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Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful sights on Earth- sculpted ridgelines, deep valleys, plunging waterfalls, bubbling lava flows, and more.

However, many of these amazing sights cannot be readily accessed by land or by sea- the terrain is simply too harsh, remote, or impassable. That’s where our friends at Safari Helicopters come in.  For nearly three decades, Safari Helicopters has been introducing visitors to some of Hawaii’s most iconic and breathtaking sights- and revealing her “secret” history, beauty, and geology to the world. Their Kauai and Big Island Helicopter tours are truly one-of-a-kind adventures. 

— article continued below —

Safari Helicopter's Kauai Helicopter Tours

Kauai’s inaccessible wonders are yours to admire and explore on these spectacular Garden Isle helicopter adventures. 

Fly past "Jurassic Falls" in Kauai

One hour, one hundred miles, and more sights than you can imagine!

• Depart from Lihue Airport & fly into the Hanapepe Valley where you’ll circle the Manawaipuna Waterfall, aptly dubbed “The Jurassic Park Waterfall”
• On to Olokele Canyon & the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”- Waimea Canyon- to admire Waialae Falls & more
• Soar over Kokee State Park & right into some of the NaPali Coastline’s famous valleys
• Head to the gorgeous North Shore to take in Hanalei Bay, Lumahai Beach, Namolokama Mountain and her waterfall
• Dip down into the Hanalei Valley’s tropical rainforest & admire the waterfalls
• Tour the summit crater of Mt. Waialeale- the wettest spot on Earth & a geological marvel
• Round out the adventure with Wailua Falls, straight out of  Fantasy Island
• Duration: ~60 minutes
• Departs from: Lihue Airport

Everything offered in the Deluxe Waterfall Safari PLUS an exclusive tour of a remote botanical preserve.

• Land at the Kauai Wildlife Refuge- property of well-known environmentalist & Niihau co-owner Keith Robinson
• The refuge overlooks Olokele Canyon, featured in many famous movies
• Learn about the Robinson family’s conservation efforts- you may even get to meet Keith in person!
• Depart from Lihue Airport & fly into the Hanapepe Valley where you’ll circle the Manawaipuna Waterfall, aptly dubbed “The  Jurassic Park  Waterfall”
• On to Olokele Canyon & the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”- Waimea Canyon- to admire Waialae Falls & more
• Soar over Kokee State Park & right into some of the NaPali Coastline’s famous valleys
• Dip down into the Hanalei Valley’s tropical rainforest & admire the waterfalls here
• Tour the summit crater of Mt. Waialeale- the wettest spot on Earth & a geological marvel not to be missed
• Visit Wailua Falls, straight out of  Fantasy Island
• Duration ~90 minutes

**Please note: Safari helicopters is the only company legally permitted to provide a remote landing eco-tour on Kauai.**

Safari Helicopter's Big Island Helicopter Tours

If you think the Big Island’s inhospitable lava flows and fields make exploring impossible, think again. Safari Helicopters makes the Orchid Isle yours to discover.

The ocean cliffs on the Big Island

Tour Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and see one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and more.

• Depart from Hilo and spot Mauna Loa & Mauna Kea
• Head to the Big Island’s most active volcanic areas & watch the Big Island grow right before your eyes!
• Unbelievable and rare sights- lava lakes, craters, fiery skylights
• You may even get to see lava meet the ocean in an incredible show of extremes!
• Soar over lava tree forests- trees nearly swallowed up by lava
• Witness the devastation as you soar over entire neighborhoods consumed by lava
• Duration: ~40-45 minutes
• Departs from: Hilo Airport helipad

​ **Please note the National Park Service restricts all aerial tours over Kilauea Crater.**

Explore everything on the Volcano Safari PLUS head to the impressive waterfalls on the upper Wailuku River and soar over the Hilo Bayfront.

