Ma Ka Lewa: The God's-Eye View
Witness the full scale and isolation of Nāpali from the skies
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerChoosing Your Flight
An aerial tour represents the only way to comprehend the sheer scale and isolation of the Nāpali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the island's interior. This includes the wettest spot on Earth, Mt. Waiʻaleʻale. The choice comes down to a helicopter or a small fixed-wing airplane.
Helicopter vs. Fixed-Wing Plane
The decision between a helicopter and a plane tour comes down to a trade-off between thrill, cost, and comfort. Helicopters offer an intense, up-close experience with the ability to hover and fly deep into the valleys. Airplanes provide a smoother, more affordable flight with a broader, higher-altitude perspective.
For some travelers, the perceived safety record plays a significant factor. Small planes have a better statistical safety record in Hawaiʻi than tour helicopters.
Helicopter Tours
Best For: Thrills, up-close valley views, immersive experiences, and photography (especially doors-off options).
Pros
- • Can hover and get "inside" valleys
- • More intense and dynamic
- • Doors-off options for photography
- • No window glare (doors-off)
Cons
- • Can be loud
- • More expensive ($280-$400+ pp)
- • Higher incident rate statistically
- • Window reflections (doors-on)
Safety Note: Helicopters have a statistically higher incident rate in Hawaiʻi. Choose operators with strong safety programs.
Fixed-Wing Plane Tours
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, those wary of helicopters, and families wanting comfort.
Pros
- • Smoother, quieter ride
- • More affordable ($159+ pp)
- • Better statistical safety record
- • Large bubble windows
Cons
- • Higher altitude perspective
- • Cannot hover
- • Always through windows
- • Less intimate feel
Safety Note: Planes are generally considered safer with a better statistical record in Hawaiʻi.
Helicopter Options: Doors-Off vs. Doors-On
The main choice for a helicopter tour comes down to doors-off versus doors-on.
Doors-Off
Delivers the ultimate thrill ride. Completely unobstructed views make it the top choice for photographers who want to avoid window glare.
Experience:
- • Feel the wind and hear waterfalls
- • Immersive adventure
- • Perfect for photography
Drawbacks:
- • Colder and much louder
- • Intense for height-sensitive
Doors-On
Provides a much more comfortable, quieter, and climate-controlled experience. Ideal for families or anyone who prefers a more relaxed journey.
Experience:
- • Climate-controlled comfort
- • Quieter with headsets
- • Family-friendly
Drawbacks:
- • Window reflections
- • Less immersive
⚖️ Quick Comparison
- Helicopter $280-$400 | Thrills
- Airplane $159+ | Budget-friendly
- Doors-Off Photography | Wind
- Doors-On Comfort | Families
🛡️ Safety Priority
Choose operators with transparent safety programs and long track records. Look for TOPS certification and voluntary FAA SMS.
Reputable Operators: Safety First
Safety must be your paramount concern when choosing an operator. Look for companies with transparent safety programs and long track records.
🚁 Jack Harter Helicopters
Originated helicopter tours on Kauaʻi. This local, family-owned business has over 60 years of experience.
They consistently get voted as one of the best, with stellar reviews for knowledgeable pilots and commitment to safety.
🚁 Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Stands out for being the first in the U.S. to be certified by the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS).
They also have a voluntary FAA Safety Management System (SMS). This demonstrates a very high commitment to safety protocols that exceed standard requirements.
✈️ Wings Over Kauai
Consistently receives outstanding reviews for friendly, knowledgeable pilots and excellent customer service.
They offer a fantastic way to see the entire island comfortably and affordably from a fixed-wing aircraft.
Photography Tips
- • Best Light: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting
- • Doors-Off: Eliminate window reflections, but secure all equipment
- • Doors-On: Use polarizing filters to reduce glare
- • Shutter Speed: Use fast shutter speeds to counter vibration
- • Dress in Layers: Temperature changes can be significant
- • Camera Strap: Essential for doors-off tours
Complete Your Nāpali Planning
Learn essential safety tips and explore adventures beyond Nāpali