The Hawaiian island of Kauai features lush green mountains, dramatic coastal landscapes, crystal-clear ocean waters and unbelievable scenery everywhere you look. However, it’s hard to take it all in from a car or even a boat – there’s just too much to see, and much of the island isn’t accessible on land. That’s why Kauai helicopter tours are so popular, because they let visitors see all the island’s attractions from the air, making it easy to scale the highest cliffs and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Kauai’s many valleys. Using both traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News tracked down the best Kauai helicopter tours. Don’t leave the island without experiencing one of these unforgettable flights.
Note: Companies may impose a fuel surcharge on top of the regular rate. Also, there are passenger weight restrictions for most helicopter tours; an additional fee may apply for those who exceed the weight limit.
| Departure point | Lihue Airport |
| Starting price | $409 |
| Tour duration | 50 minutes |
| Weight limit (per person) | None |
Blue Hawaiian’s Kauai Eco Adventure affords travelers the chance to see the beauty of Kauai from an otherworldly perspective. Narrated by the pilot, who’s also a certified guide, the flight takes you to Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as “Jurassic Park” falls, Olokele Canyon, through the beautiful Waimea Canyon, and along Kauai’s north shore, which features the stunning sea cliffs of the Napali Coast. Depending on the weather, you may also be able to view Mount Waialeale, a dormant volcano known as one of the “wettest places on Earth,” that receives around 450 inches of rain each year. Reviewers report that the tour is excellent, fun and a must-do in Kauai. They also praise the pilot’s commentary.
Flights are available daily starting at 8 a.m. Blue Hawaiian also operates private charters on Kauai.
| Departure point | Lihue Airport |
| Starting price | $359 |
| Tour duration | 1 hour |
| Weight limit (per person) | 275 pounds |
Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours offers private tours of the Garden Island with up to three passengers on each flight. The Private Kauai Experience tour takes you to see the beauty and wonder of the Napali Coast, the splendor of Waimea Canyon, and if the weather permits, Mount Waialeale. Travelers say the views are fantastic and appreciate the small size of the helicopter, which allows everyone to enjoy a window seat. Visitors who chose to fly with the doors off of the helicopter call the excursion a little nerve-racking at first, but exhilarating.
Children are welcome on the tour, but must be at least 7 years old to fly with the doors on and at least 12 to fly with the doors off. Flights are available daily beginning at 8 a.m. The company also offers a specialized photography tour during which travelers dictate the flight path so they can cater it to their interests.
| Departure point | Safari Helicopters |
| Starting price | $309 |
| Tour duration | 1 hour |
| Weight limit (per person) | None |
Travelers call this tour the highlight of their Kauai vacation thanks to the friendly, skilled pilots and the awe-inspiring views. The flight covers more than 100 miles, featuring lush mountains, dramatic gorges and canyons, waterfalls, and more. Expect to see the unmatched beauty of the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon and many of the most famous natural wonders on the island.
Flights are offered daily beginning at 8:05 a.m. The company also offers a Canyon Landing Safari, which includes a 30-minute stop at the Kauai Wildlife Refuge.
| Departure point | Lihue Airport |
| Starting price | $365 |
| Tour duration | 1 hour |
| Weight limit (per person) | 275 pounds |
Ali’i promises no middle seats on its Kauai tour, so each passenger will have exceptional views of Waipo’o falls, Hanapepe Valley, Hanalei Bay and more. Plus, each of its tours are private, so you won’t need to share the small helicopter cabin with strangers. Travelers are wowed by the scenery and praise the experienced pilots; a few reviewers were repeat passengers. Some recommended opting for the doors-off option for an extra thrill.
Tours depart several times daily throughout the morning and afternoon. Ali’i also runs an airplane tour of Kauai, as well as a Pearl Harbor airplane tour, which departs from Kauai and spends the day at the Oahu memorial.
Discover Kauai Air Tour
| Departure point | Lihue Airport |
| Starting price | $149 |
| Tour duration | 1 hour |
| Weight limit (per person) | 275 pounds |
Eco-conscious tourists may want to consider this tour from Air Ventures Hawaii. According to the company, its GippsAero GA8 Airvan uses less fuel than a typical helicopter. Plus, there are no middle seats, so everyone enjoys a thrilling view from the extra-large bubble windows. What’s more, the aircraft flies at a slower speed than a helicopter, allowing more time to take in the views. The flight soars past waterfalls, the Kilauea Lighthouse, Lumahai Beach and Waimea Canyon, among other sites. The sights earn rave reviews, and many travelers offer equivalent praise for the pilots.
Flights depart daily in both the morning and afternoon. Air Ventures Hawaii also operates private tours.
| Departure point | Lihue Airport |
| Starting price | $348 |
| Tour duration | 50 minutes |
| Weight limit (per person) | 240 pounds |
If you’re up for an adventure, or just want to capture some spectacular photos, consider this doors-off tour from Airborne Aviation. Flights are limited to four passengers, meaning everyone enjoys a window seat. Without the barrier of windows or doors, you’ll be able to snap incredible images of Kauai’s shoreline, waterfalls and canyons. Flyers rave about the views and the skilled, professional pilots. Reviewers do warn, however, that without doors or windows, the ride is quite windy.
Flights are offered daily starting as early as 8:15 a.m. Private tours are also an option.