• Depart from Hilo and spot Mauna Loa & Mauna Kea
• Head to the Big Island’s most active volcanic areas & watch the Big Island grow right before your eyes!
• Soar over incredible waterfalls
• Take in the views of the Hilo Bayfront from above
• Duration: ~50-60 minutes
• **Please note the National Park Service restricts all aerial tours over Kilauea Crater.**

Why Choose Safari Helicopters?

Safety First

• Safari Helicopters exceeds FAA safety standards
• The best helicopter in Hawaii: state-of-the-art Safari A-STARs
• Pilots fly well under full power, so if extra lift is needed it’s available
• Meticulous equipment maintenance
• Recipient of the highest rating ever awarded by the Hawaii Helicopter Operator’s Association
• “Smooth, smart, and level”: Safari Helicopter’s motto

Trusted & Experienced

• All Safari Helicopters & pilots are FAA Certified
• All pilots have extensive flight experience around the globe
• The company has done a wide range of commercial, military, & volunteer work
• Extensive range of certifications
• Recipient of many prestigious awards based on visitors’ choice
• Featured in a number of movies, books, & magazines
• Locally-owned
• Safari Helicopters was the first company in Hawaii to fly the A-STAR 350 B2-7 helicopter, one of the most luxurious touring helicopters available
• Unparalleled panoramic window viewing
• First to use a two-way communication system with special noise-cancelling headsets
• First helicopter operator in Hawaii to offer air-conditioned tours
• Your very own adventure will be recorded- waterfalls, canyons, everything!

Safari Helicopters Reviews

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Safari Helicopters

• Staff review
• Photos ( 45 )

When you're going to take to the skies, you want the very best pilots; the very best machines; the very best tour destinations. Safari Helicopters delivers on all three, offering guests a one-of-a-kind visit over Hawaii's landscapes.

Hawaii truly is a tropical paradise; a place of lush, verdant mountains, turquoise blue waters, dramatic sea cliffs, and beaches of every shade of sand. There are so many different ways to explore these islands, with no one way being truly better than the other. That said, different types of exploration do provide for different types of viewing and experiences, and one experience that every person who steps onto Hawaii should try at least is once is a helicopter tour, such as those tours offered by Safari Helicopters.

With headquarters in Lihue on the island of Kauai, Safari Helicopters has a lot that sets them apart from other helicopter outfitters. First off, there are the helicopters. Safari Helicopters was the first to fly the incredibly powerful and technically advanced A-STAR 350-B2-7 helicopters. Their fleet of helicopters features “mega windows” that offer passengers an almost panoramic view as they soar over the island. These machines also boast unique skylight windows installed in the ceilings. Especially helpful for the rear passengers, these ceiling windows enable visitors to look straight up at the rock formations when flying inside the Mt. Waialeale Crater. 

But helicopter upgrades are only one part of the charm of Safari Helicopters. Booking a tour with this outfit is also about getting access to some of the best helicopter pilots and guides on the island. This group primarily employs trained military veterans who more than know their way around these big machines with a long list of flight experience. When on a tour, your friendly, engaging pilot will interact with you via Bose noise-canceling headphones, informing you about the upcoming sights and answering any questions you might have. 

Finally, there are the sights — the primary reason to go on any Hawaiian helicopter tour. Safari Helicopters does have an outfit on the Big Island, but this review is primarily for those tours offered in Kauai. Kauai, known as the “Garden Isle,” offers sky-borne visitors some truly stunning vistas to soak in. Your Safari Helicopters pilot won’t just take you around the island as any other helicopter outfit would, but, when you take the canyon tour, this company will also actually land you in a remote, private location for a truly comprehensive experience of helicoptering in and throughout the wilds of Kauai.

So, more about the specifics of the tours. Safari Helicopters offers two core tours for their guests to choose from:

Deluxe Waterfall Tour This 60-minute tour takes passengers on a tour of over 100 miles of stunning Kauai landscapes. You’ll get up close to some of the island’s most beloved waterfalls, dive through the Waimea Canyon, and recognize classic site locations for some of Hollywood’s biggest films, such as Jurassic Park. 

