What it is
Island Helicopters Kauai is a family-owned helicopter tour operator that has been in business since 1980, based at the Līhuʻe Airport. They offer scenic tours of Kauaʻi in doors-on, climate-controlled Airbus AS350 AStar helicopters. The company's signature offering and key differentiator is its exclusive license to land at Mānāwaiopuna Falls, the 400-foot waterfall famously featured in the 1993 film Jurassic Park. They are the only operator permitted to bring visitors to the base of this privately-owned waterfall. They offer two primary tours: the "Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure" and a shorter, air-only "Grand Deluxe Tour."
Visitor experience
Visitors check in at the company's hangar in Līhuʻe 45 minutes before their flight. After a safety briefing, passengers are weighed and assigned seats in the six-passenger helicopter. All tours are "doors-on" with large windows for viewing.
The flight path for both tours typically covers the entire island, including aerial views of the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, and the crater of Mt. Waiʻaleʻale, one of the wettest spots on Earth. Pilots, who are often long-time Kauaʻi residents, provide narration on the island's geology, history, and culture.
The flagship "Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure" includes approximately 20-25 minutes on the ground at Mānāwaiopuna Falls. After landing, passengers take a short (approximately 100-yard) walk along a cleared but uneven jungle path to the base of the waterfall. The experience is designed to be scenic and immersive rather than physically strenuous. The "Grand Deluxe Tour" follows a similar flight path but does not include the landing.
Logistics
- Location: The company operates from its private hangar at 3788 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, near the main Līhuʻe Airport (LIH).
- Tours and Duration:
- Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure: 75-80 minutes, including time on the ground.
- Grand Deluxe Tour: 50-55 minutes, air only.
- The entire experience, including check-in, is a half-day activity.
- Reservations: Booking well in advance is highly recommended, particularly for the Jurassic Falls tour which has a limited number of daily landings. Reservations can be made by phone or through the company's website. A 48-hour cancellation policy is in effect.
- Cost: This is a premium-priced activity. As of late 2024, the Jurassic Falls tour was listed at $479 per person and the Grand Deluxe tour at $379 per person. Prices are subject to change and should be verified on the official website. The price typically includes taxes and a fuel surcharge, but not a pilot gratuity.
- Parking: Parking is available at their Līhuʻe heliport.
- Check-in: Arrive 45 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time. All bags must be checked into complimentary lockers; only cameras and cell phones are allowed on the flight.
- What to Wear: Dark or black clothing is strongly recommended to minimize glare and reflections on the helicopter windows for better photos. For the landing tour, closed-toe shoes are required for the walk to the falls.
Safety and cautions
- Weather: All tours are highly dependent on weather. Kauaʻi's weather can be unpredictable, and flights can be canceled or altered on short notice. If the waterfall landing is not possible due to weather, the tour is typically converted to an air-only flight, and the price difference is refunded.
- Passenger Restrictions:
- Weight: There is a strict weight policy. Passengers weighing 250 lbs (113 kg) or more must purchase an additional "comfort seat." The combined weight of two passengers traveling together may also trigger this requirement. All passengers are weighed at check-in.
- Accessibility: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Passengers must be able to step up approximately 12 inches into the aircraft without assistance. For the landing tour, guests must be able to walk unassisted over uneven terrain.
- Motion Sickness: Travelers prone to motion sickness should consider taking preventative medication before the flight.
- Photography: The doors-on design can cause significant window glare, which may frustrate serious photographers. No selfie sticks, tripods, or large camera bags are permitted on the aircraft.
- Safety Record: Island Helicopters has been operating since 1980 and emphasizes its safety record. They are an FAA Part 135 certified air carrier.
Editorial take
- Who should prioritize it: This tour is ideal for fans of the movie Jurassic Park, first-time helicopter passengers who prefer the security of a doors-on experience, and travelers seeking a unique, "bucket-list" adventure for whom the premium price is not a deterrent. The exclusive landing is the primary reason to choose this specific operator.
- Who should skip it: Budget-conscious travelers should skip this, as it is one of the most expensive tours on the island. Serious photographers may be frustrated by window glare and would be better served by a doors-off operator like Jack Harter Helicopters. Visitors with mobility issues or those who are sensitive to strict weight policies should also consider other options.
- Not to be confused with: Other helicopter tour operators on Kauaʻi, such as Blue Hawaiian Helicopters or Safari Helicopters. While competitors offer comprehensive island air tours, only Island Helicopters has the permit to land at Mānāwaiopuna "Jurassic" Falls.
Source notes
- Official Website - Tour Information: Provides detailed descriptions of the tours, aircraft, and the history of the Jurassic Falls landing.
https://www.islandhelicopters.com/tours/
- Official Website - FAQs: Details critical visitor logistics, including what to wear, cancellation policies, and the company's strict weight restrictions.
https://www.islandhelicopters.com/faqs/
- Kauai.com (Travel Guide): A third-party travel site that provides an overview and lists representative pricing, corroborating the premium nature of the tour.
https://www.kauai.com/island-helicopters
- Hawaii.com (Travel Guide): An overview that explicitly mentions the accessibility limitations regarding the inability to assist passengers into the helicopter.
https://www.hawaii.com/kauai/things-to-do/tours-and-activities/island-helicopters/
- USA Today 10Best Awards: Confirms the company's repeated recognition as a top helicopter tour in reader polls, which speaks to its popular reputation.
https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-helicopter-tour-2024/
