kauai helicopter tours no doors

MAHALO NUI LOA FOR YOUR SUPPORT TOWARDS MAUI’S WILDFIRE RELIEF

JACK HARTER HELICOPTERS

Kauai helicopter tours dedicated to safety and quality since 1962.

• MOST POPULAR
• Hour Glass 60-65 min
• User Ages 10+

Kauai Doors-Off Helicopter Tour (MD500E)

Capture epic moments and embrace the thrill of a doors-off helicopter around Kaua’i on our full hour tour. Fly over waterfalls, canyons, cliffs, beaches, and more. Book online today!

• User All Ages

Kauai Doors-On Helicopter Tour (AStar)

Experience comfort and luxury on our doors-on Kaua’i helicopter tour! Explore the island from our six-passenger AStar, designed for providing a smooth and safe ride with all the luxuries. Book online!

Jack Harter is the Originator of Helicopter Tours on Kauai

Kauai’s best helicopter tours.

You don’t have to take our word for it, Jack Harter Helicopters has been voted Best Helicopter Tour of Kauai, year after year.

Jack Harter Helicopters is proudly a local family owned and operated small business, with three generations all working together.

We stand apart from other tour operators on the island, a distinction rooted in our rich history and unwavering commitment to enhancing our community. See our history page for more info.

Jack Harter giving Frank Sinatra a tour of Kauai

PRIVATE KAUAI HELICOPTER CHARTERS

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking a photography charter, or need assistance with utility work, Jack Harter Helicopters is the premier choice for all Kauai helicopter charters.

We offer a wide range of helicopter charter services on Kauai including wedding proposals, flower drops, aerial photography/videography, external load transportation, location scouting, off-airport transportation, emergency services, and more!

At Jack Harter Helicopters, our team is comprised of highly skilled and experienced pilots you can rely on for unparalleled and exceptional service. We are the only operator on Kauai offering charter services in two different aircrafts – the MD500E and the AStar. NASA, National Geographic, and the State of Hawaii are just a few of our repeat charter clients that trust us to get the job done right.

With over 60 years of expertise , we assure you that we are the epitome of reliability and excellence, providing unrivaled helicopter tours of Kauai that prioritize safety and guarantee exceptional customer service.

PRIVATE HELICOPTER CHARTERS

Don’t take our word for it – get the jack harter helicopters experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

We did the doors off Kauai helicopter tour. We have previously done a helicopter ride with a different company on Kauai and Jack Harter is definitely above the rest in terms of customer service and friendliness. We had Stephanie as our pilot and she was great. We felt very safe the entire time and she made sure to point out many spots to look out for as we passed over them. Yes it is pricey but this is some of the best money to be spent on Kauai and one of the few ways that you can see the entire island.

This was our first helicopter experience and we did the doors off tour. It was hands down the most beautiful experience ever. It was a bit cloudy/rainy but we got to see some amazing rainbows and great waterfalls. Our pilot was Preston, he was super friendly and made us feel very safe and comfortable. He was very knowledgeable about the island and answered all of our questions. I highly recommend this!

AMAZING experience - even as someone who is afraid of heights, the doors-off helicopter ride was a major highlight of our trip! Worth every penny. Such a unique and up-close way to see the island. We had to reschedule our original flight due to bad weather -- which we really appreciated their commitment to safety and also to making sure we got to see everything! -- and the day we rescheduled for was PERFECT weather and visibility. So I recommend taking their advice to book the flight for early in your trip so you have time to reschedule if needed!

These guys are pros and deliver an extraordinary experience. Check in was organized and gracious. All the staff are friendly and informative. Safety procedures will make you confident in the journey. Our pilot, Preston, was great at narrating the scenery as well as warning us of any upcoming turbulence. The entire flight was smooth with little turbulence and jaw dropping views. Can't recommend highly enough!!