Canyon Landing Safari This is a unique helicopter tour that combines flight with hikes. The Canyon Landing Safari Tour takes passengers on a tour around the island of Kauai but then lands at a private location on a cliff overlooking Olokele Canyon. 

Insider Tips: -Avoid booking your helicopter tour on the last (or even second-to-last) day of your trip to Kauai. This is due to the high chance of unpredictable rain most months that can cause your tour to get canceled and rescheduled. Booking this tour early in the week makes it easier for that to get arranged.  -While the group does have some smaller Bose noise cancellation headsets, it is best to either bring more form-fitted ear protection for children (especially for those two and younger) or call to double-confirm they have the right-sized headset for your child. -Note that in almost every case, you will not be able to choose your seat arrangement in the helicopter. The seating layout is dictated according to FAA mandated Weight and Balance guidelines. This also means to expect being asked the weight of your party when booking a tour. This helps to ensure the correct amount and weight of passengers are allocated in seats. If you’re not sure about how this will play out, call and ask for more information or consider upgrading to a private flight for just your family or party. 

Safari Helicopters

Review Highlights

“ I am scared of flying, but I tell you it was smooth and calm and Kyle was an incredibly relaxing pilot. ” in 12 reviews

“ Richard) narrated for most of the journey telling us about the volcano and life in general on the island. ” in 24 reviews

“ Luckily for me flying over the crater while listening to John Williams Indiana Jones score was priceless. ” in 7 reviews

Location & Hours

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2220 Kekuanaoa St

Commuter Terminal Hilo Airport

Hilo, HI 96720

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About the Business

Business owner information

Business Owner

When you gaze out from a helicopter soaring over the largely uninhabited island of Kauai, you'll have the chance to soak in breathtaking views of lush greenery, weaving ridgelines, and cerulean sea. While you glide over gushing natural waterfalls to and vast expanses of mangrove trees, an experienced pilot from Safari Helicopters will explain the rich historical and geographical background of the island. For a truly unforgettable experience in Hilo or Lihue, HI, this helicopter tour can't be beaten. Known as the "Garden Isle," the professionals from Safari Helicopters chose the island of Kauai for its chartered tours due to its unique topography and stunning sights. As a coveted, mostly untouched natural wonder, this area has served as the jaw-dropping set for a number of Hollywood favorites. Now, tourists get a chance to explore the area from the most interesting angle possible. When you take a helicopter tour with this company, you'll get the opportunity to see incredible sights like Mount Waialeale, the Na Pali Coastline, and Waimea Canyon. When you take the Refuge Eco Tour, the helicopter flight will land on remote, private land owned by missionary descendants. Thanks to its high-caliber helicopter tours, Safari Helicopters has received a 2016 Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor, a Hawaii Magazine Readers' Choice Award, and was named one of the best tourist attractions in Kauai by The Garden Island... …

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Overall rating

104 reviews

We felt safe during the ride. It was amazing to see through the big island by helicopter. It was amazing to see into the volcano. The staff are amazing. The pilot was open for questions during the flight. I learned a lot. Highly recommended!

Oct 28, 2022

Aloha Melinda, Mahalo for the phenomenal review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed this experience with us. Safari Helicopters appreciate you and your Ohana for choosing us as your tour provider. Best of luck for your new adventure!

This was my first helicopter ride, and it was a great experience. I had been in warned that I might have some motion sickness, which has been an issue flying in small planes and riding in cars on winding roads. But that was not the case at all with Safari Helicopters. Sam, our pilot, expertly flew the helicopter, warning us before every turn, when there could be some bumps (there weren't), and did a great job providing tons of info about the island, and answering all our questions. Unfortunately, the weather conditions wouldn't permit us to see the active lava, but we were warned about this ahead of time. We still decided to take the flight, and I'm so glad we did!

