Best Helicopter Tours Kauai: Discover Paradise’s Secrets!

Aloha fellow Kauai adventurers!

I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the breathtaking island of Kauai with my boyfriend, and we’ve discovered that the ultimate way to experience its true beauty is through a helicopter tour. Over several summers spent living on this enchanting Garden Isle, we’ve flown over all corners of its lush landscapes, so trust me when I say that I know what makes for an unparalleled adventure in the sky.

You see, Kauai’s captivating charm lies not only in its lush greenery but also in its inaccessible nooks and crannies. This is where your unforgettable journey begins with a heart-stopping helicopter ride that unveils mesmerizing waterfalls, secluded beaches enveloped by azure waters, dense jungle forests, towering cliffs, and mountains – experiences you’ll cherish forever!

Now let me tell you: as someone who has taken countless tours around Kauai’s mystical lands and skies, my recommendations are crafted from first-hand knowledge of crew professionalism and safety standards. You can count on seeing remarkable sights like Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Valley, Mt. Waialeale and Na Pali Coast while getting insightful commentary on each location – all without compromising visibility or overall experience.

Warning: Once you embark on one of these awe-inspiring helicopter tours around Kauai’s aerial paradise, be prepared to get hooked! Each flight leaves us craving more… so don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to return again and again.

Ready? Strap yourselves in for an exhilarating journey high above the magical land of Kauai – where stunning views await at every turn!

What Will I Learn? show

#1 Deluxe Waterfall Safari

Duration: 55 minutes (approx.)

Address: Safari Helicopters 3225 Akahi St, Lihue, HI 96766

If you are fascinated with the power of nature, high cliffs, jungles, and wild coastlines, this is the tour for you. The tour is taken in a small group (there were four of us) and the pilot is super professional. They will make sure you are comfortable and have a great view during your ride and there is even great information about the land and sights.

The highlights are the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. You will be able to see so many waterfalls inaccessible in any other way (and I mean breathtaking cliff towering waterfalls!) In fact, there are so many high cliffs and mountain ridges you will feel like you are lost in a completely new world.

If you are afraid. From my experience everything is super safe, the ride is smooth and no one got motion sickness. The pilot is super friendly and provides amazing information. You get your money’s worth.

My favorite helicopter tour on Kauai is the Deluxe Waterfall Safari because:

  • They offer a super safe and informative tour for groups of 4 people.
  • The highlight of the tour is the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon which are full of breathtaking cliff-defying waterfalls, and jungles.
  • Flying among the mountains covered with a lush green jungle is different and exciting.
  • It’s a beautiful opportunity to take pictures.

#2 Doors Off Air Kauai Helicopter Tour

Duration: 50 minutes (approx.)

Address: 3651 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766 (Lihue Airport)

If you are an excitement seeker looking to explore the deep of the jungles (all in a helicopter without doors) this is your best choice. This tour does a great flight over the entire island and covers the most important sights, many inaccessible in any other way.

Some of the best sights we saw were the Waimea Canyon State Park, Manawaiopuna Falls, and Mt. Waialeale. Of course, everyone loves the Jurassic park waterfall at the Na Pali Coast. There are also other incredible waterfalls to see.

They have two departure times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I prefer the morning 8:00 am one, but the noon one is great too I’m sure. The pilot is top-notch, professional, focused on safety, and full of useful information. I felt very safe and taken care of (regardless of being in a doorless helicopter in the jungle!)

One of the areas that greatly surprised me was the beautiful Hanapepe Valley Lookout. It’s a combination of tropical vegetation, barren desert-like areas, and stunning cliffsides. We did a drive-by with our car but didn’t experience almost any of this beauty.

Doors Off Air Kauai Helicopter Tour is the perfect adventure seeker tour because:

  • You get an uninterrupted view of the almost hour-long tour directly from the open sides of the helicopter.
  • You get to see the complete island including the many areas inaccessible in any other way. (Waimea Canyon State Park, Manawaiopuna Falls, and many more).
  • They have two tours a day, so you can plan a morning or afternoon tour.
  • The staff is professional and everything is safe.

#3 Kauai: Island Highlights Helicopter Tour

Duration: 60 minutes (approx.)

Address: Safari Helicopters office, 3225 Akahi St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA

This is a well-worthy tour with a maximum of six travelers. You get a pilot and live tour guide to explain absolutely everything. For all the tours I feel the customer service is the best here, and they work on helping you see learn and get the best picture.

The highlights of this tour for me were the Waialeale Crater’s multiple waterfalls intertwining throughout the lush rainforest mountains. Also, the rolling red hills and valleys of Waimea Canyon are quite special. Other attractions include the infamous Jurassic part waterfall and Na Pali Coast. Overall it was an unforgettable experience.

The helicopter is in great shape, the pilot is excellent. We felt comfortable and safe, not to mention this was the longest helicopter ride on the island!

Check out this Island Highlights Helicopter Tour because:

  • It’s the longest helicopter tour ride with an amazing pilot and tour guide.
  • Many of the locations are completely inaccessible in any other way.
  • The tour showcases the true power and beauty of this green island.
  • You will get to see Waialeale Crater’s multiple waterfalls, Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and more.

Conclusion on the Best Helicopter Tours in Kauai

Kauai is the wild and untouched island of Hawaii’s tourism. Much of it is inaccessible to tourists or even dangerous.

That’s why a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the island will be your best memory from Hawaii.

In fact, it would be a sin to visit Kauai without doing one of the tropical exciting and life-changing helicopter tours. In just one hour you will see lush rainforests, breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, shorelines, and more.

Make sure to follow my list and pick out the best one for you. 

Last Updated on April 8, 2023 by Brigitte