How to choose a helicopter tour in Kaua‘i

Seeing Kauaʻi from the air is a thrilling and singular experience that may end up being the defining moment of your trip. While expensive, it's the best way to see most of the island, a lot of which is privately owned and not visible from the road.

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There are five stunning state parks to explore if you fancy an exhilarating hike, and getting an overview from above is the perfect way to prep. Helicopter tours are the most popular option, but you'll need to plan it in advance. These are all the tips, tricks and insider info you need to choose the best Kauaʻi helicopter tour for you.

How much is a helicopter tour?

Most helicopter tour companies depart from the airport in Līhuʻe. Trips generally last 30 to 90 minutes and start at around 280 US dollars (US$). Make reservations online ahead of time to save money, and consider booking early during your stay so you can reschedule if rain delays your plans.

What you'll see

From Līhuʻe, expect to see the Nāwiliwili Harbor and the Alakoko Fishpond, Kīpū Kai and the Tunnel of Trees, Mānāwaiopuna Falls in Hanapēpē Valley, Olokele Canyon, Waimea Canyon, the Nāpali Coast, North Shore beaches like Kēʻē and Hanalei, and Mt Waiʻaleʻale. While the rips up impossibly steep canyons are an adrenaline lover's dream, it's really the proximity to waterfalls that makes these trips truly amazing.

While tours follow pretty standardized routes, you can customize your experience – especially if it's just you and your family or sweetheart taking the flight. That means getting closer to (or further from) the ground, making more acrobatic banking turns, or going with a more easy-breezy approach.

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Doors on or off?

One of the first decisions you'll make is whether you want the doors on or off. Doors-off helicopters are the way to go if you're an avid photographer and don't have an issue with vertigo – but expect conditions that are noisy and windy, and maybe just a little bit scary. Some passengers love the visibility; others don't enjoy the exposure to wind and possibly rain.

On a six-seater helicopter, two people may be stuck in the middle. You can request a window seat, but the captain may move people around for weight balance.

Which type of helicopter?

You'll also choose between big-window, little-window, and bubble helicopters – the last option is like the ones on M*A*S*H. The big differences are always visibility and noise. More modern helicopters are quieter and generally have big windows. You always wear earphones so you can talk with fellow passengers, and even a slight reduction in sound can make your trip more pleasant. Then again, some of the older helicopters have that sweet Magnum, P.I. feel that fans of retro styling will love.

Weather and booking tips

Make sure to check your operator's weather policy before booking. Rain delays do occur, and tour routes will vary depending on rain and winds. Cancellations or postponements by operators may happen at short notice. To check any company's flight record, consult the National Transportation Safety Board accident database.

What to wear and bring

Wear comfortable, casual clothing, and if you're serious about your photographs, wear dark colors to reduce glare from the windows. It can get a little cold, so bring a jacket and long pants, plus decent, close-toed shoes in case your tour includes a landing. Bring a hat, phone, and camera, and ideally all of these items should be strapped to you.

Always approach a helicopter from the front, never the back. The captain will indicate which side you should board. Put your head down and hold onto your hat – just like they do in the movies.

Best helicopter operators in Kauaʻi

• Island Helicopters offers a landing on top of Mānāwaiopuna Falls, more commonly known as Jurassic Falls.

• Jack Harter Helicopters lets you fly with one of the pioneers of flight tourism on the island.

• Safari Helicopters offers a unique tour that lands at Olokele Canyon for 30 minutes.

• Blue Hawaiian Helicopters flies high-end choppers that are said to be less noisy.

• Mauna Loa Helicopters is noteworthy for the chance to take the doors off – not for the faint of heart, but fun.