Kauai’s 8 Top Helicopter Flights & Tours (With Prices)

The 8 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours in Kauai

Kauai’s rugged coastline, dramatic valleys, and lush waterfalls make it one of Hawaii’s most photogenic islands — and there’s no better way to see it than from the sky. Unlike land-based sightseeing, helicopter tours let you access remote spots and get a true sense of Kauai’s scale and diversity. From soaring over the towering cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to flying inside a volcano crater, these tours offer a perspective that’s impossible from ground level. Plus, the island’s steep cliffs, waterfalls, and deep valleys look even more impressive when framed by the open sky.

Choosing the right helicopter tour depends on your interests and the experience you seek. Whether you want a quick overview or a more in-depth exploration with landings, Kauai’s options are plentiful — and each provides a different view of this stunning island. To help you decide, we’ve rounded up the best helicopter tours in Kauai, highlighting what makes each one special and who it’s best suited for.

Quick Overview

This list covers a range of helicopter experiences: from quick 55-minute waterfall safaris to 1.5-hour land-and-explore adventures, including private doors-off flights and exclusive landings at Olokele Canyon. You can choose a deluxe waterfall safari that covers the island’s top sights in under an hour or go for a luxury doors-on experience with panoramic views and a spacious, climate-controlled cabin. For those wanting the most comprehensive tour, a full hour doors-off provides the best perspective. And if privacy and landing at a secret spot appeal, the private helicopter is hard to beat.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these top-rated Kauai helicopter tours.

1. Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari: Helicopter Tour

Topping our list is this 55-minute waterfall safari, an excellent choice for those who want a quick yet comprehensive view of Kauai’s highlights. This small-group tour covers the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and waterfalls, with the pilot sharing insights about each site as you fly. The tour’s popularity is reflected in its perfect 5.0/5 rating from over 800 reviews.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Kauai’s most iconic landscapes in a short time. You’ll soar over the Na Pali Coast’s sea cliffs — some of the highest in the world — and glimpse waterfalls hidden from land view. Many riders praise the pilot’s cautious flying and engaging narration, making it feel both safe and educational. The price of $309 per person is reasonable for the quality and intimacy of the experience.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a high-impact, visual overview of Kauai without spending hours in the air. It’s ideal if your time is limited but you still want breathtaking views and a sense of the island’s grandeur.

Bottom Line: A top choice for a quick, scenic introduction to Kauai’s most famous sights, with excellent reviews and a personal touch.

2. Kauai’s Exclusive Helicopter Tour: Land & Explore Olokele Canyon

For those wanting a more personalized adventure, this 1 hour 30 minute tour combines aerial sightseeing with a one-of-a-kind land landing at Olokele Canyon. This privately owned canyon is off-limits to most visitors, giving you exclusive access — a rare feature in Kauai helicopter tours. With a maximum of six people, it offers an intimate and less crowded experience.

Your flight includes soaring over Na Pali and Waimea Canyon, but the highlight is landing inside Olokele Canyon. The tour also ventures into Mt. Waialeale, the wettest place on earth, and explores the inside of a volcano with cascading waterfalls streaming down its walls. The pilot’s expert narration enhances your understanding of Kauai’s volcanic history and geological marvels.

Guests rave about the private access to the canyon and the possibility of landing inside the volcano. The $369 price reflects this exclusivity and the added experience of inside exploration. It’s best suited for travelers who want a more immersive, behind-the-scenes look at Kauai’s natural wonders.

Bottom Line: A luxurious, small-group tour that combines aerial views with a rare opportunity to land inside Kauai’s stunning and inaccessible landscapes.

3. 60-Minute Guided Doors-Off Helicopter Tour in Kauai

This tour offers a full hour of unobstructed views in a doors-off helicopter, a feature that appeals to photographers and adventure seekers alike. With a custom helicopter that has open sides, you’ll get panoramic, genuine perspectives of Kauai’s cliffs, waterfalls, and valleys. The pilot provides narration, pointing out landmarks like Jurassic Park’s Manawaiopuna Falls and Waimea Canyon, while you snap photos through the expansive windows.

Guests love flying over Olokele Canyon and the Na Pali Coast’s towering cliffs, with many calling it a “breathtaking” experience. The full hour allows plenty of time to appreciate the island’s geography and capture stunning images. The tour includes round-trip transportation to the helipad, simplifying logistics.

At $399 per person, it’s a slightly pricier but well-valued option for serious photographers or those wanting an adventure with total freedom to lean out and photograph. Many reviews mention the instructor’s professionalism and the safety of the experience, making it suitable for confident travelers.

Bottom Line: Ideal for photo enthusiasts and those who want a more immersive, open-air experience of Kauai’s natural beauty.

4. 60-minute Doors-On Luxury Helicopter Tour in Kauai

For a luxurious, comfortable tour with exceptional views, this 60-minute doors-on experience offers a spacious, climate-controlled cabin designed for maximum comfort. The aircraft features floor-to-ceiling windows and is flown with the pilot on the left side for better sightlines. Passengers enjoy Bose noise-cancelling headphones and expert narration as they fly over Kauai’s top landmarks, including the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Jurassic Park falls.

