (and, interestingly enough, the ONLY one with a 100% accident-free history, since beginning operations in 1986): Island Hoppers www.HawaiiIslandHoppers.com
As far as Kona coffee goes, I don't want to burst your bubble, but we locals consider Kona coffee to be, frankly, of inferior quality to many other locales (my wife and I, for example, order all our coffee via mailorder from California!). Because of the limited production availability, and high visibility of Hawaii, Kona coffee commands a price that we feel, is not particularly justified by the end results. That said, there ARE a number of small coffee farms worthy of visit. Almost all are family-owned, and in the region just south of Kona. The FERRARI farms are well known, but you'll find many others in the tour guides when you arrive.
Emjoy your stay, and let me know if you have any other questions (easiest for me if you just email me direct: phil@fly-hawaii.com
