Kauai Helicopter Tours
See Kauai by Helicopter & Plane on an Aerial Tour
Tours by Air in Kauai are stunning. You can fly over the island in air-conditioned comfort, or take a wild ride with one of the companies that use open helicopters…louder and windier, but the absolute best for photographers since there are no windows to interfere with your pictures. Check out this list of possible helicopter tour companies if you’re interested in seeing this beautiful island from the air.
- Safari Helicopters (East Shore) From any of our Kauai vacation rentals, the east shore is convenient and a short drive. Fly over Waimea Canyon and past The Na Pali wilderness area is inaccessible by vehicle, so unless you get on a boat, board an aircraft, or backpack the trails, you can’t see it. An air tour gives you a birds-eye view and lets you experience its full grandeur.
- Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours (East Shore): A private tour for two or three guests! It’s a much more personal experience and everybody gets a window seat. You can choose to fly with doors on or doors off. If you’ve got a generous budget, try their photography tour, where you get to decide where the pilot takes you.
- Air Tour Kauai (Port Allen Airport on the South Shore): This is a very affordable option! You’ll get to see Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali wilderness area, waterfalls and coffee fields. If you’re full on crazy, you can book a skydiving tour. Or finish off your air tour with a zipline adventure. The company to call if you’re an adrenaline junky!
- Jack Harter Helicopters (on the east shore, next to the airport in Lihue): Jack Harter has been offering helicopter tours of Kauai since 1962! You’ll love your doors-off ride in a 4-passenger helicopter, with the most knowledgeable pilots around. No pre-recorded tour info here, you’ll be in two-way communication with your pilot the whole time, and all commentary is live.
Kauai Boat Tours
Explore Miles of Pristine Coastline
Tours by Boat in Kauai are breathtaking, and within easy reach of any of our Kauai vacation rentals. Keep in mind that tours departing from the north shore (Hanalei) are only available in the summer months. The water tends to be too rough during the winter season. Tours depart from the south shore year-round (about a 90 minute drive from our north shore Kauai rentals). If you’re prone to seasickness, be sure to eat a good meal before you embark on your boat tour, and take your scopolamine an hour ahead. Here is a partial list to help narrow down which tour would be the best fit for your vacation.
- Na Pali Coast Hanalei Tours (North Shore): A breathtaking way to experience the Na Pali Coast wilderness. Inaccessible by car, you’ll need to board a boat or an aircraft, or hike and camp, if you want so see Na Pali. Boat tours departing from the north shore travel the most lush, beautiful, and unspoiled part of the coast. The snorkel tour includes lunch and an hour stop to snorkel! There’s no shade, so put on plenty of sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring loose, comfortable clothing so you can cover up. This company offers tours departing both from Hanalei on the north shore and Kekaha on the south shore.
- Liko Kauai Cruises (West Shore): Tours depart from Waimea on the west side. Cruise the coast in a catamaran, enjoy a picnic lunch, explore the ocean and its sea caves in an hour long snorkel stop. You must be at least 9 years old to board. As with the Hanalei boat tours above, there’s no shade, so plan accordingly. Catamarans are equipped with restrooms!
- Z-Tourz (South Shore): Zodiac boats and snorkeling – it’s awesome! In the winter months, you’ll see whales, a truly awesome sight from water level. If you struggle with sea-sickness, this is probably your best bet, as these tours stick to the calmer waters off Poipu. Again, there’s no shade, so make sure you dress accordingly, bring your sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
Kauai Horseback Riding
Experience Kauai like a Paniolo (cowboy)
Whether you’re staying at one of our Kauai vacation rentals on the north shore, the south shore, or the east shore, you’ll find a horseback riding adventure within just a few minutes drive. It’s a great way to check out the less-seen parts of the island. You don’t need to be an experienced equestrian, there are plenty of rides suitable for beginners too. Check out this list of places you can inquire for setting up horseback riding tours.
- Silver Falls Ranch (North Shore): Beautiful and leisurely tours through a 300 acre wilderness ranch and its botanical gardens. A variety of rides are offered, some including a waterfall swim, others a picnic, Riders with special needs may be accommodated with advance notice. All of the group trail rides proceed at a walking pace. If you’ve got the urge – and the skills – to trot or canter, you’ll need to book a private ride. Maximum weight of 300 lb permitted.
- Princeville Ranch (North Shore): No longer offering tours at this time, but still a great option for horseback riding lessons (both English and Western style riding!) among the stunning north shore scenery. Hour long lessons are $150/person as of November 2022, with a weight limit of 240 lbs.
- Espirit De Corps Riding Academy (East Shore): This is the only place we know about that offers a horseback wedding ceremony! Aside from weddings, they no longer offer trail rides, but serve as a booking agent for Princeville Ranch and CJM stables.
- CJM Country Stables (South Shore): Offering a variety of horseback adventures through the scenic Maha’ulepa area. The Secret Beach picnic ride is a perfect family adventure. You’ll ride to a secluded beach and then enjoy a picnic lunch and a swim before mounting up for the ride back. Please note that height and weight restrictions apply and that no one weighing more than 230 lbs will be allowed to participate. Children younger than 8 years old are not permitted. If you’re an experienced rider and want to proceed at a pace faster than walking, sign up for a private ride.
General Horseback Riding Tips
- Check height, weight, and age restrictions before you go. While they vary by provider, all will have limits for maximum weight or minimum age.
- Wear closed-toe shoes. No sandals.
- Put on plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. Wear a hat. Best clothing is a pair of lightweight long pants and a t-shirt.
- Requirements vary by provider, but in general, all children 14 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Teens 15 – 17 years old may ride along, but parents will need to sign a waiver.
- It rains a lot on Kauai. Rain won’t stop your ride, unless it’s actually inclement enough to pose a safety hazard. Be prepared for rain.
Kauai Zipline Tours
Explore Kauai’s Canopy
Zip Lining in Kauai is a blast! You’ll feel like a dare devil when you’re done, but it doesn’t take any special skills, and manages to be thrilling and exciting without being too terrifying. If you’re the adventurous type, you’ll love flying over the jungle at a high rate of speed! Wherever your Kauai vacation rental is located, you’ll find a zipline adventure nearby. Here are some of the companies to check out to see which zipline adventure best suits your nerves and your budget.
- Kauai Backcountry Adventures (East Shore): Get up close and personal with Mt. Wai’ale’ale and enjoy a three hour zip lining tour (starting with a scenic ride up in a four wheel drive vehicle). Please note that to glide on the zipline, you must be at least 12 years old and 100 lbs, and maximum weight permitted is 250 lbs.
- Just Live! Zipline Tours (East Shore): Centrally located and more budget-friendly than your other options. The Wikwiki tour starts at just $79. If ziplining isn’t enough of an adrenaline rush, you can also try their Monster Swing or challenge the rock climbing wall! Minimum age is 9 years old and weighing at least 70 lb. Maximum weight is 250lb.
- Skyline Eco-Adventure Poipu Zipline (South Shore): Two and a half ours of fun and excitement over some of the most beautiful terrain in the world at speeds of up to 50mph! About a half mile of walking is required, on paths of moderate difficulty. You’ll need to be at least 10 years old and 80lb, and maximum weight is 260 lb.
For reservations and more information contact our Kauai grown, expert concierge staff: 1-855-On-Kauai | [email protected] | www.kauaiva.com