Is a Helicopter Tour Worth It?
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at our Parrish Kauai Front Desk is whether a Kauai helicopter tour is worth it. Our answer is almost always the same—absolutely. Even longtime Kauai residents are often amazed by how different the island looks from the air.
With more than 70 percent of Kauai inaccessible by road, including the famous Na Pali Coast, there is far more dramatic scenery waiting in the sky than on the ground. Kauai may be the single best island in Hawaii for a helicopter tour, so buckle up and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.
When you choose one of these Kauai helicopter tours, you are likely to fly over Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, Mount Waialeale, and countless waterfalls that a rental car could never reach. Among the many helicopter tours in Kauai, most flights run about one hour, and shorter or longer options are available, some with a stop at a remote waterfall. Departures leave from Lihue, next to the airport, and from Princeville, close to our North Shore vacation homes.
Are Kauai Helicopter Tours Safe?
Yes, and enjoyable too! Kauai helicopter tours remain one of the most closely regulated ways to see the island, and flying with an established operator is the safest choice. Every commercial operator flies under Federal Aviation Administration oversight, and the industry pays close attention to weather, maintenance, and pilot training. If a doors-off flight interests you, know that federal rules now require any supplemental restraint system used on these flights to include a quick release the passenger can operate without help. A small number of Kauai operators still offer this thrilling experience.
Should I Choose a Doors-On or Doors-Off Helicopter Tour?
While doors-off flights provide an exhilarating, unobstructed view for photography, traditional enclosed helicopters offer greater comfort and are often preferred by families, young children, and guests who simply want to enjoy the scenery. Both provide spectacular views of Kauai, and the right choice depends on your comfort level and the type of experience you’re looking for.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Fly?
Morning departures tend to bring the calmest air and the clearest views, since clouds usually build over the interior as the day goes on. If your schedule allows, book your Kauai helicopter tour early in your trip, too. That way, if weather forces a reschedule, you still have days left to fit it in.
How Far in Advance Should I Book a Kauai Helicopter Tour?
Especially during peak travel periods, you will want to book ahead of time. After you reserve one of our vacation rentals, reach out to our guest concierge team, and we can help you book your tour. In addition to guaranteeing you a spot, many companies offer advance purchase discounts that we can tell you about. You will find many reviews online, so you can read in advance how others liked the tour you are considering and choose the operator and aircraft that best fit your group.
Kauai Helicopter Tour Companies
Blue Hawaiian is the largest and perhaps best known around the Hawaiian Islands. They have been in business for decades and fly Airbus Eco-Star and A-Star aircraft from heliports next to Lihue Airport and at Princeville Airport.
Island Helicopters has been Kauai-owned and operated since 1980, and flies Eurocopter AStar helicopters that feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows. Island Copters is the only company permitted to land at Manawaiopuna Falls, the waterfall known from “Jurassic Park.”
Jack Harter has been flying Kauai since 1962, offering both a six-passenger AStar with floor-to-ceiling windows. They are also one of the few companies offering doors-off flights, operating a doors-off Hughes 500. The company offers a variety of tours starting at the heliport at Lihue.
Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours has four-passenger Robinson helicopters and private tours limited to three passengers. Doors-off flights are also available. Departures are from Lihue, Princeville, and Waimea.
Safari Helicopter Tours offers an A-Star aircraft with wide viewing windows, air conditioning, and noise-canceling headsets, including a tour with a stop at Olokele Canyon.
Lodging on Kauai
A helicopter tour is often the highlight of a Kauai vacation, offering perspectives of waterfalls, sea cliffs, and remote valleys that simply can’t be experienced any other way. Book a vacation rental near Lihue for easy access to most tour departures, or choose one of our North Shore properties close to the Princeville airport. Browse Parrish Kauai’s collection of vacation rentals across the island, and let our team help you plan a Kauai vacation built around the best helicopter rides Kauai has to offer. Reserve your stay online or call us at 808-318-8384.