The Hawaiian islands are blessed with beaches, waterfalls, volcanos, and steep mountain ranges – a dramatic landscape that is breathtaking to see from the air. From high above, you are given a different vantage point and perspective on the islands, with a chance to venture farther into the wilderness and explore volcanic craters, tall sea cliffs, and hard-to-reach waterfalls.
As the oldest and most-eroded island, Kauaʻi has plenty of dramatic natural features, including the Nāpali Coast, home to wide valleys and jagged peaks, and Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the pacific. In fact, about 70% of its land is inaccessible by car, making helicopter tours (and other air tours) all the more special on Kauaʻi.
Table of contents
- Helicopter tours
- Small airplane tours
- Skydiving
- Day-trips to other islands
Air tours of different types mostly originate from Līhuʻe Airport, but some also leave from Port Allen on Kauaʻi’s south coast. Below, we list the different types of tours you can try and provide some tour operator suggestions.
Helicopter tours
Helicopter tours are the most popular scenic flight option in the islands. Helicopters are extremely mobile and can fly lower than airplanes. They can access remote scenic locations, and boast great visibility thanks to their ability to hover in place.
Below, we organize our insight about helicopter tours into three topics:
- 6 Different types of helicopter tours
- What to expect on a helicopter tour
- Helicopter tour company recommendations for Kauaʻi
The Kauaʻi coastline from the front-seat of a helicopter. Photo by Spencer Watson on Unsplash
6 Different Types of Helicopter Tours
Companies offer a variety of different flight options. Here are the most common types:
1: Circle Island Flights
Circle Island tours are just what they sound like: They fly around the island and give guests a general overview of the top points of interest without any particular or specific focus.
It’s the most common type of tour, and every helicopter company will offer one, although the routes and/or branding may vary slightly. Be sure to ask for the exact route when booking to make sure it doesn’t exclude anything you really want to see; but, if you’re looking to see a little bit of everything, circle island tours are the way to go. Typically, they include the two top sites to see from the air: the famed Nāpali Coast (image below), and the vast Waimea Canyon.
The Nāpali coast cliffs as seen from a helicopter. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono
2: Doors Off Flights
Some chopper companies offer a “doors off” tour, which simply means that the doors are taken off during the flight. This option is popular with people who crave extra adrenaline, and also for photographers who will benefit from not having to shoot through the glass windows.
3: Special Focus Tours
Most companies offer one or more tours that focus on something specific, be it a certain part of the island, such as the Nāpali Coast or Waimea Canyon, or a particular interest, like photography. These tours don’t cover as much ground, but will give you extended time in one area or on one subject.
Helicopter tours are a GREAT way to se the many difficult-to-access waterfalls on Kauaʻi. Photo by Meera Parat on Unsplash
4: Sunset Tours
Looking for a unique sunset idea? Check out the dramatic color changes and setting sun from the air on a sunset helicopter tour. These tours are not common, but are worth asking about.
5: Romantic Landings
If you’re looking to spice things up or even propose to your partner, some companies offer romantic-themed flights. They usually include a flight where a landing/picnic is arranged at a scenic location. If you don’t see it listed on the website, be sure to ask.
6: Private Tours
The most personalized experience is a private tour, where you rent out the entire chopper and set the itinerary to your liking. Of course, these tours are the most expensive.
What to Expect on a Helicopter Tour
Because helicopter rides are popular and exciting, you’ll find that each island has many companies offering them. For the most part, the experience is the same across companies, although the exact itineraries, offerings, and prices will certainly differ. Helicopter tours in Hawaiʻi typically start at $250 per person for an hour flight and increase from there for longer outings.
For first-timers, here’s what you can expect from a helicopter ride:
- Upon check in, you will receive a safety briefing about your helicopter experience.
- Tour helicopters must maintain a minimum altitude. Since 1994, the FAA has required chopper tours to fly at 500 ft. or higher. Inquire with companies to see how low they actually fly (if it makes a difference to you).
- Helicopter rides are usually not smooth – aka, they can be bumpy – and so those prone to motion sickness should take preventative measures, such as ginger pills or other non-drowsy medication.
- Helicopter rides are noisy. However, communication is usually not a problem, as you are given a headset to wear that blocks out most noise and allows you to communicate with the pilot and fellow passengers.
Recommended Helicopter Tour Companies
The following companies receive consistently good reviews on Kauaʻi:
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is one of the best all-around air tour companies, with a strong safety record and operations on all four main Hawaiian islands.
- Departs From: Līhuʻe Airport
- Tour offerings: Circle Island, Private Tours
- Best for: Circle Island
- Website: Blue Hawaiian Kauaʻi
Island Helicopter Tours
Island Helicopter Tours on Kauaʻi is the only company that is able to land at Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as Jurassic Falls. It was infamously featured in the blockbuster movie, Jurassic Park.
