The Hawaiian Islands are crammed with pure wonders. Whereas most discover by land and water, there are much more hidden gems solely accessible from the sky. Suppose hidden waterfalls plunging down sheer cliffs, rainbows forming over sun-drenched valleys, and volcanic craters so huge they appear otherworldly.
Hawaii helicopter tours permit you to witness all this and extra in only a magical hour or two.
“Helicopter tour over Kauai = life modified. Don’t even take into consideration skipping it.” — @sunsetsandseastars
Helicopter doorways off trip (Shutterstock)
Hawaii Helicopter Excursions For Breathtaking Aerial Views
You’ll be able to select between doors-on and doors-off flights, every providing distinctive experiences:
- Doorways-on excursions are perfect for these in search of consolation, narration, and local weather management.
- Doorways-off excursions cater to thrill-seekers and photographers wanting unobstructed views.
Can’t determine which island to fly over? Most operators provide tours by island, so you possibly can tailor your journey:
- Oahu: Nice for first-timers the place city meets pure magnificence. See Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and the Sacred Falls from the sky.
- Maui: Volcanoes and waterfalls galore. Hover over Haleakalā Crater, the world’s largest dormant volcano, and the Street to Hana.
- Kauai: Probably the most dramatic terrain makes it excellent for photographers. Discover the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon from a novel perspective
- Huge Island: One of the best for volcano lovers and thrill-seekers. Witness lively lava flows and dramatic black sand beaches from above
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: A Chief within the Skies
One of the respected operators is Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, recognized for its security file, skilled pilots, and trendy fleet. They function on 4 islands and provide narrated excursions in quiet, eco-friendly helicopters. On my second journey to Hawaii, I flew with them out of Hilo. The spotlight? Circling the molten lava flows of Kīlauea whereas the pilot defined the island’s ever-changing geography.
“Flew with @bluehawaiianheli and it was unreal. The volcano tour on the Big Island blew my thoughts. Value each penny!” — @explorewithlana
Kauai Hawaii Helicopter Excursions: Napali Coast and Past
Kauai, typically known as the “Backyard Isle,” is arguably probably the most dramatic island to see by air. Many elements of the island—just like the Napali Coast and elements of Waimea Canyon—are unreachable by highway. The Kauai expertise provides distinctive and adventurous actions which might be greatest appreciated from the sky.
In the course of the Kauai Hawaii helicopter tour, you’ll fly into the guts of Mount Waialeale, one of many wettest spots on Earth. The pilot guides you right into a lush, cloud-kissed crater surrounded by slender waterfalls streaming down like silver threads. Feels like a dream, proper?
Widespread highlights embody:
- Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls)
- Hanalei Bay
- Waimea Canyon
- Napali Coast sea cliffs
Hawaii Huge Island Helicopter Excursions: Fireplace Meets Sky
If you’d like a tour that’s in contrast to another, Hawaii Big Island helicopter excursions ship. The Huge Island is residence to Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, the place you possibly can witness reside lava exercise (relying on the season), in addition to huge deserts, lush rainforests, and dramatic coastlines. The flight from Hilo features a uncommon view of lively lava glowing beneath the clouds—a view that actually provides you goosebumps.
Most flights depart from Hilo or Kona and canopy sights like:
- Kīlauea Volcano
- Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea
- Rainbow Falls
- Black sand seashores at Punalu‘u
Waterfall on the Kohala Coast of the Huge Island of Hawaii (Shutterstock)
Personal and Personalised Excursions
Think about hovering above the Huge Island’s pure wonders, visiting distant places, or just having fun with a romantic getaway—all curated only for you. Skilled pilots will work with you to create a personalized itinerary that fits your pursuits, making certain an unforgettable journey.
These personal excursions are designed to offer an intimate and unique expertise, with a most of three passengers per flight. This enables for a extra personalised and interactive journey, the place you possibly can ask questions, take pictures, and benefit from the breathtaking views with out distractions.
Whether or not you’re celebrating an important day, proposing to your beloved, or just in search of a novel journey, personal and personalised excursions are the proper solution to expertise the great thing about Hawaii from a brand new perspective.
Na Pali Coast, Kauai (Shutterstock)
Price of Hawaii Helicopter Excursions
Costs range based mostly on island and tour size, however right here’s a tough breakdown:
- 30-45 minutes: $250-$300 per individual
- 60-75 minutes: $350-$500 per individual
Tip: Search for bundle offers or early fowl specials on tour firm web sites or journey websites like Viator or GeyYourGuide.
Are Helicopter Excursions Secure?
Sure, respected firms comply with strict FAA rules. Pilots are extremely educated and skilled, and helicopters endure frequent upkeep checks. For added peace of thoughts, search for firms licensed below the “Tour Operators Program of Security.”
Finest Time of Day to Fly
- Morning flights usually provide clearer skies and calmer winds
- Afternoon flights can provide dramatic lighting and sunsets
Your greatest wager? Ask the tour operator for his or her really useful time based mostly on climate patterns for the day.
Ideas for the Finest Expertise
- Movement illness? Take Dramamine an hour earlier than flying
- Doorways-off? Costume warmly and don’t put on unfastened gadgets
- Concern of heights? Sit within the center or subsequent to the pilot for added consolation
What to Know Earlier than You Go
- E book early: Excursions typically replenish days or perhaps weeks prematurely.
- Examine weight limits: Helicopter seating is weight-balanced for security.
- Put on darkish clothes: This reduces window reflections in pictures.
- Convey a digital camera or GoPro: Your telephone works too, however remember to safe it if flying doors-off.
- Hearken to the pilot: They’re typically professional guides with fascinating native data.
Closing Ideas: Is It Value It? (Completely)
Hawaii helicopter excursions aren’t low cost, however they’re completely value each greenback. They provide entry to sights few folks ever get to see and reminiscences that final a lifetime. After experiencing Kauai from above, you’ll understand simply how a lot of Hawaii is hidden from the highway. And also you received’t think about seeing it another method!
So take the leap, buckle up, and prepare to soar over paradise.
