Safari Helicopters

Safari Helicopters

Safari Helicopters
5
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
For over 30 years Safari has been taking people on helicopter tours to the inaccessible wonders of Kauai. Guest safety and satisfaction are Safari Helicopters top priority. Take an air tour with Safari Helicopters to find out why we are the best in the business.
Lihue, United States

Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024

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Tours and Tickets by Safari Helicopters
Travelers talk about

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles4,141 reviews
Excellent
3,762
Very good
230
Average
65
Poor
28
Terrible
58

DiAnn Campbell
Asheville, NC2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
This tour was one of the most memorable and phenomenal experiences of my life! I went with my husband during our honeymoon and had made a note that it was our honeymoon which I suspect was the reason why we received the best seats in the "house" - right next to our extremely talented pilot, Micah, in the front. The views were spectacular! The way Micah piloted the helicopter gave us TONS of opportunities to get great views and to take photos/videos of the waterfalls, mountains, valleys and coastline. He'd do this thing where he'd get really close to the cliffs, mountains, waterfalls, etc. and just sorta... hover there. It was extraordinary! The scenery was the most breathtaking I've ever seen and I'm 52 - I've seen a lot of places.

The other staff members, Jade, Sherri and Julian, were an absolute pleasure to be around. They were so friendly and made us feel comfortable and safe right away. I was hesitant at first to book with Safari Helicopters because their prices were lower than other places and I thought that meant we were going to die in a fiery helicopter crash, but my fears were totally unwarranted. The tour was completely safe. They went over safety guidelines and had all of that covered. Plus, I knew we were in good hands with such a tremendously talented pilot.

I really can't say enough good things about Safari Helicopters. Two months later, I still go back and look at the videos and photos I took and relive the experience I had with them over and over and over again. It was magical and I'll never forget it.

I know there are a lot of helicopter tours to choose from in Kauai, but trust me. You'll be thrilled with the tour you'll receive from Safari Helicopters.
Written November 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Your Safari Crew is so appreciative of your thoughtful review, rating and recommendation!! All of us here at Safari wish you and your Husband a long and Happy life together. To others who may book, please know seating is done by weight and balance for safety of flight. Mahalo nui loa!
Written November 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

