Kauai’s rugged coastline, lush valleys, and dramatic cliffs make it a perfect island for helicopter flights and tours. Seen from the air, Kauai reveals a side of itself that’s impossible to fully appreciate from ground level — from soaring over the Na Pali Coast’s towering sea cliffs to exploring hidden canyons inaccessible by land. Whether you’re after a quick overview or an immersive experience, the island’s helicopter tours offer unforgettable perspectives. For example, the Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari provides an excellent introduction, covering the island’s most famous sights like Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast, all in about 55 minutes.
If you prefer a more personal experience with a little more adrenaline, a doors-off helicopter like the Hughes 500 offers unobstructed views that allow you to capture Kauai’s beauty without glare. Meanwhile, for those seeking exclusivity and inside access to hidden corners of Kauai, the Private Doors-Off Kauai Helicopter includes landings in Olokele Canyon, giving a rare chance to step foot in a place most visitors never see. Each of these options provides a different way to experience the island from above, making Kauai a true helicopter lover’s paradise.
Quick Overview
On this list, you’ll find a variety of Kauai helicopter experiences. Some tours focus on quick highlights and scenic views, like the Kauai: Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour, which offers a 50-minute flight over major landmarks with less time commitment. Others, like the Discover Kauai Helicopter Tour from Princeville, combine sightseeing with expert narration and access to iconic sites such as Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. For a more exclusive experience, Private Doors-Off Kauai Helicopter features a longer, 75-minute flight with guaranteed window seats and landings in hard-to-reach places.
All these tours are highly rated, with reviews emphasizing safety, scenery, and professionalism. Now, let’s explore the details of each.
1. Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari: Helicopter Tour
This popular 55-minute small-group helicopter tour takes you over the island’s most famous sights, including Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. It’s a great choice for those wanting a rundown in a shorter time. The tour’s highlight is the flight along some of the highest sea cliffs in the world, which stretch for miles along the Na Pali Coast. Your pilot not only navigates these breathtaking landscapes but also shares insightful commentary about the island’s geology and history.
Rated 5.0/5 with over 800 reviews, travelers praise the professionalism and safety of the operation, often noting their pilots’ friendly attitude and extensive knowledge. One reviewer mentioned, “Our pilot Steve was cautious and played an awesome playlist,” adding a fun personal touch to their experience. The price of around $309 per person offers good value given the scope of sites covered. It’s ideal for first-timers who want a solid, scenic introduction to Kauai’s natural wonders without taking up too much time.
Bottom Line: A balanced, reliable choice for those who want a full sense of Kauai’s top sights without a long commitment.
2. Kauai: Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopter Flight
For a more intimate, adrenaline-fueled experience, this doors-off helicopter tour is hard to beat. With a maximum of four guests, you get unobstructed views — perfect for capturing photos or just feeling more immersed in the landscape. The Hughes 500 is known for its agility and visibility, making it ideal for sightseeing in Kauai’s most scenic spots.
This tour emphasizes the thrill of flying with no doors, offering spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and other landmarks. It’s especially popular among photography enthusiasts or travelers who want a sense of flying in the open air. Reviews highlight how the small group size creates a more personal experience, and many appreciate the close-up views that this tour provides.
Priced at $369 per person for about an hour, it’s a bit more expensive but well worth it for the immersive feel and limited group size. The experience is best suited for adventurous travelers looking for maximum engagement with Kauai’s stunning scenery.
Bottom Line: For those craving an immersive, photo-friendly adventure with a small group, this doors-off flight delivers unrivaled views.
3. Kauai’ Exclusive Helicopter Tour: Land & Explore Olokele Canyon
At number 3, this 1.5-hour private tour offers an unforgettable combination of flight and landings. It’s the only tour that takes you inside Olokele Canyon, a hidden gem inaccessible to most visitors. The canyon is part of a circle island itinerary that also covers the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Mt. Waialeale — the wettest place on Earth.
The key selling point is the chance to land in Olokele Canyon, a breathtaking spot with towering cliffs and waterfalls. The pilot’s narration and the small-group size (up to six people) make this a personalized experience, perfect for those who want a deeper connection with Kauai’s landscapes. Travelers mention that the visit to Waimea Canyon and flying inside a volcano offer “unmatched views,” with one calling it their “best Kauai experience.”
The tour costs $369 per person and is most suitable for those willing to spend extra for exclusive access. Because of the limited availability, booking early is recommended. Expect a mix of sightseeing and stepping foot in places few others see.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers craving exclusivity and unique access, with a balance of scenic flying and land exploration.
4. 60-Minute Guided Doors-Off Helicopter Tour in Kauai
For those who want a full hour of continuous aerial sightseeing, this doors-off tour is a top choice. The 2-3 hour total trip includes safety briefings, transportation, and the flight itself, which covers Kauai’s most iconic sights, including Manawaiopuna Falls (“Jurassic Park” falls), Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast.
