We are going in February. Just wondered if anyone has taken tours? Were they worth it? Did you get any discount cards or entertainment books?
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Mary Ann, we took a tour out of Princeville airport, since we were staying on the north shore. I believe the only helicopter to fly out of there is Heli-USA. We paid $75pp for the 45 minute ride because although we had booked earlier at a higher price, we stopped in to check it out and they had last minute openings. I would not miss this experience. You can see things only accessible from the air. Kauai, esp. the north shore is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. You will really love it.

The tours vary in length and are definately worth it. There is much of the island that cannot be seen any other way. In February the Na Pali coast is wild and beautiful. The type of helicopter and the pilots knowledge can make a big difference in your enjoyment. I highly reccomend Will Squyres company, he is so respected that he does most of the flying for Hollywood types when they are scouting for the many movies shot there. (Jurrasic Park,et al)Don't know of any discounts, but it's a once in a lifetime thing.

I second the recommendation for Will Squyers - but all the major companies looked very similar. Do go.

Definately worth it. The only part that was disappointing for us is the fact that my wife had the inside seat and didn't nearly see as much as I did. If we were to go again, I'd probably take one the copters that only seats 4 passengers. (We also took the tour from the one at Princeville Airport.)

Ryan: Does the helicopter that seats only four passangers require one to be seated in the middle in the rear, or is it two in front and two in the rear? Which company do you suggest?

The best helicopter on Kauai is Jack Harter Helicopters. He has a 100% perfect safety record. Also, if you want to take photos, he has copters with windows that open so you do not have to shoot through plexiglass that would affect the color and sharpness of your photos. Tip: if you go on a time-share tour at any of the time-share companies, they will give you a coupon for about $75.00 that you can use toward the helicopter ticket.

Mary Ann,

We took Jack Harter last March with our 4 kids (ages 3-15). Yes, it was very expensive, but totally worth it. The way I figured it, since we are from the Northeast, it would be a very long time before we would go back, and unlikely that all the kids would accompany us. I went based on comfort and safety records and Jack Harter was the best. Our pilot was a retired Air Force or Navy Pilot (a Lt. Colonel, I believe). For one hour he just talked away with interesting facts and info. about the island. No small talk, though. Unfortunately, we found no discounts even though we took up the entire helicopter. Make sure you get the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook - it's excellent!

Is there anyone out there who has "motion sickness"? Did that occurr on the helicopter?

I'm planning a summer vacation to Kauai. It appears that Island Helicopters has a good Internet special. Has anyone used them, if so what's your thoughts?

Cathy,
I have had motion sickness all my life tho' it improved with age (unlike most things), I still can't read or sleep in a car. However, I've never had any trouble in helicopters of any size.
Paul

Hi again
Just wanted to thank everyone for their responses and suggestions. For the motion sickness person, my husband does not do well at sea, but we did a helicopter ride in New Zealand and it never bothered him.

Thanks again, Mary Ann

We took a helicopter tour last summer, a four-seater. The seating was three in the back and one in the front. We booked first, and they told us they wouldn't go up unless another couple signed up. We tried to get them to promise that we would both have window seats since we booked first, but they said no, the pilot would seat us so our weight(s) would balance the plane. I was sad when I was put in the middle, but I discovered I could see both sides pretty well. My husband could see only his side. However, when you are at a special place (waterfall, for example), the pilot will turn the 'copter around (slowly) so everyone can get a good look.

I can't remember the name of the company we used, but it hasn't been named on this thread. There are lots of companies, all "expensive," but I would recommend taking an hour-long tour rather than only 45 minutes. No one had any trouble with motion sickness.

We used Jack Harter and loved it. Well, I should say that I loved it; DH was very motion sick, as was another woman on the trip with us. If you're prone to motion sickness, I suggest taking something in advance. Kauai is so gorgeous; you don't want to miss it!

Our four-seater was configured differently from Diane's, above. We were two in back and three in front, counting the pilot on the left side. So the middle person was still in front. We used Interisland, very expensive, but they feature no doors and a waterfall/lunch stop. I would do it again in a minute! I am prone to seasickness, but did fine (getting better as I get older too!). The younger gal in front felt awful, though - the pilot spiraled downward once to catch a glimpse of some dolphins. He apologized, then kept it real steady. When we stopped for lunch, she swam in the waterfall and felt much better. I'd take a bonine beforehand - if only because you don't want to waste your $$!

For Rick,

We used Island Helicopters last summer. Pilot was rather straightforward - not much chatter, background music was uninspired (in contrast to my previous experience 20 yrs ago on my first trip to Kauai), but still had a wonderful experience and even got a screen saver thrown in that gives me the opportunity to daydream every day (sigh)