What a wonderful experience with Safari! Cookie, Samantha and Sam were a great team providing pre trip info, pre trip training, and in flight info. We felt safe and enjoyed the ride from beginning to end. Cookie greeted us as we approached the building. Informed us of how long before our pre flight meeting was happening. Greeted us using our surnames, it was quite impressive. She gathered us for the pre trip meeting, talked of the safety aspects to be aware of, which included the life vest, walking procedure out to the helicopter, all about the safety!! She then proceeds to walk us out to the helicopter in a specific order for safety. We were first in line, not knowing how that meant where we were going to get to sit inside the helicopter. She directed my wife and I to follow her over to the copter from our staging point about 20 feet in front of the copter. She opens the door and has us sit in the front row next to the pilot! How Cool!!! Cookie helps us with our seat belts and Sam helps us with the headsets. There is a button, think Jeopardy button that we have to push in order to talk to Sam. She says hello to make sure we hear her and we reply back to her Hello! It takes a minute to load all of the passengers, 6 of us and Sam our pilot. Sam goes through a few reminders of the safety concerns, how the emergency handles on the doors work, where the fire extinguishers were, and then we started up. What a smooth lift off and rise through the airport to clear the air space. It was my first ride in a helicopter and it will not be my last! I was impressed at how smooth our ride was, even the turns so that each side of the copter could see the sights. We made quite a few very tight turns for viewing and she always informed us prior to making the move so no one was surprised. Hats off to Sam for her amazing flying skill and knowledge that she shared with us about the Island and National Park. She even added some history in the mix that we appreciated. Thanks Safari Helicopters!

See all photos from Darwin L. for Safari Helicopters

Aloha Darwin, Thank you for your splendid review. We are delighted that you had a pleasant experience flying with us. Safari Helicopters appreciate you and your wife for choosing us as your tour provider. We wish you best of luck for your next adventure!

We booked a private ride for the family to get the helicopter all to ourselves and we had a fantastic time! Our pilot, Sam, was very professional and a very steady pilot and warns us ahead of time if things will be choppy etc. We appreciate that since two of us tend to suffer from motion sickness, but she truly made it as enjoyable. We did book the first flight of the morning to also ensure less winds. We got to see into the volcano from the air and it was really spectacular. It was our kids' first time in a helicopter and we were celebrating a birthday and it was worth every pretty penny we splurged on this experience. We took lots of pictures, and the staff got a group picture of us in front of the helicopter after the ride as well. We had a wonderful time, felt completely safe, and highly recommend them to anyone who visits the Big Island!

The pilot was nice, but was a little disappointed with the company. We were supposed to go to a volcano, and it had just erupted two weeks prior. However, once we get to the place, we go through the briefing, and then they told the entire group that we need to figure out whether we want to go on the tour or not, the reason they asked this question was because it was cloudy, and the helicopter cannot go over the volcano anymore. We asked them: well what else can we see? To which they responded that we will be going to see some waterfalls, the 2018 eruption, among other things. We were not really interested in going anymore, because our main interest was to go see the volcano. And when we were about to cancel and get our full refund, they told us that it has to be a group decision, and if we say no, then the other group cannot go on their trip either. Out of pity for the other group, we decided to go on the trip. And we did see some good views, which is why I gave it two stars, and the pilot was very sweet (5/5), however, we did not even see any waterfalls. We only saw the 2018 eruption and the summit that cause that eruption. I mean, makes sense why its so cheap. The time that it took from the airport to the volcano national park took up half the time, and we were really only over the summit for 15 minutes - and the summit we were there for 3-5 minutes. They told us that they need 4 people to fly. The other group had 3 people. We couldn't let the other group not be able to go on their tour because we didn't want to go. It was very pressured and forced to say yes. Couldnt they have let some weight on the helicopter or something? I have never heard of this 4 people mandatory rule. Saying this, it makes me want to give them 1 star. They didnt have what we wanted to see, then lied about what we would see, and made us feel pressured to say yes. 2 stars because pilot was nice - chewy (5/5), and what we did get to see was nice

What an amazing experience. If you can afford this, you must do this. To properly see the volcano, lava & the birds eye view this is the ONLY way to go. You truly cannot appreciate this unless you do it. Cookie was awesome checking us in & giving us the low down; all with Hawaiian charm & hospitality! Then Sam was an amazing pilot! Very sensitive to making everyone comfortable & safe. I can't say enough fine things about her, except she was our favorite helicopter tour pilot we have ever had & we have had a few. Many Maholos!

