Today, we’re starting a new series of posts with lists of the major helicopter providers on each Hawaiian island. First up is Kauai!
Of all the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is definitely our favorite for a helicopter tour. Tours of Kauai include remote waterfalls, the colorful Waimea Canyon and the majestic Na Pali Coast and more. Getting the aerial view of these amazing sights is arguably a must-do Kauai experience — if your budget allows, of course.
To help you choose a tour that suits you best, we’re listing the helicopter tour companies, a links to TripAdvisor reviews and current pricing.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Website: Blue Hawaiian
TripAdvisor reviews: link
Current pricing: starts at $339 for a 50-minute tour.
Notables: We have taken a tour with Blue Hawaiian in Kauai and have friends who have toured with them — all with good experiences. Here’s a guest review of Blue Hawaiian Kauai helicopter tour.
Sunshine Helicopters
Website: Sunshine Helicopters
TripAdvisor reviews: link
Current pricing: starts at $294 for 50 to 55-minute tour.
Notables: Sunshine offers “first class” seating upgrades for guaranteed front row seating beside of the pilot. Formerly known as Will Squyres Helicopter Tours.
Island Helicopters
Website: Island Helicopters
TripAdvisor reviews: link
Current pricing: starts at $234 for 50 to 55-minute tour.
Notables: Island offers a longer helicopter tour that lands at the base of Manawaiopuna Falls, which was made famous in the movie Jurassic Park.
Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
Website: Mauna Loa Helicopters
TripAdvisor reviews: link
Current pricing: starts at $342. Check this link for real-time availability and booking.
Notables: Mauna Loa tours are private tours for parties of two to three passengers. They offer tours with both doors on or doors off. Doors off tours provide the best views for photography purposes.
Jack Harter Helicopters
Website: Jack Harter Helicopters
TripAdvisor reviews: link
Current pricing: starts at $339 for 60 to 65-minute tour.
Notables: Jack Harter offers both doors on and doors off options. Doors off tours provide the best views for photography purposes. They also offer longer 90 to 95-minute tours that allow more exploration.
Airborne Aviation
Website: Airborne Aviation
TripAdvisor reviews: link
Current pricing: starts at $325 for 50 minutes.
Notables: Airborne Aviation only offers doors-off tours. They fly Hughes 500 helicopters that seat four guests plus the pilot. Two guests sit in the back row – each with direct open door views. Two guests sit in the front beside the pilot. This tour company is also called upon for rescue response, which speaks well of their experience to get into remote areas.Use this link for realtime booking.
Safari Helicopters
Website: Safari Helicopters
TripAdvisor reviews: link (Note even though this review thread is supposed to be dedicated to Kauai, it appears that some reviews appear to be related to their Big Island tours.)
Current pricing: starts at $269 for 55-minute tour.
Notables: We took their Kauai refuge eco-tour, which we really enjoyed.
Notes:
- All pricing was accurate as of August 2022. The starting costs that we’ve listed should provide a general comparison of pricing between companies. Pricing is always subject to change, so check directly with the providers for their current pricing.
- Ni’ihau Helicopters offers tours of Ni’ihau Island from Kauai.
- For more tips, see our advice on choosing a Hawaii helicopter tour.
Have you taken a Kauai helicopter tour? Which tour company did you use? Did you enjoy the experience?
Sheila Beal
4 comments
Great pictures and recommendation for my trip to Kauai. Are helicopter tours or small chesna aircraft better for tour?
Many Thanks
Tako
Helicopter tours are better as we explain here: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2009/11/30/hawaii-helicopter-vs-plane-scenic-tours/
Hi Sheila :). Would you recommend to do it in the morning or afternoon?
Thanks!
We just did a helicopter tour with Island Helicopters— it was fantastic! We were on the fence about doing it, but I’m so glad we did. You see so much of the island that you wouldn’t otherwise. Island Helicopters is a great company—locally (Kaua’i) owned and our pilot Brody grew up on the island and was very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend Island Helicopters!