Helicopter rides -Kauai (Questions)
Aug 27th, 2002, 09:30 PM
#2
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Many leave from Lihue, several from Hanapepe and one (I think) from the Princeville airport on the north coast. The latter was not well recommended by "Ultimate Kauai." A few outfits offer 40-45 minute rides for under $100. Rides of approximately one hour range from $129-189, and longer rides are more. We were interested in the ride that lands at a waterfall for lunch until I found out it costs $250. per person!
I recommend that you take an hour ride. Differences in price depend on differences in the helicopter model, the windows, the seating, etc. We took one of the cheaper one-hour rides and were satisfied--it was a delightful experience. We had made reservations without doing a lot of research, though, and I would have enjoyed the no-doors tour or a helicopter with longer (lower) windows, down by your feet. Do a text search and you will find lots more information.
I recommend that you take an hour ride. Differences in price depend on differences in the helicopter model, the windows, the seating, etc. We took one of the cheaper one-hour rides and were satisfied--it was a delightful experience. We had made reservations without doing a lot of research, though, and I would have enjoyed the no-doors tour or a helicopter with longer (lower) windows, down by your feet. Do a text search and you will find lots more information.
Aug 27th, 2002, 09:47 PM
#3
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We took a 55 minute tour with Ohana in late May. The company was recommended by the concierge at the Sheraton Kauai. The pilot's commentary was very interesting and informative and the views were breath-taking.
Passengers (at least on Ohana) are assigned seats based on weight and height, and where one sits makes a difference. I was in the back in the middle and although I had a good view, it was very difficult to take photos.
We got a free generic video with the ride but could have purchased a longer one that incorporated footage of us getting on the helicopter and strapping in.
Passengers (at least on Ohana) are assigned seats based on weight and height, and where one sits makes a difference. I was in the back in the middle and although I had a good view, it was very difficult to take photos.
We got a free generic video with the ride but could have purchased a longer one that incorporated footage of us getting on the helicopter and strapping in.
Aug 28th, 2002, 05:27 AM
#4
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We stayed on the North shore last year so decided to take our helicopter trip out of Princeville airport. The company that runs trips out of the airport is HeliUSA and I highly recommend it. The folks were professional, the aircraft and pilots made us feel very safe, and the tour itself was magical. I highly recommend this if you are staying on the north side of the island and don't want to have to drive down to Lihue.
http://www.heliusa.com/default.htm
If you are nearer to Lihue, I have heard great things about Jack Harter helicopter tours.
http://www.heliusa.com/default.htm
If you are nearer to Lihue, I have heard great things about Jack Harter helicopter tours.
Aug 28th, 2002, 05:36 AM
#5
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We took the ride out of hanapepe this past april. It was the best part of my entire trip. it was expensive, but i'd do it again. $250 each it lasted about 1 1/2 hours and we stopped at a secluded waterfall and had lunch. We got some great pictures of the two of us under the water fall spray. it was really an awesome experience. I believe it was inter island helicopters. good pilot and a very smooth ride. plus they only take 2 couples at a time...have fun !!
Aug 28th, 2002, 07:56 AM
#6
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We flew with Jack Harter in July and had a really good experience. Great pilot and a magical tour. The island is SO beautiful - it was great to be able to see it all by air.
Ours was about $140 p.p. with the Maui IQ discount. I think it was $150 p.p. if you booked on the internet.
Seats also assigned based on weight. I was in the front window seat - great! My husband got stuck in the back middle though and still thought it was great - but wished he had a better seat. I had the camera.
It was so magical that I think if I went back I would do the $250 one w/the waterfall stop. That just sounds like such a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Some things are worth it.
Ours was about $140 p.p. with the Maui IQ discount. I think it was $150 p.p. if you booked on the internet.
Seats also assigned based on weight. I was in the front window seat - great! My husband got stuck in the back middle though and still thought it was great - but wished he had a better seat. I had the camera.
It was so magical that I think if I went back I would do the $250 one w/the waterfall stop. That just sounds like such a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Some things are worth it.
Aug 28th, 2002, 11:56 AM
#7
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"HeliUSA" is the former "Hawaiian Helicopters" which is the former "Papillon" which has one of the worst accident rates in the industry. I took "Hawaiian" without doing any research - their pilots like to live on the edge and their helicopters were outdated. Great tour, though!!!
Aug 30th, 2002, 07:35 AM
#9
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Hi,
We enjoyed our ride with Will Squyres despite the turbulence.. (Just don't eat anything heavy!) The tour guide will make a difference! The Helicopter landing pads for most of the companies are next to each other at Lihue airport.
The views over Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali coast were incredible. A ready made video was available for purchase as well as photographs.
Unfortunately, my battery camera died at the start of the tour. However, you can miss out on the full pleasure of the tour if you are too busy video taping or taking pictures. So maybe this was a blessing!
There are internet specials available if you book early!
Enjoy the ride!
We enjoyed our ride with Will Squyres despite the turbulence.. (Just don't eat anything heavy!) The tour guide will make a difference! The Helicopter landing pads for most of the companies are next to each other at Lihue airport.
The views over Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali coast were incredible. A ready made video was available for purchase as well as photographs.
Unfortunately, my battery camera died at the start of the tour. However, you can miss out on the full pleasure of the tour if you are too busy video taping or taking pictures. So maybe this was a blessing!
There are internet specials available if you book early!
Enjoy the ride!
Aug 30th, 2002, 08:09 AM
#10
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Posts: n/a
Being cheap, I opted for one of the free tours by signing up for a time share promo. We went with Air Kauai and had a great trip. Saved about $300 bucks. The time share tour took less than 90 mins, and we simply said "no thanks we liked the Marriott better" Very low pressure, its Kauai after all.
