Princeville Departure, 45 Minutes

A 45-minute Blue Hawaiian Helicopters flight from Princeville over the Na Pali Coast's rugged cliffs and valleys. It rates 4.9 across 34 reviews, from $579 per person.

Overview

This 45-minute flight leaves from Princeville Airport and follows a loop around the island: Hanalei Bay, the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Olokele Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls, the waterfall made famous in Jurassic Park, and Mount Waialeale. Every stop on the route is a flyover rather than a landing, so the whole circuit is spent looking down on ridges, valleys and water from the aircraft.

The pilot acts as guide throughout, and each one is a State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guide as well as a flight crew member. Headsets are provided, aviation-grade noise-cancelling units from Bose with two-way microphones, so passengers can talk with the pilot and ask questions mid-flight. Reviews mention pilots who explain the sights clearly, and one traveller noted the flight gave a real sense of the island's size and showed areas they would otherwise not have seen.

Most travellers can participate, and each flight carries a maximum of four passengers. It does not suit anyone who needs hotel pickup, since transport to the heliport is not included, and check-in happens an hour before departure for weighing, the safety briefing and seating.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Princeville AirportArrive at Princeville Airport on Kuhio Hwy in Kilauea one hour before the flight for weight check-in, the safety briefing and seating. Late arrivals may not be accepted and are non-refundable.
2. Fly over Hanalei BayThe aircraft passes over Hanalei Bay and the Princeville area shortly after departure.
3. Na Pali Coast flyoverThe route passes by the cliffs and valleys of Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.
4. Waimea and Olokele canyonsThe flight continues past Waimea Canyon State Park and Olokele Canyon.
5. Jurassic Park FallsThe helicopter passes by Manawaiopuna Falls, known as Jurassic Park Falls.
6. Mount WaialealeThe final flyover is Mount Waialeale before the aircraft returns to the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight goes, from what to wear to how the aircraft is balanced.

• Wear dark colors. The listing asks passengers to wear dark clothing so it does not reflect in photos.
• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or transport to the heliport, so travellers arrange their own ride to Princeville Airport. The listing advises allowing ample travel time in case of traffic, since check-in closes an hour before departure.
• Seating and balance. Guests weighing over 240 pounds (108 kg) need an adjacent empty seat to safely balance the aircraft, and the listing asks that this second seat be arranged after booking. The second seat charge is half off the regular tour price.
• Talk with the pilot. Headsets with two-way microphones let passengers speak with the pilot during the flight. Reviews mention pilots who explain the sights as the flight goes, which helps passengers follow what they are seeing.
• Weather and visibility. The flight requires good weather and may be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are poor. A few reviewers flew with early rain or cloud and still saw waterfalls and wide views, and one spotted a whale from the air.
• Photos and extras. A USB video and photo package of the flight can be purchased after landing, so bring a credit card for that and any souvenirs at the heliport. Gratuities are also not included and are left to individual discretion.

Common issues. The aircraft holds a maximum of four travellers, and the flight requires a minimum number of passengers to run; if that minimum is not met, travellers are offered a different date or a full refund. Guests weighing over 240 pounds (108 kg) need an adjacent empty seat for balance, charged at half the regular tour price, arranged after booking. Check-in is strict: arriving late may mean losing the booking with no refund. No scuba diving is allowed within 24 hours of departure, and video or photo packages cost extra after the flight.

What To Know Before Flying