While attending college at the University of California, Berkeley, Bonnie spent her summer vacations working as a kids camp counselor at Kahili Mountain Park on Kauai. Something to consider is that maintaining helicopters in the tropics is very expensive and time consuming. WebISLAND HELICOPTERS KAUAI - 575 Photos & 404 Reviews - 3788 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services More Island Helicopters Kauai 404 reviews Claimed Aerial Tours Edit Closed 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM See hours See all 592 photos Write a review Add photo Save Review Highlights Jurassic Falls in 40 reviews I met a young Hawaiian woman a couple of years ago who said very politely that the "juests are very brave, we locals would never fly in those helicopters". Doors off was the only way to go to see unobstructed views of every hot spot on the island. As many are, we were a bit nervous going in a helicopter but our pilot Nicky Rotor was awesome at making everyone feel calm, safe and showed us an awesome time. WAIALEALES CRATER. Curt has been flying aerial photography and support for over 40 years in Hawaii and is widely respected throughout the motion picture industry. WebMauna Loa Helicopters has been offering private sightseeing tours over Kauai since 2006, and we recently expanded to offer tour operations from our island bases on Oahu and the Big Island. Over 90% of the State of Hawaii is accessible only by I wish the pilot would have slowed down around the waterfalls. They fly six-passenger A-star helicopters (the industry standard in Hawaii) and they fly with doors on and doors off configurations. Other than that, absolutely awesome and worth the money. Curt personally selects and trains every We know our customers are independent thinkers, so we dont use booking companies (who may take over 30% commission). As you flight is prepared, we can answer any questions you may have while you relax in our comfortable terminal. Thanks. Copyright 2021 ThisWeek Hawaii Created by Hagadone Media, Jurassic Falls Helicopter Landing Adventure. My table lists Hawaii helicopter company involved in the crash; helicopter type in use at the time; cause of crash; how many people lived using a ratio platform; year of crash. At the same time an FAA officer, on vacation in our concierge room joined in on the conversation and said that only a couple of years before, the FAA came in an grounded every operator for poorly maintained maintaince records. I can't tell you which ones to avoid but I can tell you that Blue Hawaiian is top notch. Only a helicopter can fly you Both Island Helicopters and all of the pilots are FAA Certified Part 135. We look forward to hearing from you! When researching Hawaii helicopter tours, safety is of the utmost importance. We had a great time. He pointed out everything you would even think of asking and although I was sitting on the end with no door, I felt very safe and you could tell this is a dream job for him! No Chinon that's completely incorrect. Don't know how you would come up with such a fact. it's not a silly question. There have been many crashes o I would recommend a helicopter ride to anybody since you can't see most of Kauai without it. Copyright 2023 Air Kauai Helicopter Tours. Of the 17 previous crashes, meanwhile, eight happened on Oahu, five on the Big Island and two each on Kauai and Molokai, the records show. Thanks to the Island gang for this awesome experience!!. Very professional, Awesome Perspective of the island. Jack Harter is definitely the best to do a helicopter tour in Kauai. A family of four from Canada was on board. Of course there's risks but so is flying airplanes. Another Robinson R-44 went down in October 2018 when the pilot passed out twice. Curt and Bonnie Lofstedt, owners and operators of Island Helicopters Kauai, Inc., are long-time island residents with a home in the town of Kalaheo. You won't hear the engine or the whirling of the blades. Book a tour today and see kauai the way nature intended soaring above, gliding on air. The measure would also address flight paths, preventing tour choppers from taking routes over some communities. That's not luck - it's the combined commitment of professional pilots and top $80 Surcharges / Fees. We had two people afraid of height's but they did fine, We did the doors off entire island tour. i'm not sure who would have complete safety records, but maybe you could work backwards and find one you like, then search out their safety and accident records online. Great communication from the company. I subscribe to Hawaii magazine and the issue I got just last week had an article on this. There have been many crashes on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How has Kauai been affected by the floods? Because of this, many people may be afraid to take a helicopter tour. Island Helicopters fleet of six-passenger, Airbus (formerly Eurocopter) AStar helicopters boast paramount viewing opportunities with custom ceiling-to-floor windows. Rescuers pulled the group to shore, including a teen who later succumbed to his injuries. We would be happy to answer any questions and put your mind at ease! Jack has an impeccable record and has also been called upon numerous times to do rescue The remains of six of those on the chopper have been recovered. If we're referring to helicopter tours only, over the last decade there have been eight helicopter crashes in Hawaii. Our highly skilled pilots have many years of experience and all have a perfect safety record. Jack Harter Helicopters uses excellent noise reduction headphones. I know there have been crashes, injuries, deaths with certain helicopter operators. The incident on Kauai is the second fatal helicopter crash in the islands this year. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Here is one link that gives some info. The views were unbelievable! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 808.245.8588. Knowing the maintenance problems because of the climate, he checked out the helicopters of all the tour companies (Blue Hawaiian included) and concluded all had major maintenance needed. 14 days between Kauii, Hawaii, Lanai, Molokai, & Maui, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Case says thats a distraction. We are proud of our safety record. WebWe have been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any company in Hawaii, over 42 years. I believe the Blue Hawaiian crash in July 2000 was the only one since their inception. Island Helicopters Kauai, Inc. has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any other company. Euphoria awaits. BEWARE of Beachfront Travel, also know as TBD (Travel By Design), It appears Hawaii Tourism doesn't want people to visit Kauai, Sleeping Giant vs Kuilau Ridge vs Waimea Canyon Trail, Kauai St regis or Big Island Four seasons. Mauna Loa Helicopters has been offering private sightseeing tours over Kauai since 2006, and we recently expanded to offer tour operations from our island bases on Oahu and the Big Island. They also have the best safety record in all of Hawaii. Just did a helicopter tour in April with Jack Harter. This elite tour is 75-80 minutes (air+landing). Definitely recommend this experience and I think it's totally worth the price. Companies WITH and WITHOUT crashes are represented. Advertising - Kauai is actually a natural sanctuary and this ride brought us to places youve only seen in movies. What started as a flight training school for helicopter pilots 22 years ago has blossomed into one of the more exclusive tour companies. All six passengers ended up suing Blue Hawaiian Helicopters for negligence. Take a look at our photos and start planning your next life-changing adventure. Hands down my favorite experience in Kauai, and Kauai was magical--so that's saying a lot! We are Kauai's only permitted company to land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour. We did the Haleakela tour and bought the video of our flight and have not one regret. The NTSB says the engine-to-transmission drive shaft failed in flight due to improper maintenance. Each time we watch the video with us in it we feel that we are on the flight all over again. They have the best record for safety in the industry. In addition, they are the only company on Kauai that is permitted to land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Only Island Helicopters allows you to land at Hawaiis most acclaimed waterfall. As family friends of the Robinson family, the falls private owners, Curt had landed at the base of Manawaiopuna before. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? I agree with Dennis. Does everyone realize the most dangerous part of the helicopter journey is the drive in the car to get to the landing pad? IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 808.245.8588. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. It was always touted as being the best and accident free. WebAirplanes are restricted to fly no lower than 1000 to 1500 feet and they have wider standoff distance than helicopters, which can fly as low as 500 feet. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? The only problem is it goes by too quickly! Blue Hawaiian do not. Where can I find more info about which companies to avoid, and what the safety records are? What great fun this tour is! Don't hesitate to book- amazing experience. This is a must do. WebIsland Helicopters Kauai, Inc. has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any other company. We had a great time! In February 2016, onlookers watched in horror as a Bell 206B plummeted out of the sky and into the water at Pearl Harbor near the Arizona Memorial. It includes our Grand Deluxe Circle Island tour PLUS a landing deep within the interior of Kauai, inaccessible to the public. After setting down near the base of the 400-foot falls, your pilot will guide you along a jungle path adjacent to a stream to the bottom of the spectacular falls. Companies WITH and WITHOUT crashes are Do, you check the safety record of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Copyright 2023 Air Kauai Helicopter Tours. Where high standards in helicopter maintenance is not an issue in Hawaii, accidents are usually referred to pilot error. Without a doubt the best way to see the island in all its glory.. In that incident the co-pilot passenger was forced to take controls which probably saved all those onboard. They truly are the best company, are very professional and our pilot Dave had a great sense of humor. All of the companys pilots and employees reside on Kauai with their families. Both the company and all of its pilots are FAA Certified Part 135. But there are certainly other things you can ask such as the experience of your pilot for starters. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-86519247', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai recently was a hard emergency beach landing in Jan. 2016. https://ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20160119X14513. Who else appears to be involved in a Hawaii crash over the last ten years is Airbus with their AS series helicopters. I'm assuming it would be the July issue? We saw parts of the Garden Island you can only see by air. Commercial work is much riskier and these types of accidents are not included. Copyright 2023 Island Helicopters Kauai, INC. Includes the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Jurassic Falls by air, and more, Includes the Grand Skies Island Tour PLUS landing at the falls. I was a little hesitant to do it but so glad we did I will never forget it. Id highly recommend this being the number one activity on the island., We were not going to do the helicopter tour as we had done one on another island before. WebThe best overall value and most flexibility in scheduling is found with Air Kauai. temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind), the company elects to fly doors-on. Because of this, tours are quiet, safe, climate-controlled, and provide spectacular views. The staff & pilot made me feel so comfortable and safe. Amazingly, it took more than ten years to see an incident involving a helicopter tour on the Big Island, which thankfully resulted in minor injuries only. Why post such blatant lies and attempt to create unwarranted fear? If you are interested in a helicopter tour with Air Kauai, book online through our tours page or call us at (808) 246-4666 if you have any questions!! No Hawaiian island is without its accidents involving helicopter tours as it can happen anywhere, with Hawaii being no different to anywhere else on earth. Since 1980, Island Helicopters provides safe, exhilarating experiences designed for adventure-seekers and families alike. That is where I am unable to get the reports of the accident or the investigation is still ongoing. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. So as you can see as its not often flown in Hawaii for helicopter tours, naturally the stats show only the one accident involving the Jet Ranger 206. Rod: I'm sorry if you've had a personal bad experience, what I wa trying to express is that anything "fun" that involves a risk is just that- so go for it, Bon Vivant! WebWe have been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any company in Hawaii, over 42 years. The pilot, Nick, was excellent. Take a second to visit our tours page or call us directly at 808.246.4666 and let our dispatchers help you pick the perfect flight for you. Safety is our #1 priority. Take Jack Harter as an example. All rights reserved. Think about it if commercial jets went down as frequently on the mainland nobody would fly. Due to Kauais daily variable weather conditions (i.e. We flew Blue Hawaiian in the latest model helicopter and felt very safe. You dont want to ruin your Hawaii vacation (and more importantly lose your life) because you chose a helicopter company that didnt put safety first. I wouldnt worry about it. I just received my latest issue of Hawaii magazine and it has a great article on everything you want to know about these helicopters and these company's. Home; Tours. I remember some time ago after maybe the last string of incidents there was a discussion here about the frequency with helicopter tours vs. commercial (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Harsh I know because without that Oahu is quite clean in terms of past accidents. Bonnie would frequently hike the Na Pali Coast or Waimea Canyon with her campers, and at the end of the day, a chartered helicopter (Curt) would land and fly Bonnie and the campers back to camp. Copyright 2019 Hawaii News Now. Note: These accident statistics are for helicopter tours only. For a similar price, other companies will only fly high above Jurassic Falls. Is (where?) All incidents are reported there. That is the highest safety rating they can get. Feel the tropical mist, take pictures and learn the fascinating history of this remote area including native plants, geologic formations and agricultural history. The last crash on Kauai happened in 2016, when a chopper touring the Na Pali Coast went down on a beach. At Island Helicopters, we guarantee the best pricing. Are helicopter tours safe in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.. well I can say they certainly are. Our policy is to exceed safety standards set forth by the FAA Preston Myers, Owner & Pilot My friend was not happy with her husband after spending a day checking out helicopters and not taking a trip. When's the last time a plane went down? Due to Kauais daily variable weather conditions (i.e. She always chooses the later option. 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