The Helicopter Experience

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• We have been fortunate to experience helicopter tours with every major operator in Kauai. With so many options available, it can get overwhelming to choose the right one. This guide will help you narrow down your choices and ensure you have the best possible experience.
• One important thing to consider is booking your helicopter tour early in your trip. That way, in case of poor weather, you'll have a better chance to reschedule your tour. The tour really provides a solid orientation of the island that you can use for the rest of your trip.

Virtually all air tours start near Lihue Airport and follow a similar clockwise route around the island. Each company typically visits:

• Jurassic Park Falls
• Waimea Canyon
• Na Pali
• North Shore
• Hanalei Valley
• Wai'ale'ale Crater

The last two locations, Hanalei Valley and Wai'ale'ale Crater, receive the most rain and tours may be rerouted if they are fogged in. This is why some companies list a range of times (45-55 minutes) in their advertising. You'll actually get more airtime if these spots are inaccessible. If places like Waimea Canyon or Na Pali are fogged in, the flight will return, and you will be rescheduled or refunded. Jurassic Park Falls is also prone to lively weather, and some tours may bypass them for safety reasons.

Assuming good weather, total flight time from airlift to touchdown ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the company.

• 45-Minute Flights: This is like a brisk walk around the island, enough to view the highlights. It's an incredible experience with little time to linger.
• 60-Minute Flights: These flights follow the same route but slow down in key areas like Waimea Canyon, Na Pali, and Hanalei Valley, allowing for more exploration of smaller valleys and waterfalls. The pilot will also be able to do more turns, giving everyone the best possible view.

Many companies offer flights lasting 50-55 minutes, which follow the same route. Again, the longer the flight, the more time to explore

Consider your group size and helicopter type when choosing a tour.

• ASTAR (6 Passengers): Two people sit up front with the pilot (best seats), and four sit in the back.
• EcoStar/Whisperstars: Larger cousins of the ASTAR, offering more space. Recommended for people weighing more than 250 lbs (113 kg).
• Hughes 500 (Doors Off, 4 Passengers): Everyone gets a window seat except for the middle front seat. Recommended for those weighing no more than 150 lbs. The 60-minute flight is recommended for more turns and better views.
• Robinson 44 (2-3 Passengers): Offers the best flightseeing experience with a big glass bubble. Passengers can choose whether they want their door on or off. The lighter frame is more affected by weather, leading to more frequent cancellations.

• Private Flights: Customize your route by calling 888-508-9948.
• Helicopter Landings: Tours include a 30-minute landing, either by Jurassic Park Falls or at a canyon overlook. These tours are done on ASTARs, with a total flight time of 50 minutes.
• Princeville Departure: A 45-minute flight departs from Princeville, convenient for those staying on Kauai's north shore.
• Big Groups: If your group requires more than one helicopter, call us to arrange simultaneous departures or back-to-back flights.

•  Pricing for helicopter tours in Kauai can be tricky, with some companies not listing fuel surcharges, taxes, and booking fees upfront. The fuel surcharge can add $35-$40 per person due to fluctuating jet fuel prices.
• 45-Minute ASTAR: Starting at $280 per person.
• 60-Minute ASTAR: Starting at $339 per person.
• Hughes 500 (Doors Off): Approximately $359 per person. The 60-minute flight is the best value.
• Robinson 44: Prices range from $318 to $359 per person.
• We strive to keep this section as updated as possible, but prices are subject to change.