The best way to appreciate the raw natural beauty of Kauai in its entirety is from the sky. Here are five top helicopter and plane tours that help you experience the Hawaiian island.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
With its volcanic origins and lush vegetation, owing to the tropical climate, it’s no surprise that many of the filming locations for Jurassic Park were located on Kauai. This is the stuff of prehistoric legend and you can experience it all from the air on one of the island’s many plane and helicopter rides. The range of tour options is dizzying so we have compiled a broad list of the best, taking into account important factors such as the value for money, duration, itinerary and regions of the island you’ll get to see from the sky.
Kauai Sightseeing Flight over Na Pali Coast
A great-value way to see Kauai from the sky is on this stunning hour-long plane ride. You will soar over the Na Pali coastline and witness parts of the island that are completely inaccessible by land transport. You’ll fly over red earth, plunging waterfalls, sheer, green cliffs and turquoise ocean along the way. Free shuttle transfers for cruise ship passengers are provided as part of the fee. This tour runs from Mon-Sat, and you can select from five daily departure times between 10am and 4:30pm. From $159 per person.
Kauai Sightseeing Helicopter Flight
(Photo: Safari Helicopters / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
For a slightly more extended experience in the sky, this 1.5-hour tour may well fit the bill. Departing from Lihue in Kauai County, during your mid-air adventure aboard a state-of-the-art helicopter, you’ll cover over 100 miles of Kauai’s lush scenery as you gaze down at notable attractions and places of interest including Manawaiopuna Falls, which featured in the 1993 movie Jurassic Park, the rugged red cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, and Olokele Canyon, where you’ll stop off and explore the terrain, known for its rare and endangered plant life. Groups are limited to 6 people. From $359 per person.
Kauai Movie Tour & Helicopter Adventure
Movie buffs with a sizable budget may be tempted by this epic all-day experience. Flying by helicopter from the island of Oahu to Lihue on Kauai, you’ll explore some of the region’s most famous movie settings, offering a unique look at what many people call Hawaiian Hollywood. As you explore, your pilot and tour guide will show you video scenes from the assorted movies set on Kauai, including the George Clooney film The Descendants, as well as Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Blue Hawaii. Along the way, there’ll be opportunities to step stand on the exact spots of the shoots, as well as the chance to enjoy a leisurely lunch in Hanalei Town. The tour price includes a 45-minute helicopter flight and live commentary. From $808 per person.
4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopter Flight
(Photo: Airborne Aviation Inc. / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
There’s only one thing more enthralling than a helicopter ride over majestic landscapes – and that’s riding with the doors off. For 50 magical minutes, you’ll soar through the sky on a doors-off helicopter tour over the stunning island of Kauai. With a maximum of 4 guests onboard, a truly intimate experience is assured, with you and your fellow passengers afforded the full attention of your expert pilot and guide as he navigates you over some of Hawaii’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty, with no doors impeding your view. Highlights include passing over the Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon, Napali Coastline, and plenty more. From $339 per person.
Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour
Exploring and comprehending the magnificent natural beauty of Kauai is the main aim of this helicopter tour. From rainy Mt. Waialeale to Waiapuna Waterfalls you can experience the island from a unique perspective from the comfort of a business class seat. Watch the Na Pali Coast unfurl below you and, weather permitting, head into the crater of Mt. Waialeale to experience the 3000-foot waterfalls there. Please note that this helicopter tour doesn’t always operate on Sundays. Flights last approximately 50 minutes. From $355 per person.