We rode with Eli doing the full island tour (1h). It was a doors on flight with 2 other guests though the helicopter seated 6 so we had lots of room and great views. Eli was an incredible guide, did a great job of entertaining us and giving us history of the island, as well as being very calming to one of the passengers who was quite nervous about flying. 10/10 experience. I am glad we chose to schedule early in our trip because we ended up having to reschedule to 2 days later. Well worth the wait. Also just as an aside, being that there was a mist/sprinkling on and off during our tour, as it often seem to be according to the staff, I’m really glad we chose doors on!

Even though a doors off helicopter ride could sound scary and overwhelming, we are so glad we chose this company. From start to finish, they made the whole experience so seamless. Most importantly we felt safe throughout the entire process!!! We loved our pilot Max and the safety instructors were fun and hilarious! This experience was 10/10 and we will definitely tell our family and friends!!! Thanks for making this such a beautiful memory for us.

From the staff answering the phones, inside the office, the shuttle lady to the pilot this place was hands down the most professional well staffed helicopter tour I have EVER been on. Our pilot was very safe, knowledgeable and personable with us. We had an excellent time with the doors off tour and highly recommended it. I will be back with my kids next year. Thank you!

As Recommended by The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook

• Book a Tour
• Private Charters
• Group Bookings
• 1.800.745.2583 Call Us Today!

The Garden Isle

Experience all of the natural wonders of Kauai on a guided aerial tour with Hawaii’s most honored helicopter tour company.

Lihue Heliport (808) 245-5800 3730 Ahukini Rd Lihue Heliport #8 Lihue, HI 96766 View Map

Princeville Heliport (808) 245-5800 5-3541 Kuhio Hwy Kilauea, HI 96754 View Map

On this awe-inspiring helicopter tour of Kauai, you’ll experience the legendary natural views that encompass the Garden Isle. Explore stunning Manawaiopuna Falls, often called “Jurassic Park” falls, surrounded by rich native flora in the gorgeous Hanapepe Valley. Fly over the spectacula...

With over 70% of the island being inaccessible by land, Kauai is truly best seen from the sky. On this incredible helicopter tour of Kauai, you’ll experience views so beautiful they will take your breath away. Explore the stunning Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as “Jurassic...

Choose to charter a helicopter for yourself or your group and we will help you custom design your own itinerary.

An island sculpted by nature

Aerial tours of Kauai’s most astonishing natural wonders

Kauai is a natural masterpiece. For over six million years, the powers of nature have been sculpting and reshaping Kauai, creating some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Appropriately named the “Garden Isle,” the island of Kauai is draped in lush green valleys, towering sea cliffs, thick jungle vegetation, winding rivers and gorgeous cascading waterfalls.

Without a road encircling the island, many of Kauai’s most stunning sights are inaccessible by land. Among these remote scenic attractions is the famous Na Pali coast, spanning 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore and boasting 3000 ft. sea cliffs and valleys. Then to the Southwest is the Waimea Canyon, coined the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” With so much to explore, a Kauai helicopter tour is truly the only way to experience all of Kauai’s most epic scenery.

Explore Kauai

Want a glimpse from the sky? Get an aerial look at all of the incredible sights you’ll see aboard the best Kauai helicopter tour.

A Pilot's Story

Airborne Aviation Tours

A Doors-off Helicopter Tour of Kauai

Adventure on a Higher Level!

See kauai from the sky.

Airborne Aviation Tours offers a Doors-Off thrill seekers adventure tour with seating up to four with no middle rear seat for optimal viewing and photography. Get ready to see Kauai’s shoreline, waterfalls, and canyons from the thrilling view of our Hughes 500.

50 Minute Doors-Off Kauai Helicopter Tour

Tour details:.

• Tour Time: 50-55 minutes
• Fast and smooth Hughes 500 helicopters
• 4 guests max
• Great for shooting photos and video
• Departs from: Lihue Airport, Kauai

Special Online Rates:

• Open Seating $319 each
• Front Seats Upgrade $359 each
• Private Tour $1276 up to 4 guests

Hughes 500 Seating:

View Bali Hai, also known as the Makana Mountain, which starts at the beginning of the Na Pali Coast on the north shore of Kauai. Soar over Manawaiopuna Falls, one of the Garden Isle’s most famous waterfalls . Best known from the opening of the 1993 blockbuster film, Jurassic Park. Watch from above as the water rushes over a 380-foot tall cliff surrounded by walls of deep green lush flora. Located within Hanapēpē Valley on the west side of the island, it is a site few can say they have seen while on Kauai.

