Advice on helicopter tours in Hawaii
 

My husband and I are visiting Maui, Kauai and the Big Island in May. We would like to take a helicopter tour on one of these islands. Does anyone know of any good tour companies to use on these islands? Can anyone suggest which island to choose for a helicopter ride? Thanks.

Lori, I took a helicopter tour on Kauai. It was fabulous! There are certain parts of the island that are only accessable by boat or plane. I think a helicopter tour is a "must do" on Kauai. We flew with Jack Harter Helicopters and thought they were great. Make sure that whoever you choose has two-way radios so that you can talk to the pilot and ask questions. Also, you want windows that open for picture-taking. Spring for the 90 minute ride, too. An hour only leaves you wanting more and they will fly higher and faster, trying to rush you. Hope you have a great time!

Aloha Lori - <BR> <BR>We've gone with InterIsland Helicopters on Kauai on every tour and obviously find them to be top-notch. Their pilots are all military trained and they do have the doors open on the aircraft, which is really awesome! They have added a tour that includes a landing at a private waterfalls with a picnic lunch that shouldn't be missed. I have also heard good things about Jack Harter, as they were the first on Kauai to offer helicopter tours. Enjoy your trip!

The Kauai helicopter tour is not to be missed if only because there is so much you can't see any other way. Jack Harter and Air Kauai are both great. The Big Island volcano tours are super--Blue Hawaiian runs a 45 minute volcano tour from Hilo that's about $125 and worth every nickel if you can spring for both islands. If just one, I'd go for Kauai.

Lori: <BR> <BR>I can also vouch for Inter-Island on Kauai. We did the waterfall tour and loved it. It's pricey at $225 per person but it lasts about 2 hours and nobody else lands at a waterfall with lunch. <BR> <BR>Not having the doors is also a great experience. Although it's not for everyone, I can't imagine taking a flight with the doors on again. They have the 2-way radio and the noise is not too bad. <BR> <BR>Their pilots have to be good since they do the search and rescue operations. While we were there, they had to postpone our trip because of working with the DEA for 3 days on a green harvest. Alas; no leftovers :(.

Just returned from kauai. We went with Jack Harter (I did a lot of research and found incident free since beginning of flying tours. They have a choice of helicopters One holds 6 one 4 the one that holds 4 the windows open. that is what we flew. It was a little chilly but worth it. If you book over the internet for every two bookings you receive a good quality t-shirt when you get there. Also if you check into purchasing the AOA card before you leave you will get a 15% discount. Cost of card is $30.00 and can be used for upto 4 discounts per venue. I thought card could be bought on island, but realized to late had to purchase before going. We paid 165.00 per person for 60 min they also have a 90 minute tour. Our tour cost of 660.00 if I would have had the AOA card I would have saved 99.00 so after buying wouldof been a 69.00 savings. I would definately choose Kauai over Maui for helicopter. The only way to see the Napilli Cost is by air or water and it shouldn't be missed. Any questions e-mail me. <BR>Cheryl

cheryl: <BR> How do you purchase a AOA card, and for 5 passengers,is Inter_island or Jack harter the better option? <BR> thanks for your input....bill

Took tours of both islands. Kauai would be first choice. Although, flying into the craters at 11,000' on Maui was pretty cool too. You can also experience the Napali Coast by foot. Head to the park and take the Nua Lo Lo trail down to the cliffs. Pretty amazing sight of the coast. You will also notice that you look straight out at the helicopters going in and out of the ridge lines. It was fun to experience some of the hidden spots on foot and then fly over them. I used Jack as well, very good flight up the canyon, past the cliffs, and back the other side. Personally after 45 minutes in any helicopter I'm ready to get out of the blender!! Stick with the basic flights!

According to the Jack Harter web site, the helicopters hold only four passengers. (http://www.helicopters-kauai.com/air.html) <BR> <BR>So Bill, looks like you will have to check out another company for your 5 person trip!