Feb 27, 2023

Aloha D S, Thank you very much for the 5 star review! We are so happy to share this experience with you & to hear how much you enjoyed your tour with our Pilot Sam!

This company is only interested in filling flights. They will not call you ahead to cancel when they know they cant fly. Wadted time and taxi fare both ways, no flight. I get the safety issue, but when they have cancelled the ones before you, no excuse. Dont waste your time or money on these people.

Aloha, Thank you for your review. As a Helicopter company we are not only interested in filling flights, the goal is also to fly. The weather is ever changing on the Hawaiian Islands. With that being said, our Pilots run hourly weather reports to avoid canceling days at a time when we don't have to. Typically when we cancel a flight, we do our best to rebook you, or refund you if said dates don't work. We understand that canceling this experience is disappointing, & apologize for the inconvenience this brought to you on your trip. Best of luck to you on your future adventures, Safari Helicopters

Never posted a review to Yelp before but felt like we needed to make others aware of this experience. Unless you book the entire plane, Safari will likely refuse your reservation - for us it was an hour before we were set to board and after we'd already driven across the island. We booked a helicopter ride online, I received a call about an hour after letting me know that since we only had 2 people, they might not be able to take us unless more people booked. Despite that the info about needing more than two people was never stated on the website, we understood and just told them to confirm with us later that day if we would be able to go or not. I never received a call back, but I did receive a second email confirming our booking with information about when and where to meet. I called the company back later that afternoon and left a voicemail just asking for a final confirmation that we were, in fact, good to go as we would be driving from Kona to Hilo. The next morning, I received a call back letting me know that yes, we were booked and the agent gave me a time and directions on where to meet. We hit the road and were about 45 min away from Hilo when I got a call from a pretty rude employee telling me that since there were only 2 people, they couldn't take us. I told her about the conversation I had with the other employee just an hour earlier and she said she'd have to have her boss call me. Murphy called me a few minutes later, after I explained the situation, he halfway apologized and basically told me that he wasn't willing to do anything for us to make up for the situation. His final words on the call were "you're not going to get what you want." At the end of the day, the correct thing to do would have been to let us come on the flight regardless of the fact that they would have preferred to have more people on the flight. So, moral of the story is that this is unless you're willing to book the entire plane, they're going to wait until the last minute and then cancel your reservation. For us it was within 2 hours of takeoff time. We've talked to a few other helicopter companies who have been organized and accommodating! I would recommend saving yourself the headache and going with another company.

Business Manager

Jun 6, 2021

Aloha, you are correct a new employee incorrectly notified you that you were confirmed for the tour, however per our conversation and your own admission we called you back 10 min after that initial call and corrected that mistake. We were upfront with you from the very beginning, and we have no intention of deceiving our customers. There are times that tours need to be rescheduled due to insufficient participation, however this is very rare. We are always upfront with our customers and give them clear information. In your case you were given a correction within 10 min and that did not suffice with you. We apologize again for the inconvenience this caused you, however bullying others on the phone or in person is not tolerated here. We love to take our guests up and show them around, it gives us no pleasure to cancel a tour. We hope the rest of your holiday was pleasant and a success and wish you the best in the future.

