We'd like to book a helicopter tour for our
first Hawaii vacation. Any recommendations
for the best Kauai helicopter experience?

KY, We have taken 3 helicopter flights on Kauai. (1 "Pre-Iniki and 2 afterward)2 with Jach Harter and one with Ohana.

We really enjoyed Harter, especially the first trip because we actually got Jack himself and his love for the island really showed. No hotdogging, either. Very accomodating for pics, also. Ditto the second trip. Trained his pilots well.

Ohana was OK. Almost lost my lunch once or twice, tho. I don't even know if they are still in business.
There have been a few other posts w/ good recs for helicopters..One even set you down near a remote waterfall. That's our next one in Dec.!
Mahalo,
Kal

My husband and I loathe flying but LOVED the Air Kauai helicopter tour. They have a perfect safety record and brand-new French helicopters that are extremely comfortable. The experience was outstanding.

Just got back two weeks ago. My husband flew with inter-island helicopters out of Hanapepe. They have no doors on helicopter, smaller copter, and great views. My husband said he would do it again.

Joyce

I'm with Kal. We flew with Jack Harter a few years ago. He takes the time to show you the sights,,not just buzz by like some we have went on. One of the more interesting sights was a burial cave on the side of a cliff in the Waimea Canyon. He hovered right next to it. The rocks that had been put up to seal it had long ago fallen down, so you could see the skeleton laying on a sandy shelf. Not a everyday sight..

Definately go with Jack Harter. Windows open for nice picture taking. You'll want to close them if it gets chilly, though. So don't go with the company that has no doors. Also, Jack Harter has two-way radio, so you can talk to the pilot and ask him to hover a little longer or ask questions. Very informative pilots and no rushing. Very attentive if you're taking pictures. The pilot would turn the bird or tilt it just right if he saw you wanting to take a shot. Go ahead and spring for the 90 minute ride. 60 minutes is just a tease.

How much is this ride and is it per person or can you get a group rate. There will be 5 of us. Thanks