Buy NowMaverick Helicopter Tours of Kauai provides spectacular views of the “Garden Isle” that you can only experience from a bird’s eye view. The lush and vibrant landscapes are crossed with rugged mountains that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see.
Kauai Explorer Helicopter Tour Overview
The Kauai Explorer Tour is a fifty-minute aerial tour in an ECO-Star helicopter that provides magnificent views of some of Kauai’s most iconic natural landmarks—Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. Riders will depart from the Port Allen Airport on the Southwest Coast of Kauai.
This Maverick Helicopters Tour flies the 17-mile stretch of Na Pali Coast beaches lined with vibrant green cliffs and a clear blue ocean surf. The ECO-Star helicopter will fly inland over the Waimea Canyon, also known as The Grand Canyon of The Pacific.” The canyon was nicknamed by historic Midwestern author Mark Twain and is known for its beautiful colors and desert landscape. The pilot will continue to the North Shore where riders will take in the majesty of Mount Makana and the Bali Hai Cliffs. Next, riders will fly over the canopy of the Mount Maialeale tropical rainforest which is one of the wettest places in the world. A pass by the famous Jurassic Falls concludes the trip on the loop back to the Port Allen Airport.
What You Need to Bring
The Kauai Explorer Helicopter Tour is solely aerial will no on-ground landings. Riders should wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Riders should also bring a photo ID as riders must be 18+ to participate.
Riders are also advised to wear sunscreen and sunglasses, as well as cameras.
Things to Know
Maverick uses the EC130 & H130 ECO-Star helicopters which are designed for tourism.
There is no shuttle service provided by Maverick for tours in Hawaiian Islands destinations.
Helicopters an accommodate up to seven guests. Private flights can be reserved by booking all seven seats.
Riders will sit in assigned seats based on ideal weight balance for efficient and ideal flying situations.
There is a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds per passenger and total weight on the helicopter cannot exceed 1240 pounds.
There is no photography allowed on the airport ramp; however, riders are encouraged to take photographs on all other parts of the tour.
MavStar language translation devices are available for non-English speaking riders.
Service Animals are not allowed on flights according to Title 14 of The Code of Federal Regulations, Part 382.117.
Pregnant women can ride but should consult with their physicians first.
Sites to See on the Kauai Explorer Tour
The Kauai Explorer Tour gives a chance for riders to see some of the most spectacular places in Kauai, some of which are only accessible by air!
Hanapepe– Hanapepe is a bay area is surrounded by cliffs and rocky outcrops that are known for landslides in the valley. The fertile valley is an agricultural area where bananas, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane are grown. Kalo is also grown here which is what the famous Hawaiian dish “poi” is famed from. Salt harvesting is also an important economic factor in the valley.
Manawaiopuna “Jurassic Falls”– Known in pop culture as “Jurassic Falls,” the famous waterfall is privately owned and stands 400 feet tall. The waterfall, which was featured in the Jurassic Park films, is only accessible by air travel and landings are extremely limited.
Mt. Waialeale– This shield volcano is the second tallest point of the Hawaiian Islands and its name means “rippling water.” The 5,148-foot-tall mountain gets more than 373 inches of rain annually and is one of the rainiest places on the planet which creates a tropical rainforest environment.
Hanalei Bay– This bay is the largest in the Hawaiian Islands and found on the north shore of Kauai. Two miles of beaches are surrounded by mountains and is a great spot for sail boating, paddle boarding, and swimming, and more. During winter months, the shores just outside of Princeville become an ultimate surf destination.
Princeville– This upscale, master-planned community features elite homes and condos on the north coast of Kauai. The population is just over 2,000 people and the town are bordered by Hanalei.
Bali Hai Cliffs– The Bali Hai Cliffs are part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden on the Na Pali Coast. Also known as Makana Mountain, these cliffs and the mountainous terrain form a pyramid shaped peak that was featured in the 1960 film, South Pacific. The mountain is also the site of the ancient fire-throwing ritual.
Kalalau Valley– Found on the northwest coast of Kauai, the Kalalau Valley is part of the Na Pali Coast State Park and is home to the famous Kalalau Beach. The beach is not accessible to vehicles and can only be seen by air, kayak, or hiking.
Napali Coast– the Na Pali Coast State Park is in the middle of the northwest side of the island stretches 16 miles starting at Ke’e Beach and ending at Polihale State Park. There is no access to the park for vehicles; however, visitors can explore by kayak, Kauai helicopter tour, or hiking.
Waimea Canyon– Known as the Grand Canyon the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is ten miles and 3,600 feet deep. The canyon displays colorful reds, browns, and greens, that are highlighted by frequent rainbows and lined with beautiful waterfalls.
Port Allen Airport– The airport is where riders will board and depart from their Maverick helicopter tour of Kauai. The airport is located just one mile from Hanapepe and is used for general aviation of aircraft less than 12,500 pounds and is used mostly for tourism.