Kauai Helicopter Tour: Doors-On Family Flight & Na Pali Coast

Summary

Soar above Kauai’s wild cliffs and canyons with local pilots guiding you

You’ll fly above Kauai’s legendary Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon on this doors-on helicopter tour from Lihue, guided by a local pilot who shares stories only islanders know. Kids can join too — it’s designed for families or anyone wanting epic views without feeling exposed. Expect waterfalls, wild colors, music in your headset, and those little moments you’ll remember long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

"That’s Hanapepe Valley down there — see the waterfall?" our pilot, Keoni, called out over the headset. I pressed my forehead to the window (which was cleaner than I expected), trying not to fog it up. The doors-on setup made it feel safe enough for my daughter, but still — my stomach did a little flip as we banked left and suddenly the whole Na Pali Coast just opened up below us. Green ridges, blue ocean, those impossible drops. It was loud in the cabin but somehow peaceful at the same time. My son kept pointing and yelling “dinosaur!” — Jurassic Park kid logic, I guess.

We’d started back at Lihue, where they checked our weights (awkward but makes sense for a helicopter) and explained why dark clothes help with photos. Keoni told us he grew up here and knew every bend in Waimea Canyon — “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” he said, and honestly it did look like someone had painted stripes of red and green across the earth. The air smelled faintly salty even up high, and I caught myself grinning when we skimmed past waterfalls that seemed to appear out of nowhere. At one point I tried to say “ohana” properly; Keoni laughed — probably butchered it.

The flight was about an hour, maybe less? Time felt odd up there. I liked that it wasn’t just about chasing views — Keoni talked about sacred sites along the Na Pali Coast and pointed out places you can only see by air. My daughter squeezed my hand when we hovered near a cliff edge; she whispered she felt like a bird. So yeah, doors-on meant no wind in your face but plenty of heart-in-your-throat moments anyway. Still think about that silence right before we turned back toward town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aerial tour of Kauai's landmarks

• Fly over Waimea Canyon
• View Na Pali Coast cliffs
• See waterfalls in Hanapepe Valley

Top questions

Is this Kauai helicopter tour suitable for young children?

Yes, this doors-on flight is designed for families and is suitable for children under 10.

How long does the Air Kauai Ohana helicopter tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one hour from takeoff to landing.

What will I see on this Kauai helicopter ride?

You’ll fly over Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Hanapepe Valley waterfalls, rainforests, streams, and dramatic cliffs.

Are there weight restrictions for passengers?

Yes; single passengers over 240 lbs or groups averaging over 200 lbs per person may need to purchase an extra seat for safety.

Is pickup included in this helicopter tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; check your ticket for check-in details at Lihue airport.

Can infants join the flight?

Infants under 24 months must sit on an adult’s lap; over 24 months require their own paid seat.

Are bags allowed on board during the flight?

No bags are allowed on board—including purses and backpacks—for safety reasons.

Is this Kauai helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

No; there is no wheelchair lift or staff assistance available for boarding the helicopter.

What’s included

Your flight includes all fees and taxes plus narration from a local pilot as you soar above Kauai’s most iconic sights—Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast cliffs, hidden waterfalls—on a comfortable doors-on ride perfect for families or anyone wanting a serene aerial experience without exposure to wind or weather.