GregCA
Santa Clara, CA7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Such an excellent experience, from start to finish. Booking was easy, including prompt response on how to handle having a passenger over 250 pounds. Ground staff were friendly, efficient and professional. The flight was perfect, and Chewy did a great job customizing so that we not only saw what was expected but also go to see where were staying near Makena. He was knowledgeable and not only provided a great tour, but also made us feel safe, the #1 component of anything in aviation. Would definitely recommend.
Written October 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui loa for your wonderful review, rating and recommendation to others of the Volcanoes National Park Safari from Hilo! Your Safari Crew is truly appreciative.
Written October 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Patrick M
Kennesaw, GA121 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
My girlfriend and I visited Oahu for 8 days in April and one day we flew over to the Big Island/Hilo to take a helicopter ride of the Volcano National Park and surrounding area. We chose Safari helicopters because of the great reviews that they got and we were not disappointed. I believe our helicopter pilots name was Sam but I wouldn't swear to it it might have been Kate. Either way from the minute we walked in the door to the minute we stepped out of the helicopter and back on the land the whole experience with them was simply amazing. They made you feel like somebody you knew rather than a customer and they went out of their way to accommodate you. Our pilot was extremely knowledgeable of the surrounding area and even made an excellent recommendation of somewhere to go eat afterwards which just like the ride... was also excellent LOL. The ride is for 55 minutes but I swear it feels like you were up there for an hour and a half and she took us directly over smoking volcanoes and around to the left and around to the right just so the people on each side of the helicopter could get excellent pictures and or videos. She also flew over some gorgeous sites and waterfalls in addition to the volcanoes . I did not see any other helicopters doing what we did. I would more than recommend Safari helicopters and if and when my girlfriend and I ever make it back more than likely take another tour with them. The only suggestion I would make is to ask your passengers if the temperature is okay on the helicopter because we were a little bit chilly and had to ask to turn down the air conditioning a little bit, which they gladly accommodated, but other than that no complaints . Thanks again guys you all did a fantastic job... keep up the good work!!!
Written April 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A heart felt " Mahlo nui" from your Safari Hilo Crew for your wonderfully thoughtful review, rating and recommendation. We look forward to your next visit!
Written April 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Denny H
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
Safari requires 48 hour cancellation notice. I was part of a group of 4. Due to illness, I could not go as I had returned home. Our trip was scheduled on Tuesday. We attempted to contact them on Sunday to give the 48 hour notice, but their office is closed on weekends. 'We left a message, but they never called back. They would not refund the trip cost due to a lack of a 48 hour notice of cancellation. So if you are going to use their service, do not book on Monday or Tuesday if there is any chance that you might need to cancel as they will not be there to accept the cancellation. Very poor service on their part.
Also, once they determined our group of 4 was what they called "overweight", they increased the cost by $75 per person. I should have smelled a rat at that point and immediately cancelled the trip. My three friends that went said they had a great time, but clearly the company lacks integrity when it comes to honoring cancellations.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It seems that you have had an out of the ordinary experience for which I apologize. Please contact our Customer Service Team at customerservice@safarihelicopters.com. Please provide Reservation last name and flight date with more detail of your complaint so that we can investigate. Sincerely, Safari Helicopters Customer Service Team
Written August 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bonnie C
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Couples
My husband and I signed up for this helicopter ride for our honeymoon in Kauai. It was raining that morning and we thought plans would be ruined but our pilot Max was very reassuring that we were in great hands the whole time. We even saw more rainbows and waterfalls than usual because of the rain! It was a small 6 person helicopter, everyone had great views of the scenery. The only negative I would say is just the mics are handheld and not part of the headsets so couldn’t really laugh at our pilots jokes unless you proactively pushed to talk. Not a huge deal, we were able to give Max feedback at the end that we did enjoy the ride despite the silence =D. Max was a great pilot and gave us lots of fun facts, and info about all of Kauai.

The staff in the main office were also amazing. They provided clear instructions and there were free lockers to store our stuff if needed. I’d definitely recommend arriving 30 mins ahead of flight time like they suggested because it took time to check in, use the restroom, and they did a safety briefing before shuttling us to the helipads.

Overall, great experience! I got a little nauseous but felt very safe the entire time. The views, of course, were amazing. So if you were to splurge on a helicopter ride once in your life, Safari Helicopters in Kauai is totally worth.
Written November 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha! All of us here at Safari are so very appreciative of your wonderfully thoughtful review and 5 star rating. Mahalo nui for choosing Safari!
Written November 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Enthusiastic_novice
Denver, CO11 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
This company is truly heartless and has terrible customer service. Our elderly neighbors asked if our family would like to join them on a helicopter tour over the Big Island and even though it was a significant cost, we decided that this would be our Christmas gift to our two children. We live on Maui and had to coordinate flights from Maui to the Big Island for the helicopter tour today (Tuesday). Over the weekend Hawaii was hit with unusually severe winds and storms. Because there was a severe wind advisory in effect through the middle of the week, we called multiple times yesterday to request to reschedule to any time and date that was available within the next two weeks. Even though there was availability, Safari Helicopters refused to make any accommodation or exception to their 48 hour no-refund policy. Even though our commercial flight on Hawaiian airlines from Maui to the Big Island was delayed for two hours due to weather, Safari Helicopters would not admit that there was a national weather wind advisory in effect and refused to consider any alternative solutions. The manager Stephanie that I spoke to was especially unpleasant, unhelpful and unsympathetic to our elderly neighbors who were not comfortable traveling in unsafe weather conditions. We were not asking for a refund, only to reschedule to their next available tour, and they very rudely refused. It has been a heartbreaking conclusion to what was supposed to be a wonderful family Christmas experience.
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Safety is our number one priority followed by quality of tour. Safari Helicopters Hilo Base cancelled all tours from Sunday afternoon thru the entire day Monday due to the dangerous storm. Tuesday was beautiful! One of those rare Hilo days where we were able to fly all day. Management would not allow us to cancel or change your reservation for weather on Tuesday because weather was not an issue. I was however able to cancel and refund you in full after receiving proof from you that your airline flight was delayed well into the afternoon (We were told the reason was fueling issues, not weather) This was recognized as beyond your control. We are not heartless. Simply running a business with cancellation/ change policies made known to you in advance.
Written December 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

