We could not have asked for a better experience! We booked two days early for at 10:20 am flight since we were driving in from about an hour away. Stephanie called about an hour after booking saying that we were the only people booked for that time, and they don't go unless the flight is fully booked (makes sense given the cost to operate a helicopter). She politely asked if we could switch to the 9:20 flight. She was very appreciative when we agreed and offered us the two front seats as a thank you. I was super excited as my only hesitation in booking a helicopter tour was some reviews saying the experience totally depends on the seats you get.
We got on the helicopter, and our pilot Sam was a pro. She was very communicative about when we might feel turbulence, when she was going to be making a hard bank, or when she had to switch to another channel to talk to air traffic control or other helicopter pilots. We felt totally safe in her hands. And my earlier hesitations would've been unfounded even if we weren't sitting in the front. She would bank right for a loop to make sure one side got to see a site, and then bank left for a loop to make sure the other side didn't feel slighted.
I was really impressed with Sam's knowledge of Hawaiian history, custom, and mythology as well as vulcanology, seismology, and climatology. I wish I'd brought a recorder to take notes. Overall, an amazing experience! I would recommend doing the flight early in the trip. As we hiked in Volcano National Park or saw other sites later in our trip, it gave us a richer perspective having seen the views from the top.