Drive nearly 2 hours for a private tour just to get there and then canceling. Pay the little extra and go with blue Hawaiian tours

Aloha Hector, We at Safari Helicopters apologize for the cancelation & understand your disappointment & frustration. The weather on the Hawaiian Islands is ever changing. With that being said, your safety is our number one priority. We will not compromise your safety, nor the safety of our Pilots for any amount of money. We are happy to hear you were able to share the experience with your family & wish you the best on your future adventures! Mahalo, Safari Helicopters

We could not have asked for a better experience! We booked two days early for at 10:20 am flight since we were driving in from about an hour away. Stephanie called about an hour after booking saying that we were the only people booked for that time, and they don't go unless the flight is fully booked (makes sense given the cost to operate a helicopter). She politely asked if we could switch to the 9:20 flight. She was very appreciative when we agreed and offered us the two front seats as a thank you. I was super excited as my only hesitation in booking a helicopter tour was some reviews saying the experience totally depends on the seats you get. We got on the helicopter, and our pilot Sam was a pro. She was very communicative about when we might feel turbulence, when she was going to be making a hard bank, or when she had to switch to another channel to talk to air traffic control or other helicopter pilots. We felt totally safe in her hands. And my earlier hesitations would've been unfounded even if we weren't sitting in the front. She would bank right for a loop to make sure one side got to see a site, and then bank left for a loop to make sure the other side didn't feel slighted. I was really impressed with Sam's knowledge of Hawaiian history, custom, and mythology as well as vulcanology, seismology, and climatology. I wish I'd brought a recorder to take notes. Overall, an amazing experience! I would recommend doing the flight early in the trip. As we hiked in Volcano National Park or saw other sites later in our trip, it gave us a richer perspective having seen the views from the top.

Stephanie M.

May 16, 2021

Mahalo nui Nihal and Nisha for this phenomenal review and rating! We are so very pleased that you enjoyed the experience!Me ke aloha pumehana(with warm regard) Stephanie

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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

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Safari Helicopter

Safari Helicopters

Safari Helicopter specializes in American-made, fully-customizable personal helicopters:

There was once a time when only the most accomplished people afford motor vehicles. Today, it seems like everyone has at least one car parked in the garage. Most families have two or more. Helicopters, however, are still outside the financial reach of the common man. Those who have built their empires, however, can enjoy the thrill of flight with their very own personal helicopters from Safari Helicopter.

The Canadian Home Rotors Safari Helicopter Company

The Safari Helicopter adventure started in the early 1960s when an aerospace engineer and his son designed a personal helicopter that experienced builders could put together at home. Over the decades, these helicopter plans passed from owner to owner. Canadian Home Rotors, Inc. used this as inspiration to reach even higher by designing a helicopter that offered the safety and convenience of modern technology.

Canadian Home Rotors started tinkering with its design in 1962. It didn’t make the chopper available until 1992, when it unveiled the Safari at a national convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The company didn’t even need to advertise its products. Word of mouth was more than enough to flood it with orders.

Since then Canadian Home Rotors has tested and revised every piece of the Safari helicopter. Today, it has one of the world’s most successful personal helicopter designs. Successful men interested in exploring the world need this type of vehicle to push themselves beyond ordinary limits.

Making the Most of Every Adventure

The current version of the Safari helicopter includes several high-tech features that make it extremely safe and useful for experienced pilots. The helicopter comes with a 180 horsepower engine capable of carrying 650 pounds in addition to the craft’s weight. The 4130 Chromoly steel aircraft tubing frame, titanium shafts, and aluminum sheet metal cabin keep the weight as low as possible while protecting Safari’s essential parts from harsh weather.

Safari’s cabin offers a 70-degree view of your surroundings. This makes it perfect for exploring uncharted terrain. No matter where you go, you always have a clear, unobstructed view of your surroundings. This helps keep you and your passengers safe while thrilling you with the world’s natural beauty.

The cabin also keeps you comfortable. Safari can fly in temperatures as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While high temperatures won’t prevent you from enjoying your next adventure, sub-zero temperatures could prove hazardous. Safari has a cabin heater that keeps the helicopter’s interior comfortably warm even in freezing environments.