FarrugiaM
Valletta, Malta60 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
We did the ‘Kauai - Island highlights helicopter tour’ and it was incredible. Very well organized with particular attention to safety. The views were incredible and thankfully we had an excellent pilot - Kate - who gave us a very smooth ride and kept a very pleasant running commentary pointing out different features of the land sprawling beneath us. It was truly an unforgettable experience and we highly recommend this tour with Safari Helicopters.
Written June 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui for your awesome review, rating and recommendation to others! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed the experience
Written June 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

D W M
Columbus, OH8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Couples
The entire experience was outstanding. From meeting at the office, the safety briefing, at the takeoff site, landing on the mountain top, flying above the coastline, in the high mountains, seeing the many waterfalls and the return trip. Max was an wonderful pilot and guide. He made us feel safe even when flying in the rain and windy conditions. It has been the highlight of our visit to Kauai. Highly recommend it to all visitors.
Written February 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui! Great to hear that you enjoyed the entire experience from start to finish. With warm appreciation, Your Safari Kauai Crew
Written February 15, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

IceMocha
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021
We did the tour of Volcanoes National Park Safari on Dec 29. Fantastic experiences and view from the air! The moment before we arrived, it started to rain. We were worried the trip would be canceled, Luckily the pilot Sam said the weather was good inside the Volcano NP. On the way to the Volcanoes, Sam did a wonderful job explaining the landscape and history of HIlo and the volcanoes, She actually flew an extra 10 minutes or so to avoid the rains and clouds so that we could have a better view of the beautiful coast, lush rainforest and volcanoes. Sam showed us the lava flow of kilauea, and she was hovering around for quite some time and made sure everyone could see the amazing view clearly. On our way back, we saw a full rainbow in the air! Sam also flew along the Hilo coast and showed us the waterfalls. It was a blast! We absolutely enjoyed the tour and we highly recommend the tour to everyone who want to see the volcanoes and beautiful coast from above!
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui loa for this awesome review and 5 star rating! We are so very pleased that you enjoyed the experience.
Written January 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Darwin L
Woodland, CA25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Couples
What a wonderful experience with Safari! Cookie, Samantha and Sam were a great team providing pre trip info, pre trip training, and in flight info. We felt safe and enjoyed the ride from beginning to end.

Cookie greeted us as we approached the building. Informed us of how long before our pre flight meeting was happening. Greeted us using our surnames, it was quite impressive. She gathered us for the pre trip meeting, talked of the safety aspects to be aware of, which included the life vest, walking procedure out to the helicopter, all about the safety!!

She then proceeds to walk us out to the helicopter in a specific order for safety. We were first in line, not knowing how that meant where we were going to get to sit inside the helicopter. She directed my wife and I to follow her over to the copter from our staging point about 20 feet in front of the copter. She opens the door and has us sit in the front row next to the pilot! How Cool!!! Cookie helps us with our seat belts and Sam helps us with the headsets. There is a button, think Jeopardy button that we have to push in order to talk to Sam. She says hello to make sure we hear her and we reply back to her Hello!

It takes a minute to load all of the passengers, 6 of us and Sam our pilot. Sam goes through a few reminders of the safety concerns, how the emergency handles on the doors work, where the fire extinguishers were, and then we started up. What a smooth lift off and rise through the airport to clear the air space. It was my first ride in a helicopter and it will not be my last! I was impressed at how smooth our ride was, even the turns so that each side of the copter could see the sights. We made quite a few very tight turns for viewing and she always informed us prior to making the move so no one was surprised. Hats off to Sam for her amazing flying skill and knowledge that she shared with us about the Island and National Park. She even added some history in the mix that we appreciated.

Thanks Safari Helicopters!
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui for this wonderfully thoughtful and thorough review and rating. We are so pleased that you enjoyed the tour as well as the whole process:-). With warm regard and appreciation, Your Safari Crew
Written October 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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