Na Pali Coast Airplane Tour

Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats runs through Air Ventures Hawaii. Rated 4.8 across 2,105 reviews. Runs 1 hour 5 minutes (approx.). From $159.

Check park access before you go. Stops inside state parks (Waimea Canyon, Koke'e, Wailua River and Secret Falls) follow current DLNR notices and can be closed. Check the booking page for which stops are running on your date.

Overview

This tour circles almost all of Kauai from a GA8 Airvan, a slow-flying sightseeing plane with bubble windows, in about one hour and five minutes. Every passenger gets a window seat at no extra charge, and the pilot narrates through two-way headsets with voice-activated microphones. Air Ventures Hawaii runs the flight from the commuter terminal at Lihue Airport, with six departure times to pick from when booking.

The route strings together the island's biggest names: the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay and Valley, Wailua Falls, Opaekaa Falls, and Manawaiopuna Waterfall, the one from Jurassic Park. It also passes film locations from Fantasy Island, South Pacific and Raiders of the Lost Ark, plus Kipu Kai, Mahaulepu Beach, Kilauea Lighthouse and Waialeale Crater. Reviewers often point out that this is a way to reach waterfalls and interior terrain no road touches.

It suits families and groups, including wheelchair users and infants sitting on laps, and each plane takes up to six guests. The slow flying speed is designed for viewing and photography.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Lihue AirportArrive at the commuter terminal, 3745 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, and check in 30 minutes before the chosen departure time. Six departure times are available.
2. Meet the pilot and boardMeet the pilot at the terminal and climb into the GA8 Airvan, a slow-flying sightseeing aircraft with a spacious cabin and large bubble windows, six guests maximum.
3. Circle the island by airThe flight covers Kauai's cliffs, beaches, red lava fields and waterfalls, with sights that include the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay and Valley, Wailua Falls, Opaekaa Falls, Manawaiopuna Waterfall, Kipu Kai, Mahaulepu Beach, Kilauea Lighthouse, Mokuaeae Island, the Anahola Mountain Range, Captain Cook's Landing, the Eucalyptus Tunnel of Trees, the Menehune Fishpond, Lumahai Beach and Waialeale Crater.
4. Land back at LihueThe activity ends back at the meeting point at Lihue Airport.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight goes, from weight rules to headset communication.

• Headset communication. Passengers wear noise-reduction headsets with voice-activated microphones, which the listing says allow communication between guests and the pilot. Two-way narration runs throughout the flight.
• Weight and booking rules. Individual guest names, weights and contact information must accompany every booking. The limit is 300 pounds per person and 1100 pounds per airplane, with a maximum of six travellers per flight.
• Window seat for all. Everyone gets a window seat with the large bubble windows at no extra charge. Reviewers praised the pilot for banking so both sides of the cabin could see each sight, though one noted the second row is tight with views partly blocked by wing spars.
• Photography pace. The Airvan is a slow-flying tour aircraft, which the listing describes as optimal for viewing and photography.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included, so travellers make their own way to Lihue Airport. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in.
• Weather flexibility. The flight needs good weather, and cancellations do happen, as one reviewer experienced shortly before an 11:30 departure. If weather cancels the flight, guests are offered a different date or a full refund.

Common issues. The flight depends on decent weather, and one reviewer had it cancelled about 15 minutes before arrival, though the policy offers a new date or a full refund in that case. There is also a minimum traveller requirement, with the same rebooking or refund options if it is not met. The listing caps each flight at six travellers, with weight limits of 300 pounds per person and 1100 pounds per airplane. Gratuity is not included in the ticket.

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