When you want to see all the wonders of Kauai from a totally unique perspective, you absolutely must take a tour (or two!) with Island Helicopters. Depending on your preferences, you can sign up to take a circle around the island and see all its beauty in a single trip. Or you can elect to get up close and personal with paradise on their Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure. Although there are other helicopter tour companies across the island, theirs is the only one permitted to land right along the falls and let you explore the landscape on your own two feet.
On either trip, you’re likely to fly with other travelers, letting you make fast friends while zooming through the skies. Prefer to fly with your group only? Then, you’ll want to book their private tour instead. No matter which trip you select, you’ll fly in a high-quality A-Star helicopter by Airbus. Although the doors do come off, your pilot will keep them on through all your travels, so you can stay safe and comfortable at all times.
All along the way, your certified FAA Part 135 helicopter pilot will go all out in showing you all the breathtaking sights across the island. They’ll even turn the helicopter around at key points, so you can snap photo after photo for your memory books. If you want to get the absolute best pictures, wear all-black clothing to minimize your reflection in the windows as you take each shot. Also, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes if you’re going on waterfall adventures, so you can enjoy the landscape to the fullest.
Incredible tours you must try include:
Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure
Only available five days per week, the Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure will treat you to a trip to the Manawaiopuna Falls, which was featured in the hit film, “Jurassic Park.” As you fly there, you’ll get to listen to the movie soundtrack through your headphones plus hear the pilot chime in at various points to tell you fun facts. Then, you’ll land at the base of the 400-foot waterfall to see it up close before going back up to complete a circle of the island.
Kauai Grand Deluxe Circle
The Kauai Grand Deluxe Circle gives you a bird’s eye view of all the greatest geological features, vegetation, and waterways found across the island. You’ll get to see the Nawiliwili Harbor at the start before making way to the Hanapepe Valley, Manawaiopuna Falls, and the Waimea Canyon. Then, you’ll move along the Napali Coast, Hanalei Bay, and beyond until you make it back to where you started.
Private & Preferred Seating Tour
On the Private & Preferred Seating Tour, you can either go on the circle around the island or decide to land at the falls. The difference is that you don’t have to share the ride with your fellow travelers and often have your choice of seating options.
The view from the middle of the backseat is somewhat limited, so try to ask for a different spot if you’re not tall enough to see out. Be aware, however, that they assign seats based on passenger weights to keep the helicopter stable and safely flying through the skies. So, if they do not honor your request, you’ll have to make do and perhaps come back another time with a different group to get a closer look. You can also consider booking a private ride for a one-on-one flight experience in your seat of choice.
Insider Tips:
-Motion sickness is common on helicopter rides, but you can prevent it with over-the-counter motion sickness medication before you arrive — if appropriate for your needs.
-Their tours are often booked out for days in advance. So, to avoid missing out, reserve your ride well ahead of time using the online system on their website.