Continue on over to Hanalei Bay which covers nearly two miles of beach and is backed by 4000ft tall emerald mountains: Hihimanu is on the east, Namolokama is in the middle with its square top, and the triangular shaped Mamalahoa is to the west. Often cloaked with a mist of clouds the Mt. Waialeale ridge home to dozens of cascading waterfalls.

The name Waialeale, meaning “rippling water or overflowing” receives over 400 inches of rain per year and is known to be one of the wettest spots on earth. You’re surrounded by enchanting waterfalls and lush green walls of fauna. Waialeale Crater aka Blue Hole & The Weeping Wall. From above you will see it all and find yourself lost in the beauty and mystery of Kauai’s enchanting lure.

Other sites like the Wailua Falls and Waimea Canyon are also famous aerial sites on the Doors-Off Adventure Tour.

Short answer is “yes”. However, rest assured, prior to every flight our pilots and ground crew review the weather to make sure it is not only safe, but also conducive to a quality tour for you. We understand that this is a big expenditure, and we want to make sure you get your money’s worth. We will cancel your tour and make sure you get a full refund if there is poor visibility, or if the pilot determines the winds are unsafe.

We give a 100% refund for cancellations made 48 hours before the tour date. If there is inclement weather or unscheduled maintenance, we will either reschedule your tour or issue a 100% refund. Keep in mind that if the tour is booked with a third party, their cancellation and refund policy may differ from ours.

All guests must provide their own transportation. We recommend Taxi, Uber, or Lyft. We ask guests to allow an extra 15 minutes of travel time due to unforeseen traffic, to arrive early or on time for their check in.

The doors-off helicopter tour is extremely windy. We recommend comfortable athletic wear, no loose shirts, or dresses, or skirts. Closed-toe shoes or sandals with a heel strap. Hair should be secured in a bun or tightly braided, no loose ponytails or braids. Temperatures are 10-15 degrees cooler and we recommend a windbreaker or a jacket to protect against the wind chill.

All of the tour times we offer are great times to view the island. Time is personal preference whether you like to be an early bird and do activities first thing in the morning, or take your time and do a later tour midday or afternoon.

You may reschedule or cancel your tour for a full refund if done 48 hours prior to the tour date and time. It should be noted that it does rain almost every day in Hawaii. Most of the time it is in very small areas at a time, which does not affect our tours. So we do not recommend cancelling or rescheduling based on a forecast of rain.

Front Seat upgrades are the two seats in the front with the pilot. Selecting these seats guarantees the seating assignment if the two passengers’ body weights combined do not exceed the 345 pounds weight limit. The front seats are sold only as a pair together, whether it is for one or two people. The open seating is any seat in the helicopter. Open class seating is assigned by body weights. For solo passengers, we try our best to accommodate a seat next to the open door. For couples, we seat you two together in the same row. For a party of three, we either seat two passengers in the front and the third passenger in the rear seat, or vice versa depending on the weights. For a party of four passengers, we will seat accordingly by each body weight, typically the two body weights that are the lightest combined at, or under, 345 pounds will be seated in the front. For any seating, you may add a request upon booking. We do not guarantee seating nor assign seating until the day of the tour. Premium Plus seatings are for any guests that weigh 240lbs/109kg or more. An additional seat is blocked and reserved to ensure the combined passenger weight does not exceed the aircraft limitation of 745lbs/339kg.

Because this is a doors-off helicopter tour operation we must take extra steps — in accordance with FAA regulations — to make sure nothing flies out of the helicopter in flight. A phone flying out the door could hurt someone on the ground, or even damage the helicopter if it hits the spinning rotors. Requiring a tether for your phone allows you to enjoy the tour without having to worry about it slipping out of your hands and being lost forever. If you do not have a phone tether, one will be available for your use.

The minimum age requirement is 10 years old. A responsible adult must be seated next to any child. No lap children are allowed, and each person is required to wear a seat belt.