The company’s reputation is solid, and reviewers frequently mention the professional crew and the smooth, quiet ride. The tour is tailored for travelers who prefer comfort and luxury while still experiencing Kauai’s grandeur. The $379 price reflects the premium service and aircraft quality, making it a good value for those looking for a more refined helicopter experience.

This tour suits travelers who want a high-end, scenic overview without sacrificing comfort or safety, especially if they prefer air conditioning and spacious seating. The only potential downside is the higher price point compared to smaller, more basic tours.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a luxurious, comfortable helicopter ride with panoramic views and excellent service.

5. Discover Kauai Helicopter Tour from Princeville

Starting from Princeville, this 45-minute helicopter tour offers a concise but comprehensive look at Kauai’s most famous landscapes. It covers Hanapepe Valley, the Na Pali Coast, and Waimea Canyon, with a focus on the west and north sides of the island. The pilot is also a certified Hawaii guide, providing expert narration, and guests are outfitted with Bose noise-cancelling headphones for clear communication.

Guests praise the friendly crew and spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast’s sea cliffs and the Jurassic Park waterfalls. The tour’s shorter duration makes it ideal for travelers with limited time, and its departure point in Princeville provides easy access for visitors staying on the north shore. At $504.90, it’s on the higher end, but reviews indicate the quality of the experience justifies the cost.

This tour is best suited for those wanting a credible, guided overview of the island’s most iconic sights, especially if they’re based near Princeville.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, shorter tour perfect for visitors based on the north side, with knowledgeable narration and stunning scenery.

6. Kauai: Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour

This 50-minute Eco Adventure tour offers a thrilling flyover of Kauai’s key sights in a Eurocopter Eco-Star, a quieter, more eco-friendly helicopter. While only rated 4.6/5 from a small number of reviews, it still provides great views of Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast.

What makes this tour unique is its emphasis on sustainability and advanced helicopter technology that reduces noise pollution by 50%. The itinerary includes iconic spots like Wai’ale’ale crater and waterfalls, with pilot narration highlighting Kauai’s geology. It’s a shorter flight, making it a good choice for those seeking eco-conscious travel without sacrificing scenery.

At $409, it’s priced similarly to other mid-range tours but adds the benefit of quieter, less intrusive flight technology. Perfect for travelers who want spectacular views with a focus on environmental impact.

Bottom Line: An excellent pick for eco-minded travelers wanting a comprehensive, quieter flight over Kauai’s top landmarks.

7. Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour

With over 2,000 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, this is the most popular eco-friendly helicopter tour in Kauai. It lasts about 50 minutes aboard a new Eurocopter Eco-Star, which reduces noise and offers outstanding panoramic views. The tour covers the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the waterfalls of Waiapuna, giving you a broad yet detailed look at the island’s diverse landscape.

Highlights include flying over Jurassic Park’s famous falls, Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale, and the red cliffs of Waimea Canyon. Many reviewers mention the professionalism of the crew and how the large windows make for fantastic photo opportunities. The tour’s focus on environmental sustainability and modern aircraft makes it stand out.

Priced at $449.90 per person, it’s a worthwhile splurge if you want the best overall views in a quiet, comfortable environment. It suits travelers who want comprehensive, eco-conscious sightseeing with minimal noise disturbance.

Bottom Line: The most popular, highly-rated eco tour, offering incredible views in a spacious, quiet aircraft — ideal for photography and comfort.

8. Private Doors-Off Kauai Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons

Finally, this private, doors-off tour provides the most exclusive experience. With every seat guaranteed a window seat, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of Kauai’s waterfalls, canyons, and coastlines. It lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and covers all the must-see spots: Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Jurassic Park falls, and even Wai‘ale‘ale Crater.

Many reviews highlight the spectacular vistas and the personalized service. Flying in a helicopter with no middle seats and open sides, you can lean out for photographs or just soak in the scenery without glass barriers. The $429 price is justified by the customized experience and extensive coverage.

This tour is suited for travelers seeking ultimate privacy and flexibility, especially those who value the best possible views and the chance to capture Kauai’s beauty from every angle.

Bottom Line: The top choice for couples or small groups wanting a luxurious, fully personalized helicopter experience with guaranteed window seats.

How to Choose the Best Kauai Helicopter Tour for You

When selecting your helicopter experience, consider your budget, time available, and what landscapes or features excite you most. If you want a quick overview and excellent value, the Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari is hard to beat. For a more immersive trip with landings, the Olokele Canyon tour offers a rare chance to step inside Kauai’s wilderness. Photographers should look at the doors-off tours and eco-friendly options, which provide unobstructed views and superior photo opportunities.

Travelers on a tight schedule can opt for shorter flights like the Princeville tour, while those seeking luxury and comfort should consider the doors-on luxury experience. For ultimate privacy and a comprehensive view, the private doors-off tour is unbeatable.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as these tours are popular and fill quickly. Check the weather forecast before booking, as Kauai’s terrain can be challenging to see in poor conditions.

From quick scenic flights to private landings at exclusive sites, Kauai’s helicopter tours offer a unique way to experience the island’s breathtaking beauty. Whether you prioritize budget, comfort, or adventure, there’s a perfect flight waiting. Consider what landscapes excite you most — waterfalls, canyons, or coastlines — and pick a tour that matches your interests. Booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on what could be the highlight of your trip to Hawaii.