Bird's Eye View of Hawaii

Bird's Eye View of Hawaii

Aerial Tours

There's nothing quite like the aerial view of a waterfall that drops a couple of thousand feet into multiple pools, or seeing lava flow to the ocean, where clouds of steam billow into the air. You can get this bird's-eye view from a helicopter or a small fixed-wing aircraft. Although there have been a few cases of pilots violating flight paths and altitudes over resident communities in recent years, most operators are reputable and fly with strict adherence to FAA safety rules. How to get the best experience for your money? Before you hire a company, be a savvy traveler and ask the right questions. What kind of aircraft do they fly? Do they have two-way headsets so you can talk with the pilot? What is their safety record?

Big Island

Island Hoppers . Despite the name, this isn't a helicopter line. They fly fixed-wing three- to six-passenger Cessna aircraft from both the Hilo and Kona airports. Every seat is a window seat with panoramic views. There are three air tours, from a 50-minute Volcano Waterfall tour at $64 per person to a two-hour Full Circle Island Tour for $287. 808/329-0018 or 800/538-7590. www.hawaiiislandhoppers.com

Mokulele Airlines . In addition to regular inter-island scheduled flights, this commuter line offers a 1 1/2-hour Circle Island Tour in a nine-passenger twin-engine aircraft. The air tour departs Kona Airport and goes over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Hilo-Hamakua Coast, and the Kohala Coast. Rates are $299 per person; ask about senior discounts. 808/326-7070 or 866/260-7070. www.mokulele.com

Paradise Helicopters . Paradise flies six-passenger Bell 470 and four-passenger MD-500 helicopters. Everyone has a window seat in these highly maneuverable helicopters. The friendly and knowledgeable pilots communicate with passengers over two-way headsets. Paradise operates from Kona and Hilo, which is better for volcano-viewing. The 50-minute Volcano & Waterfall Adventure (from Hilo) is $185 per person; the top-of-the-line tour is a three-hour Volcanoes & Valley Adventure (from Kona) for $530 per person, including lunch. For an additional thrill and an even better view, you can choose a Doors-Off Experience from Hilo; you can literally feel the heat radiating from the lava. Hilo Airport, Kona Airport. 808/356-1800, 808/329-6601, or 888/349-7888. www.paradisecopters.com

Sunshine Helicopters . Ride the "Black Beauties" or the luxurious WhisperSTAR EC-130 helicopters on these exciting air tours that take in the ocean cliffs and valleys of the Kohala-Hamakua Coast, or, from Hilo, the formations of the Kilauea Volcano. Narrated tours range from 45 minutes ($185) to two hours ($390); the longer tour covers both regions. Afterwards, you can buy a DVD of your flight experience. Helipad at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and Hilo Airport. 808/882-1223 Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel; 808/969-7501 Hilo; 800/469-3000. www.sunshinehelicopters.com

Kauai

Birds in Paradise . This company declares itself the number-one ultralight flying school in Kauai. A serene cruise over the island, skimming clouds with the breeze in your hair, is a meditative and magical way to take in the sights. Although many tours are available, the most popular package is the 50-60-minute tour for $190. Salt Pond Beach Park/Port Allen Airport. 888/359-3656. birdsinparadise.com

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters . The newest helicopter company to the island is not new to Hawaii, having flown for 20 years on Maui and the Big Island. They are the only company on Kauai flying the latest in helicopter technology, the Eco-Star, costing $1.8 million. It has 23% more interior space for its six passengers, has unparalleled viewing, and offers a few extra safety features none of the other helicopters on the island has. As the name implies, the helicopter is a bit more environmentally friendly, with a 50% noise-reduction rate. Their flights run a tad shorter than others (approximately 50 minutes instead of the 55 to 65 minutes that others tout), although the flight feels very complete. The rate is $232. A DVD of your actual tour is available for an additional $25. Harbor Mall in Nawiliwili, Lihue. 808/245-5800 or 800/745-2583. www.bluehawaiian.com

Kauai Aero Tours . This tour is really a flying lesson in a Citabria tail dragger that was designed specifically for aerobatics. You can take the stick or let your pilot handle the controls. The aerobatics roll on until you say stop. The plane can take only one passenger at a time. Tours last 30 to 60 minutes; prices range from $129 to $179. Lihue Airport. 808/639-9893