808-651-0619 or use our Contact Form

Weight Restrictions: Front Seats are sold as a pair only, with a maximum combined weight limit of 340lbs/154kg. Guests weighing more than 240lbs./109kg and parties of two (2) with a combined weight of more than 400lbs./182kg, must reserve (1) one additional seat at the regular price. Private Tour 4 guest maximum weight limit is 745lbs/338kg.

Age Restrictions: Minimum age 10 years.

Google Reviews

Protect Your Trip »

The 6 Best Kauai Helicopter Tours

Admire the Garden Island's waterfalls, canyons and peaks from the air.

Courtesy of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

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.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours – Kauai Eco Adventure

Price: From $389 Duration: 50 minutes

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.

Check prices & availability on:

Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours – Kauai Helicopter Tour

Price: From $359 Duration: 1 hour

Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours offers private tours of the Garden Island with up to four passengers on each flight. The 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.

Safari Helicopters – Deluxe Waterfall Safari

Price: From $309 Duration: 1 hour

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 8:25 a.m. The company also offers a Canyon Landing Safari, which includes a 30-minute stop at the Kauai Wildlife Refuge.

Ali'i Air Tours & Charters – Kauai Helicopter Tour

Price: From $350 Duration: 1 hour

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.

Air Ventures Hawaii – Big Kahuna Kauai Air Tour

Price: From $169 Duration: 1 hour

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.

Airborne Aviation – Hughes 500 Doors-Off Helicopter

Price: From $319 Duration: 50 minutes

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fees for Kauai helicopter tours start at $309 per person. However, prices will vary by company, tour length and inclusions.

Tipping is not required, but if you'd like to provide a monetary gesture of gratitude to your pilot/guide, plan to tip between $15 and $20 per person.

Weight limits may vary based on the aircraft, but Federal Aviation Administration regulations state that individual passengers cannot weigh more than 275 pounds and the total group cannot weigh than 650 pounds. In order for the pilot to determine weight distribution in the aircraft, you'll likely be asked to provide your weight at check-in or booking.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Things to Do in Kauai
• Take a Photo Tour of Kauai
• The Best Maui Helicopter Tours
• The Best Travel Medical Insurance

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Hawaii , Hawaii Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Flight canceled or delayed what to do.

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

• Kauai Helicopter Tours

A Kauai Helicopter Tour is the best way to explore the rugged interiors of Kauai without getting your feet muddy. A thrilling helicopter ride through Kauai’s inaccessible interiors will give you a bird’s eye view of some of the World’s most hidden beauty. Fly through the colorful Waimea Canyon , the jagged cliffs and remote valleys of the Napali Coast , and into the Waialeale Crater where waterfalls will surround you.

Book a Kauai Helicopter Tour 800-652-8248

Kauai Island Helicopter Tour

Kauai Doors Off Adventure Tour

Doors Off Kauai Private Helicopter Tour

Kauai Luxury Helicopter Tour

Door Off Kauai Helicopter Tour

Doors Off Kauai Helicopter Tour

Kauai Eco Adventure

Kauai Helicopter Tour North Shore Departure

Kauai helicopter tour faq’s.

When to book?

Book your helicopter tour at the beginning of your Kauai vacation to get a better perspective of Kauai’s hidden interior. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views, while your experienced pilot shows you the most remote and breathtaking areas on Kauai.

Where do Kauai Helicopter Tours Fly?

The most popular tour would be an hour tour that would take you through Kauai’s lush tropical interiors of Waialelale Crater, Waimea Canyon, and along the Napali Coast with a lot of extra in between. Some companies offer a 90-minute flight allowing more time to see Kauai’s unparalleled beauty.

Where do Kauai Tour Helicopters fly from?

Kauai helicopter flights leave from the Lihue Airport on the East Side Princeville Airport on Kauai’s North Shore.

What types of helicopters are used on the Kauai Helicopter Tours?