What sets this apart is the doors-off configuration, giving unobstructed views that are perfect for photography. The pilot’s commentary is clear and engaging, and the full hour in the air allows for a thorough exploration of the island’s diversity. Positive reviews mention how the experience exceeded expectations, with travelers describing it as “the only way to see many parts of the island that are too rugged for land access.”
The price is $399 per person, which reflects the longer duration and comprehensive experience. It’s suited for travelers who want an in-depth, all-encompassing aerial tour and don’t mind a longer commitment.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting maximum scenery and photo opportunities with a full hour of flight time.
5. Discover Kauai Helicopter Tour from Princeville
This 45-minute helicopter tour takes off from Princeville and offers a condensed yet rich experience of Kauai’s top sights. With a professional guide, you’ll fly over the Hanapepe Valley, Na Pali Coast, and Waimea Canyon, plus the famous Jurassic Park waterfalls. The route includes a flyby of Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale, weather permitting, giving you a chance to see the island’s lush interior.
Rated highly, travelers appreciate the informative narration and the ability to see multiple landmarks in a short time. The use of Bose noise-canceling headphones and two-way communication with the pilot enhances the experience, making it easy to follow along. At $504.90 per person, it’s priced higher but offers a personalized, guided sightseeing experience with excellent reviews emphasizing the pilot’s friendliness and knowledge.
Ideal for travelers based in Princeville or those short on time but wanting a rundown of Kauai’s natural beauty.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, guided experience perfect for visitors staying on the north side who want to maximize their sightseeing.
6. Kauai: Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour
This 50-minute eco-friendly helicopter tour offers a chance to see Kauai’s highlights with a focus on environmentally conscious aviation. It covers spots like Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast. The Eurocopter Eco-Star reduces noise pollution by 50%, making it a greener choice.
While the tour is shorter, reviews praise the professionalism of the crew and the stunning views. It’s a good option for eco-minded travelers who want to enjoy Kauai’s scenery without excess environmental impact. The tour is priced at $409 per person, offering a balanced mix of sighting and sustainability.
Ideal for eco-conscious visitors who value both the scenery and the environment.
Bottom Line: A solid choice if you want a scenic tour with a focus on reducing environmental impact.
7. Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour
This full 50-minute Eco-Star tour is one of the most highly rated, with over 2,000 reviews praising its professionalism, safety, and spectacular views. The helicopter’s advanced design offers clearer, more expansive windows for photography, and the route covers everything from Mt. Waiale‘ale to the Na Pali Coast.
Many reviewers note the pilot’s extensive knowledge and the comfort of the aircraft. The $449.90 price tag is justified by the quality of the aircraft and the experience. The tour is perfect for travelers wanting an easy, worry-free flight with outstanding views and minimal noise pollution. The flight also includes commentary on Kauai’s geological features, making it both scenic and educational.
Bottom Line: The best all-around eco-friendly tour for travelers who prioritize comfort, scenery, and informative narration.
8. Private Doors-Off Kauai Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons
Finally, this private, 75-minute doors-off tour offers the most comprehensive experience. Every seat is a window seat, and the flight covers Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Jurassic Falls, and Wai‘ale‘ale Crater. The tour includes landings at Olokele Canyon, offering an exceptional chance to step onto Kauai’s remote landscapes.
Rated 5.0/5 from nearly 1,200 reviews, travelers love the panoramic views and the personalized service. One reviewer called it “one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” highlighting the flight’s smoothness and the pilot’s expertise. The $429 price reflects the extended duration and the exclusive access, making it a premium choice for those who want a full, detailed exploration.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking the ultimate private experience with guaranteed window seats and landings in inaccessible locations, this tour is a standout.
$429.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Kauai
When selecting your Kauai helicopter tour, consider your budget, time availability, and specific interests. For a quick but rundown, the Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari offers excellent value. If you’re after a more immersive or photo-friendly experience, the Doors-Off Tours or the Ultimate Private Tour are ideal.
Those seeking sustainability can opt for the Eco-Star options, especially if environmental impact matters to you. For travelers with limited time, the 45-minute Discover Kauai provides a guided and efficient way to see many highlights.
Booking early is advisable, particularly for the most popular tours like the private or doors-off options, which fill quickly during peak season. Consider your comfort level — if heights are a concern, look for tours with extensive safety briefings and experienced pilots.
Final Thoughts
Kauai’s helicopter tours cover everything from the iconic Na Pali Coast to secret canyons — some land, some don’t, but all promise memorable views. For a classic experience, the Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari offers a reliable, scenic introduction. For those craving exclusivity, the Private Doors-Off Tour provides landings and panoramic vistas others can only dream of. Budget travelers and eco-conscious adventurers will find suitable options among the Eco-Star tours.
Whatever your choice, these Kauai helicopter tours are best booked early, especially in peak season. Take your time to pick the right experience for your interests and adventure level, and prepare for views you’ll be talking about long after your trip ends.