Buying a Safari Helicopter

Safari gives you several purchasing options. Depending on how much money you want to spend and how much experience you have building vehicles, you may want to choose a:

• Safari Starter Kit
• Safari 400 Kit in Stages
• Safari 400 Complete Kit
• Safari 400 Flight Ready

Experienced builders who don’t need to worry about the money will likely prefer the Safari 400 Complete Kit. This includes every piece needed to build a functional Safari helicopter. If you don’t have the time or experience to build the helicopter on your own, you can choose the Flight Ready model. It costs a bit more, but it’s ready to fly on the day it arrives. The Flight Ready model has even gone through 20 hours of testing.

Accessories for Your Safari Helicopter

Depending on how you want to use your Safari, you may want to buy some accessories. Popular options include:

• Safari pontoons for landing on the water
• Agricultural spray systems for tending crops
• Heliport trailer for moving your helicopter by land

The Safari offers an unparalleled experience that will make you the envy of friends. When it comes to exploring the world, you just can’t beat a personal helicopter.

Helicopter Insurance

For insurance, check out Insurance Coverage | Safari Helicopter | Small Helicopter for sale to see all insurance options.

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Zhukovsky International Airport

Zhukovsky International Airport, formerly known as Ramenskoye Airport or Zhukovsky Airfield - international airport, located in Moscow Oblast, Russia 36 km southeast of central Moscow, in the town of Zhukovsky, a few kilometers southeast of the old Bykovo Airport. After its reconstruction in 2014–2016, Zhukovsky International Airport was officially opened on 30 May 2016. The declared capacity of the new airport was 4 million passengers per year.

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Safari Helicopter

The #1 Kit Helicopter

Why Choose SAFARI?

Always choose safari for over 60 years, safari owners have counted on their safari helicopter to take them to their next adventure. choosing which helicopter to own is an important decision. at safari we want you to have the information you need to make a decision you will be happy with for many years., hover over the information icon to see some of the reasons safari is your best choice..

SAFER AND MORE FUN TO FLY WITH A GOVERNOR, WITH A CYCLIC TRIM, AND COLLECTIVE FRICTION

COMPLETE ENGINE AND FLIGHT INSTRUMENTATION INCLUDED

CERTIFIED BELL 47G BUBBLE – WAHT A VIEW!

COLLAPSABLE LANDING GEAR

SEMI-RIGID ROTOR HEAD WITH TITANIUM SPINDLE AND COMPOSITE CARBON FIBER BLADES – PLENTY OF MASS FOR SAFE ROTATION

CLUTCH RELEASES FOR AUTOROTATION

RELIABLE AIRCRAFT ENGINE – CHOOSE LYCOMING, TITAN, SUPERIOR, OR AEROSPORT

MAIN TRANSMISSION CHIP DETECTOR AND OIL SIGHT GLASS

AIRTIGHT TIG WELDED CHROMOLY 4130 FRAME

GEAR BOX CHIP DETECTOR AND OIL SIGHT GLASS

FACTORY BALANCE ROTOR WITH TITANIUM SHAFT, SPINDLE AND BLADES

Want to know more about how SAFARI compares to other light helicopters?

We’ve gathered some information about Rotorway and Robinson R-22 which is used frequently in flight schools. A lot of those used R-22 helicopters come on the market and in many cases look like a good buy. The biggest difference in the cost of owning a used R-22 and a new SAFARI is the ongoing cost of upkeep.

Compare Us to Rotorway & Robinson

Low operating costs mean you can fly your SAFARI even more!

The SAFARI does not require continual repairs and replacements. Enjoy more flight time and less tool time. Operating Costs

Just how capable is the SAFARI? How much weight can it carry? How much fuel on board?

The exceptional performance of the SAFARI means that you can load up two fluffy guys and full fuel and still fly on a hot day. Specifications

How much maintenance does the SAFARI require?

The current model SAFARI won’t require anything significant until the 500 hour mark. That is a long time for a helicopter not being used commercially! Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Do you have the time and skills to build a kit helicopter?

It doesn’t take as much time as you think it does and it is much easier than it looks! It is mostly assembly, with a little bit of fabrication thrown in so you’ll feel like you really did something. Building a Kit

SAFARI – The undisputed leader in experimental helicopters and our story.