The A-Star helicopters are considered the “gold standard” for Kauai helicopter flights. No matter where you sit you’ll have a nice view with 180-degree visibility. The design of the A-Star has nothing blocking your view forward. Seating configuration is 2 passengers forward with the pilot, considered an upgrade or first class seating, and 4 seats in the back, open seating,

The Eco-Star is known as the luxury version of the A-Star and is generally considered the “Cadillac” of the Kauai touring helicopters. These helicopters are wider and have roomy and comfortable seating. They have larger windows and they are quieter.

The Robinson R44 is a fuel-efficient 4-seat helicopter. The R44 is known for excellent safety and reliability, smooth handling, and superior comfort.

The spacious cockpit contains two rows of seats. The 2 by 2 seat configuration provides for one passenger seat in the front next to the pilot, and two passenger seats in the rear of the helicopter. All seats are window seats and the open cabin design allows for unobstructed viewing.

The Hughes 500 seats four passengers and is a smaller craft known for its agility and speed. Flying doors off on an MD 500 is preferred by professional photographers and videographers due to its graceful maneuverability and responsive handling. The seating configuration is two up front with the pilot and two in the back. All have great visibility.

What does a helicopter tour cost?

Prices start at $295 and up.

• Kauai Boat Tours
• Kauai Sunset Dinner Cruises
• Kauai Mountain Tubing
• Kauai Kayaking Tours
• Kauai Fishing Charters
• Kauai Surf Lessons
• Kauai Whale Watch Tours
• Kauai Airplane Tours
• Kauai ATV Tours
• Kauai Hiking Tours
• Kauai Horseback Riding
• Kauai Luaus
• Kauai Sightseeing Tours
• Kauai Zipline Tours
• Kauai Beaches
• Kauai Hiking Trails
• Kauai Attractions
• 800-652-8248
• 808-822-2846
• [email protected]
• Open Daily 7:00 am - 4:00pm

Kauai No Doors Helicopter

• Information

Kauai, also known as the “Garden Isle,” is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain.

It is a landscape draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs, aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your imagination.

On this thrilling NO DOORS helicopter tour you will experience the magnitude of the Napali Coast, hover over the deep chasms of Waimea Canyon and view majestic Manawaiopuna Falls (seen in the film “Jurassic Park”).

6 Seat A-Star Helicopter (Doors Off)

• $339 per person -open seats
• $389 per person -first class

Seating Configuration: The helicopters seat six people + the pilot. First class is the two front seats with the pilot. Open Seats are the four seats in the second row.

Requirements:

• Children must be at least 10 years of age.  An adult must accompany anyone 10 -17 years old.
• Guests on the edge seat must be 16 years of age or older.
• Must wear closed toed shoes.  No flip-flops or sandals.
• Air Kauai will provide each passenger a jacket that will be required for all passengers to wear during flight.
• Flight routes and sights may vary due to weather conditions.
• For each single passenger weighing 230lbs or more an additional seat must be purchased at the time of booking.

Cancellation policy: 72 hours

Helicopter rates are all inclusive. No extra taxes or fees will apply.

Our gallery

Is a Helicopter Ride in Kauai Worth It? Your Top Questions Answered

A re you thinking about booking a  kauai  helicopter tour but still have a lot of questions keep scrolling to find out whether or not it’s worth booking a helicopter ride in kauai..

Guest post by Dani of Diapers in Paradise

If you have ever considered splurging on a helicopter tour, you are not going to find a better place in the world to do it than  Kauai .

Kauai is known for the lush, verdant jungle that covers most of the island, but it is largely inaccessible to vehicles.

In fact, some of the most iconic landmarks of the Garden Island are only visible from the water… or the air.

There are many helicopter tour companies set up on the island, ready to show you around the side of Kauai that you will not be able to experience any other way.

If you are wondering whether a Kauai helicopter tour is a worthwhile part of your trip, read on to learn more and to hear about my experience with it.

Don’t miss my top  Things to do in Kauai with Kids !