- Departs From: Līhuʻe Airport
- Tour offerings: Circle Island, Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure, Private Tours
- Best for: Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure
- Website: Island Helicopter Tours
Manawaiopuna Falls (a.k.a. Jurassic Falls) as seen from a helicopter. Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
Jack Harter Helicopters
Jack Harter specializes in Doors Off rides as well as a “Luxury Experience” tour that features a well-appointed helicopter with upscale, comfortable interior seating.
- Departs From: Līhuʻe Airport
- Tour offerings: Doors Off, Luxury Experience
- Best for: Doors Off
- Website: Jack Harter Helicopters
Maverick Helicopters
Maverick is the only company to operate out of the Port Allen Airport, which may be more convenient for those staying on the south shore of Kauaʻi.
- Departs From: Port Allen Airport
- Tour offerings: Circle Island, Special Focus (West Side of Kauaʻi)
- Best for: Special Focus (West Side of Kauaʻi)
- Website: Maverick Helicopters Kauaʻi
Mauna Loa Helicopters
Mauna Loa Helicopters has been operating on Kauaʻi since 2006. We like it for its dedicated photography tours, which pick out the best vantage points and help people take the best-possible scenic photos.
- Departs From: Līhuʻe Airport
- Tour offerings: Circle Island, Special Focus (Photography), Private Tours
- Best for: Special Focus (Photography)
- Website: Mauna Loa Helicopters Kauaʻi
Safari Helicopters
Safari Helicopters features two special interest tours. The Canyon Landing adventure includes a 40-minute stop at the Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuge overlooking Olokele Canyon.
- Departs From: Līhuʻe Airport
- Tour offerings: Waterfall Safari (Special Interest), Canyon Landing (Special Interest), Private Tours
- Best for: Canyon Landing
- Website: Safari Helicopters Kauaʻi
Sunshine Helicopters
Sunshine Helicopters offers one tour on Kauaʻi – a circle island tour – with the option for regular or first class seating. First class seating is next to the pilot with extra legroom.
- Departs From: Līhuʻe Airport
- Tour offerings: Circle Island
- Best for: Circle Island
- Website: Sunshine Helicopters Kauaʻi
Small Airplane Tours
If a helicopter ride sounds a bit out of your comfort zone, perhaps an small airplane tour will be more your speed. They don’t have the same mobility as choppers, but they do offer a smoother ride with more creature comforts and less jerking. Small airplane tours are usually cheaper than helicopter tours, about $150-$200 a person. Sometimes, discounts and specials can cut the price significantly.
Air Tours are a great way to explore the Kauaʻi coastline. Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
Recommended small airplane tours:
Wings Over Kauaʻi
Wings Over Kauaʻi offers scenic flights as well as flight classes. Its circle island tour takes place in an AirVan that’s outfitted with big bubble windows – great for sightseeing and (amateur) photography.
- Departs From: Līhuʻe Airport
- Offerings: Circle Island, Private Tours
- Best For: Circle Island
- Book Wings Over Kauaʻi tours: The Cessna or the Air Van option.
Air Tour Kauaʻi
Air Tour Kauaʻi departs from Port Allen Airport and offers one circle island-type tour that includes views of the Nāpali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
- Departs From: Port Allen Airport
- Offerings: Deluxe Island Tour (Circle Island)
- Best For: Deluxe Island Tour (Circle Island)
- Website: Air Tour Kauaʻi
Air Ventures Kauaʻi
Air Ventures Kauaʻi offers a couple tours:
- Departs From: Līhuʻe Aiport
- Offerings: Circle Island, Private Tours
- Best For: Big Kahuna (circle island) tour.
- Website: Air Ventures Kauaʻi
Skydiving
Skydiving is understandably popular in Hawaiʻi, as it provides an opportunity to freefall over both the ocean and the lush mountain landscape. It is by far the most extreme of all the air tours, and not for the faint of heart.
Recommended Skydiving Companies
Skydiving prices vary based on the altitude, free-fall time, and photo/video packages. Be sure to read the fine print when comparing prices.
Skydive Kauaʻi
Skydive Kauaʻi is the only skydiving outfitter on the Garden Island, so if you’re looking to take the leap, this is the company to call.
- Departs From: Port Allen Airport
- Price: Starting at $239 per person
- Website: Skydive Kauaʻi
Day-trips to other islands
Kauaʻi is the farthest north of the major islands in the chain, so it’s not super convenient to make a day trip to another island in the way it is, say, from Maui to Molokaʻi or Lānaʻi.
However, there is one unique experience accessible from Kauaʻi: A day trip to the “Forbidden Island” of Niʻihau. The island is privately owned and otherwise inaccessible to visitors, which has left it pristine and uncompromised.
Recommended Tours to Other Islands
Niʻihau Helicopters
Niʻihau Helicopters offers a half day tour ($465.00 per person, 5 person minimum) that flies over the Forbidden Island and lands at a beach for a couple hours of swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing.
- Departs From: Port Allen Airport
- Website: Niʻihau Helicopters
Air Tours on the other Hawaiian islands
Don’t forget to check out our air tour overviews for the neighboring islands if you are traveling there: