Sunny beaches, wonderful waterfalls, the dramatic drops of the Na Pali Coast … the only way to really do Hawaii justice is with an aerial tour. Each island offers a different breathtaking view of fabulous coastline and unique scenery … at a high price. But there are a few things you can do to find cheaper prices on those helicopter tours.
If you’re just starting to consider booking a helicopter tour in Hawaii, you may be dealing with some sticker shock.
Helicopter tours in Hawaii start around $200 a person … but you can spend thousands on a private tour.
An average helicopter tour will provide about an hour of flight time. The tour will be narrated by your pilot.
While $200 a person prices some tourists out of the chance for an unforgettable experience, there are a few tricks to finding cheaper helicopter tours during your stay in Hawaii.
- Reduce flight time — You won’t be able to see everything the island has to offer, but this tour of Kauai will get you off the ground. The $119 chopper tour lasts a short 25 minutes.
- Head inside — Another option is to trade in the helicopter for a fixed wing plane. This is the option we chose during our trip to Kauai in October of 2018. We were impressed with the tour … and the views out the plane’s windows. Out pictures turned out pretty good too! The tour costs $145 per person, but you’ll save an additional $10 if you book online, so $135 for a 60 minute flight. This option also offers a higher weight limit per person than the helicopter flights allow.
- Off Peak Tour Times — If you have a tour you’d like, but the price is still too much, contact the company and ask if they offer a lower price on off-peak flights. These flights will normally take place late in the afternoon when the lighting isn’t as good for pictures, but could save you $50 or more per person.
- Discount sites — Check prices on discount booking sites. Prices may change quickly and often, but you could stumble on a fantastic deal.
- Groupon and Living Social — If I’m looking for an activity, I always search these two sites before I book elsewhere. You never know what you’re going to find at a discounted price.
As with any tour, you’ll want to research the company you’re hiring. Here are a few issues to ask about before you book a discount flight, or any other flight.
- Check the company’s safety record
- Check the type of helicopters/planes the company uses to see if the advertised package matches safety requirements for number of passengers and weight requirements
- Ask about the training of the pilots and their experience
- Use this information to make an educated decision as to whether or not you’re comfortable with the company you’re hiring
One other suggestion — if you will be shooting video or pictures through a window, wear dark-colored clothing. It will limit the reflection on the window and help you get better pictures.
Enjoy your flight!