Inter-Island Helicopters . This company flies four-seater Hughes 500 helicopters with the doors off. It can get chilly at higher elevations, so bring a sweater and wear long pants. They offer a spectacular tour that includes landing by a waterfall for a picnic and swim. Tours depart from Hanapepe's Port Allen Airport. Prices range from $189 to $280 per person. From Rte. 50, turn makai onto Rte. 543 in Hanapepe. 808/335-5009 or 800/656-5009. www.interislandhelicopters.com

Safari Helicopters . This company flies the "Super" ASTAR helicopter, which offers floor-to-ceiling windows on its doors, four roof windows, and Bose X-Generation headphones. Two-way microphones allow passengers to converse with the pilot. The price is $213; a DVD is $28 extra. 3225 Akahi St., Lihue. 808/246-0136 or 800/326-3356. www.safariair.com

Tropical Biplanes . This company flies a bright red Waco biplane, built in 2002 based on a 1936 design. An open cockpit and staggered wing design means there's nothing between you and the sights. The plane can carry two passengers in front and flies at an altitude of 1,000 feet, at about 85 mph. The price for a couple is $356. Lihue Airport Commuter Terminal. 808/246-9123. www.tropicalbiplanes.com

Will Squyres Helicopter Tours . The majority of this company's pilots were born and raised in Hawaii, making them excellent tour guides. Will Squyres removed its two-way microphones, eliminating the possibility of one passenger hogging the airwaves. Prices start at $189. 3222 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue. 808/245-8881 or 888/245-4354. www.helicopters-hawaii.com [Editor’s note: This company is now owned by Sunshine Helicopters.]

Oahu

Island Seaplane Service . Harking back to the days of the earliest air visitors to Hawaii, the seaplane has always had a special spot in island lore. The only seaplane service still operating in Hawaii takes off from Keehi Lagoon. Flight options are either a half-hour south and eastern Oahu shoreline tour or an hour island circle tour. The Pan Am Clipper may be gone, but you can revisit the experience for $99 to $179. 85 Lagoon Dr., Honolulu. 808/836-6273

Makani Kai Helicopters . This may be the best way to now see the infamous and now closed Sacred Falls park, where a rock slide killed 20 people and injured dozens more; Makani Kai dips their helicopter down to show you one of Hawaii's former favorite hikes. There's also a Waikiki by Night excursion that soars by the breathtaking Honolulu city lights. Half-hour tour rates begin at $109 per person, and customized charters are available starting at $550 per hour. 110 Kapalulu Pl., Honolulu. 808/834-5813. www.makanikai.com

The Original Glider Rides . "Mr. Bill" has been offering piloted glider (sailplane) rides over the northwest end of Oahu's North Shore since 1970. These are piloted scenic rides for one or two passengers in sleek, bubble-top, motorless aircraft. You'll get aerial views of mountains, shoreline, coral pools, windsurfing sails, and, in winter, humpback whales. Reservations are recommended; 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-minute flights leave every 20 minutes daily 10-5. The charge for one passenger is $59-$139, depending on the length of the flight; two people fly for $138-$238. Dillingham Airfield, Mokuleia. 808/677-3404

Maui

Air Maui Helicopters . Air Maui prides itself on a perfect safety record, and provides 45- to 65-minute flights covering the waterfalls of the West Maui Mountains, Haleakala Crater, Hana, even the spectacular sea cliffs of Molokai. Prices range from $217 to $286 with considerable discounts available on the Web site. Kahului Heliport, Hangar 110, Kahului. 877/238-4942 or 808/877-7005. www.airmaui.com

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters . This company has provided aerial adventures in Hawaii since 1985, and has been integral in some of the filming Hollywood has done on Maui. Its EcoStar helicopters are air-conditioned and have noise-blocking headsets for all passengers. Flights are 30 to 70 minutes and cost $159 to $371. They also offer a fly-drive special to Hana with Temptation Tours limo vans. Charter flights are also available. Kahului Heliport, Hangar 105, Kahului. 808/871-8844. www.bluehawaiian.com

Sunshine Helicopters . Sunshine offers tours of Maui, Lanai and Molokai, as well as the Big Island, in its Black Beauty AStar or WhisperStar aircraft. A pilot-narrated DVD of your actual flight is available for purchase. Prices start at $175 for 30 to 90 minutes. First-class seating is available for an additional fee. Kahului Heliport, Hangar 107, Kahului. 808/871-0722 or 800/544-2520. www.sunshinehelicopters.com