First it was a Helicom, and then …… The Company

The SAFARI fun machine has evolved over many years of upgrades and improvements.

If we had realized how many changes we would make when we started, we would have been more careful to make an actual list. Since we didn’t make that list at the beginning, we are providing what we have and will add new information over time. This information is written in “shorthand”, so we will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Upgrade History

The SAFARI team believes in sharing information with current and potential owners.

We’ve made this a public space because rumors, speculation and misinformation are also in the public domain. This is a “leap of faith” on our part. We believe that the Safari is a safe and dependable kit helicopter when operated with good judgment and piloting skill. Transparency

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How It All Began

In June 1987, Safari Aviation, Inc., d.b.a. Safari Helicopter Tours, was incorporated in the state of Hawaii. At that time, it was operated as a Part 91 tour company. Preston Myers, founder and owner, was the original and primary pilot while his wife worked the front desk and shuttled passengers. At inception, The idea was to keep the business small as an owner-operated family business. At the time Safari Helicopters was founded the Hawaiian “flight-seeing” tour business was extremely competitive. Therefore, Safari would have to provide tour services not already offered by the well-established competition. The decision was made to fly aircraft on Kauai that were not being commonly operated; thereby establishing Safari Helicopters as a leader and innovator within the business.

Safari Helicopters made this decision by flying the six-passenger AS350 Series helicopter because of the advantages it offered tour guests: open cockpit viewing, forward seating, smoothness and air conditioning. In 1987, most small operators flew only four-passenger helicopters. Safari’s foresightedness prevailed, despite the odds against its success. Today, most helicopter tour operators fly the AS350 Series helicopter statewide, not just on Kauai.

In 1991, The first full-time pilot was hired, due to the possibility of Preston being called up during the imminent Gulf War. (He participated in the Naval Reserves, COMUSNAVCENT, at the time.) This was the beginning of the structural change of the company. He decided to certify the company as a Part 135 Operator in 1991. Within 10 months, Hurricane Iniki devastated the Island of Kauai. Prior to the hurricane, Safari had two AS350 Series helicopters flying on the Island of Kauai. Afterwards, there was no business for one helicopter, let alone two. By the time one helicopter was repaired from the damage sustained by Hurricane Iniki, the island still had not recovered economically, so Safari leased one of its helicopters to a Big Island operator in Hilo. That particular company eventually filed for bankruptcy and Safari then expanded with an operation in Hilo.

Another Hawaii Corporation was created, Hilo Safari Air, Inc. The Hilo operation was also certified as a Part Pilot 135 Operator. By 1997, Safari Aviation, Inc. consolidated both companies under Safari Aviation, Inc. and Hilo Safari Air was dissolved. During the later part of 1998, Safari made the decision to expand to the Kona International Airport and started its operations in February 1999. At that time, Safari was also expanding into more utility work. He established its Utility Division and started working on its Part 133 External Load Certification and its OAS inspection. After many months of reorganization, Safari was certified under Part 133 in August 1999 and OAS inspected in October 1999. The primary business in the state of Hawaii is sight-seeing tours but Safari also provides charter work, aerial photography and external load operations. The company was successful in its first US Government bid providing helicopter services to the US Navy in 2000. This required another restructure of its operations and maintenance departments in order to comply with Department of Defense (DOD) requirements.

These requirements included inspection and approval for AMC (Air Mobility Command). AMC inspections are very extensive and are directed primarily towards Part 121 airline type of operations. According to US Air Force representatives, it is extremely rare for a small Part 135 operator to pass initial inspection. However, Safari passed its very first inspection, which included implementing a Safety Program, parts and component traceability, and tracking and trending program.

By this time, Safari had added two more aircraft to its existing fleet with the purchase of a Bell 412SP and a Bell 206L3. Because of the complexities of the Bell 412, pilots received Initial and Recurrent Training through Flight Safety. The Navy contract was concluded in June of 2001.

What are you waiting for? Let's go fly!

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