Aerial Tours in Kauai

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. The newest helicopter company to the island is not new to Hawaii, having flown for 20 years on Maui and the Big Island. They are the only company on Kauai flying the latest in helicopter technology, the Eco-Star, costing $1.8 million. It has 23% more interior space for its six passengers, has unparalleled viewing, and offers a few extra safety features none of the other helicopters on the island has. As the name implies, the helicopter is also a bit more environmentally friendly, with a 50% noise-reduction rate. Their flights run a tad shorter than others (50 to 55 minutes instead of the 55 to 65 minutes that others tout), but the flight feels very complete. The rate is $232. A DVD of your actual tour is available for an additional $25. Harbor Mall in Nawiliwili, Lihue. 808/245-5800 or 800/745-2583. www.bluehawaiian.com.

Inter-Island Helicopters. This company flies four-seater Hughes 500 helicopters with the doors off. (Everyone gets a window seat.) It can get chilly at higher elevations, so bring a sweater and wear long pants. They offer the standard flight like everyone else plus a spectacular tour option that includes landing by a waterfall for a picnic and swim. Tours depart from Hanapepe's Port Allen Airport. Prices range from $220 to $330 per person. From Rte. 50, turn makai onto Rte. 543 in Hanapepe. 808/335-5009 or 800/656-5009. www.interislandhelicopters.com.

Kauai Aero Tours. This tour is really a flying lesson in a Citabria tail dragger that was designed specifically for aerobatics. You can take the stick or let your pilot handle the controls. The aerobatics roll on until you say stop. The plane can take only one passenger at a time. Tours last 30 to 60 minutes; prices range from $129 to $179. Lihue Airport. 808/639-9893.

Safari Helicopters. This company flies the "Super" ASTAR helicopter, which offers floor-to-ceiling windows on its doors, four roof windows, and Bose X-Generation headphones. Two-way microphones allow passengers to converse with the pilot. The price is $224; a DVD is $28 extra. 3225 Akahi St., Lihue. 808/246-0136 or 800/326-3356. www.safariair.com.

Tropical Biplanes & Fly Kauai. This company flies a bright-red Waco biplane, built in 2002 based on a 1936 design. An open cockpit and staggered wing design means there's nothing between you and the sights. The plane can carry two passengers in front and flies at an altitude of 1,500 feet, at about 85 mph. The one-hour price for two is $366. In 2007, Tropical Biplanes added Fly Kauai to its operations, featuring a Cessna 182 Skylane with seats for three, big windows for unobstructed views, and a roomy interior. One-hour price is an affordable $99 per person. Lihue Airport Commuter Terminal. 808/246-9123. www.tropicalbiplanes.com.

Will Squyres Helicopter Tours. The majority of this company's pilots were born and raised in Hawaii, making them excellent tour guides. Will Squyres removed its two-way microphones, eliminating the possibility of one passenger hogging the airwaves. Prices start at $229. 3222 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue. 808/245-8881 or 888/245-4354. www.helicopters-hawaii.com.

Lessons

Birds in Paradise. This company declares itself the number-one ultralight flying school in Kauai. A serene cruise over the island, skimming clouds with the breeze in your hair, is a meditative and magical way to take in the sights. Although many lessons are available, the most popular package is the 50-60-minute tour for $215. Salt Pond Beach Park/Port Allen Airport. 808/822-5309. birdsinparadise.com.

Ultralight Adventures Kauai. Have you ever had a flying dream and woken up deliciously hungry for wings? Here's an opportunity to leave this earth-bound existence and realize your potential for flight. Those delicate contraptions you see buzzing over the island offer a breezy and liberated option for seeing Kauai from the air. Take a lesson from instructors with more than 20 years of experience and U.S. Ultralight Association certification. The cost is $190 for the one-hour lesson. Salt Pond Beach Park, Port Allen Airport. 808/645-6444.