Popular Kauai Tours/Activities

• Na Pali Coast Snorkeling Tour (this one also goes to the forbidden island of Ni’ihau)
• Kauai Helicopter Tour (this is the BEST way to see waterfalls on Kauai)
• ATV Tour to a Private Waterfall (this is a romantic adventure that feels like a secret getaway)
• Mountain Tubing (this is a low-key adventure down an old sugar cane canal)
• Luau Kalamaku (you can do a little train ride and feed farm animals before the luau)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Kauai Resorts/Hotels

• Grand Hyatt Kauai (this Poipu resort has a luxurious pool area, romantic restaurants, and a stunning ocean view)
• Koloa Landing Resort (this is a luxury resort with an amazing pool area and truly spacious rooms)
• Royal Sonesta Kauai (we LOVE the pool here because it’s the largest one in Hawaii)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?

One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Click here for step-by-step Kauai travel planning help

What is it like to take a helicopter tour of Kauai?

Do you remember that iconic moment in the original  Jurassic Park  movie  when they are approaching the island in a helicopter, and the dramatic theme music plays as they fly along the prehistoric-looking coast?

That’s exactly what it feels like during helicopter tours of Kauai.

Because that is exactly what you are doing!

That scene from Jurassic Park was actually filmed on the approach to the Na Pali coast, on Kauai’s North Shore, which is one of the two main reasons to take Kauai helicopter tours.

Na Pali is only viewable  by boat  or by Kauai helicopter rides, and if you want the most epic view of the landscape, a helicopter is the way to go.

The other reason to take a helicopter tour? Waimea Canyon. The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

It is possible to see parts of Waimea Canyon by a combination of driving and hiking, but you will only get a hint of the wonder of this ten-mile-long canyon.

But flying through the canyon, past countless waterfalls, and seeing the jungle sprawled out below you – that is how you truly come to appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of Waimea Canyon.

Taking a tour of Kauai by air is an experience that you will not forget.

What is the process for taking a Kauai helicopter tour?

First, you will want to book it ahead of time for your Kauai vacation.

Yes, there are plenty of tour operators that you can find around the cruise ship terminal in Lihue that are happy to take same-day bookings.

But you will really want to do your research ahead of time and choose a reputable operator.

We went with  Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours  for their vast experience and impeccable safety record and because they are one of the very best helicopter tours for private tours.

When you arrive, you’ll go through a safety briefing, and then you’ll head out to meet your pilot at the airfield.

They will get you all buckled up, go over any last-minute safety reminders, and then you’re off! The vertical take-off is thrilling and nerve-wracking, but within minutes you are out over the jungles of the island.

Most Mauna Loa helicopter tours are in the 45-60 minute range, although you can find longer ones.

While some of the sites that they visit may vary, you can bet that every tour is going to show you Waimea Canyon, the rugged Na Pali Coast, and  Manawaiopuna Falls .

There are even tours available that stop midway through for a picnic and photo op!

What are the types of Kauai helicopter tours available?

When you are looking to book a helicopter tour, you will have a few options. You’ll first need to choose if you want to share the helicopter with other people or book a private tour.

Shared tours usually have 6 passengers. And while this doesn’t seem like much, it is possible that you will have your view impaired by another passenger.

If you are hoping to get good photographs of this for your Kauai vacation, this is particularly worrisome.

Some of the best Kauai helicopter tours are better than others for visibility, so read about the particular helicopter for any flight you are considering booking.

You also might not get seated next to your travel partner. They balance the helicopter for weight, so you will not have any say in where you sit.

The next thing you’ll need to choose is whether or not you want doors on your helicopter.

Opting for a Kauai doors-off helicopter tour gives you the advantage of having a better view and not getting any glare on your photos. It’s windier and sometimes a bit wet!

But Kauai doors off helicopter tours give you an unparalleled view of the scenery and make you feel much closer to the landscape.

If having the doors off seems inherently scarier, remember – it is not the doors that are keeping you safe. It is your seat harness and the skills of your pilot.

It will be imperative that you do not have any loose items on you when you fly. Cameras will need to be strapped to your body.

We opted for the private, doors-off tour.

While this was a splurge for us, we figured it was probably the only time we would ever do a helicopter tour, and we wanted to do it the best way we could.

We have not regretted this decision once! The best Kauai helicopter tours are pricey either way. May as well make the most of it on this stunning Hawaiian island!

