Booking choice: The Deluxe Waterfall Safari, from $336 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Kauai has more air tour operators than any other Hawaiian island, and almost all of them fly Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast and, weather permitting, the Waialeale crater.
Ratings and from-prices below are from the live Viator listings; all of them cancel free up to 24 hours before.
The quick answer
For the classic doors-on crater loop at a mid price, the Deluxe Waterfall Safari. For a landing, Safari's canyon tour. For doors off, Jack Harter or Air Kauai. For a private cabin with no middle seats, Ali'i or Mauna Loa. For the lowest price, a small plane.
How do the Kauai air tours compare?
Prices run from about $159 for a plane to nearly $500 for the premium helicopters.
| Tour | Style | Length | Rating | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Waterfall Safari | Doors on, 6 seats | 55 min | 4.8 (963) | $336 |
| Safari canyon landing | Doors on + landing | 90 min | 4.8 (392) | $396 |
| Wings Over Kauai | Small plane | 65 min | 4.9 (2,391) | $159 |
| Air Kauai doors off | Doors off, 6 seats | 50 min | 4.8 (545) | $402 |
| Jack Harter MD500 | Doors off, 4 seats | 60 min | 4.8 (424) | $460 |
| Blue Hawaiian Eco Adventure | Doors on, EcoStar | 50 min | 4.8 (2,065) | $489 |
| Ali'i private | Private, no middle seats | 75 min | 5.0 (1,793) | $425 |
| Mauna Loa private | Private, doors off | 55 min | 4.8 (521) | $384 |
Safari Helicopters: the classic crater loop
A family company flying since 1987, with doors-on A-Stars, music timed to the views and the island's only canyon-rim landing tour.
The Deluxe Waterfall Safari is $336 on Viator, or $309 direct. See the price guide.
The classic loop? Check dates for the Deluxe Waterfall Safari.
Check dates for the Deluxe Waterfall SafariBlue Hawaiian: the big name
Kauai's best-known operator flies the EcoStar, with a wide cabin, two-way headsets and a higher price.
The Eco Adventure is $489 and rates 4.8 from 2,065 reviews; check-in is an hour before.
Want the big-name operator? The EcoStar has a wide cabin and two-way headsets.
Explore Blue Hawaiian's Eco AdventureJack Harter and Air Kauai: doors off
Jack Harter flies four-seat MD500s for a full hour; Air Kauai takes the doors off a six-seat cabin.
Read doors off or doors on before you choose.
Ali'i and Mauna Loa: private flights
Your group only, with no middle seats, from about $384 to $425 per person.
Ali'i rates 5.0 from 1,793 reviews and takes up to 275 lb per passenger.
Small planes: the budget choice
Wings Over Kauai and Air Ventures circle the whole island in about an hour from $159, with every seat at a window.
Planes fly higher and cannot hover or enter the crater, but reviewers rate the value highly.
Which tour should you choose?
Match the flight to your priority: the crater, a landing, photos, privacy or price.
- Classic first flight: the Deluxe Waterfall Safari.
- Step out on the ground: Safari's canyon landing.
- Photos: Jack Harter or Air Kauai doors off.
- Privacy: Ali'i or Mauna Loa.
- Budget: Wings Over Kauai.
Decided? Check dates for the 55-minute Deluxe Waterfall Safari.
Check dates for the Deluxe Waterfall SafariFrequently asked questions
What is the best helicopter tour on Kauai?
It depends on your priority: the Deluxe Waterfall Safari for the classic loop, Jack Harter for doors off, Ali'i for a private cabin.
Do all Kauai helicopter tours leave from Lihue?
Most do; Blue Hawaiian also flies from Princeville on the north shore.
Do any Kauai helicopter tours include hotel pickup?
Few do: Jack Harter offers pickup on some tours; Safari does not.
Ready to book
Choose your flight
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Deluxe Waterfall Safari: 55-Minute Helicopter Tour
- 55-minute A-Star helicopter flight from Lihue with pilot narration
- Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast and the Mount Waialeale crater, weather permitting
- Six passengers: two beside the pilot, four in the rear
Blue Hawaiian Eco Adventure Helicopter
The big-name operator and a quieter EcoStar
Private Helicopter Tour with No Middle Seats
Your own group and a window for everyone
