Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Kauai & Big Island Helicopter Tours
Safari Helicopters
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.
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
- 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 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
- Departs from: Lihue Airport
**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!
- 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
- Soar over incredible waterfalls
- Take in the views of the Hilo Bayfront from above
- Duration: ~50-60 minutes
- Departs from: Hilo Airport helipad
- **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
Innovation
- 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!