Can you bring kids on a Kauai helicopter tour?

Yes, although the age requirements will vary by the tour operator.

Some operators have a minimum age of around 7, while others will allow children of any age, including lap infants (under 2), for free. Lap infants will not have a seat belt, however.

If you are traveling with young children, you will really want to think about if they will be able to handle sitting buckled into an adult-sized harness for an hour, especially considering they might not even be able to see past other passengers.

You also might not get seated next to your child, depending on the weight distribution, although most operators will try to seat families together when possible.

When we visited, we were  traveling with a baby  and a toddler. We ended up using a  local babysitter agency  and turned it into a wonderfully memorable half-day date.

  Are Kauai helicopter tours safe?

This is undoubtedly a question that has crossed your mind if you are considering helicopter rides in Kauai.

And given a few high-profile helicopter crashes in the last few years – including one on Kauai – it is only natural to be nervous.

Of course, there is always risk in something like a helicopter flight. They are statistically more dangerous than a commercial airplane flight, although they are less dangerous than flying in a private plane.

Tour-operated helicopters are significantly safer than private helicopters, as well.

Helicopter flight has become much less risky over the past few decades, but there are occasional incidents.

Of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai has seen the highest number of helicopter crashes, although they are still incredibly rare.

Ensure that you choose a reputable tour operator that adheres to the highest level of safety standards. Expect that if there is adverse weather, your tour will be canceled.

For this reason, it is a good idea to book your helicopter flight early in your trip so that you can reschedule if needed!

We never felt unsafe during our helicopter tour. The flight was smooth, and we were impressed with our pilot’s level of experience.

Is a Kauai helicopter tour worth the money?

Without a doubt, yes!

The breathtaking scenery of the NaPali Coast and Waimea Canyon are best viewed from the air, especially a bird’s eye view!

There is no better way to experience the natural wonder of the Garden Isle than by flying above the jungle in a Kauai island helicopter.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience that you will treasure, along with incredible photos, especially if you choose a doors-off tour.

If you are coming to Kauai, I highly recommend taking a few hours out to see the beauty that this island has to offer!

Top Helicopter Tours on Kauai

Kauai eco adventure helicopter tour.

This is a 50-minute Kauai helicopter ride in a new Eurocopter Eco-Star, which is much quieter than other helicopters on Kauai.  Check out the latest prices and more details.

Private Kauai Helicopter Tour with No Middle Seats

This Kauai helicopter tour is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the major perk is that only your party participates, AND everyone gets a good window seat.  Check out the latest prices and more details.

Hughes 500 Helicopter Tour

For another fun ride on one of the island helicopters, try this Hughes 500 helicopter tour! No middle seats, and up to four guests can enjoy this ride. You will pretty much see the entire island with this experienced pilot. Check out the latest prices and more details.

Best Kauai Helicopter Tours FAQs

Absolutely! You will get to see stunning views of the island that you would not see otherwise. It is the perfect way to explore Kauai’s finest places and is an excursion you don’t want to miss out on.

The flight tie is different for each tour. Some are 30 minutes long, while others go over an hour. It all depends on who you book with.

Manawaiopuna Falls, the NaPali coast with its sea cliffs, where they filmed Jurassic Park, Waimea Canyon, Hanapepe Valley, Olokele Canyon, and so much more of Kauai’s natural beauty!

Dani runs things over at  Diapers in Paradise , a family travel blog focused entirely on travel with babies and toddlers. With destination guides that center around the needs of parents of little ones, and a library of helpful tips and tricks for minimalism-inspired travel with babies, her goal is to help you prepare to have the best trip ever,  because of  (not  in spite of ) bringing the baby.

Looking for more Kauai Travel Resources? Find out my top  Kauai Vacation Planning Tips ,  Kauai Packing List ,  Best Kauai Waterfalls ,  Top Kauai Luaus ,  Kauai Food Tour , and the best  Kauai Food Trucks !

The post Is a Helicopter Ride in Kauai Worth It? Your Top Questions Answered appeared first on Hawaii Travel with Kids .

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.