The Kaua’i: Photography Flight tour offers an unparalleled aerial experience for shutterbugs. With the helicopter’s doors removed, guests enjoy unobstructed views and ample opportunities to capture Kauai’s breathtaking landscapes from an awe-inspiring vantage point. The all-window seating configuration ensures that every passenger has the best seat in the house. While the tour includes a comprehensive package with headsets and gratuity, it’s the sheer thrill of soaring above the island’s lush valleys and dramatic coastlines that truly sets this experience apart. What awaits those who embark on this photographic journey is a memory seared into the mind’s eye long after the rotors have stopped spinning.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Photography Experiences In Kauai.

Key Points

Kaua'i: Photography Flight: Doors-Off ALL WINDOW SEATS - Key Points

  • Doors-off helicopter experience with all-window seating for unobstructed aerial photography of Kauai’s landscapes.
  • Headsets allow for clear communication between passengers and the pilot during the 50-60 minute flight.
  • Comprehensive package includes gratuity and equipment to enhance the overall photography tour experience.
  • Strict weight restrictions of 275 lbs per passenger and 620 lbs total to ensure a safe flight.
  • Bookings can be made online or by phone with flexible cancellation and rescheduling options.

Tour Overview

The Kaua’i: Photography Flight tour offers a doors-off helicopter experience with all-window seating, providing unobstructed views for photographers.

With 26 reviews, this tour showcases the stunning landscapes of Kauai, USA. The tour includes headsets and gratuity, ensuring a seamless experience.

Participants will meet at 3501 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA, and the tour will end at 3788 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA. Guests must check-in 40 minutes prior to the tour time and should be aware of the weight restrictions of 275 lbs per person, with a total not to exceed 620 lbs.

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, and you will drive to the heliport located at the Lihue Airport before boarding the helicopter.

What’s Included

The Kaua’i: Photography Flight tour includes headsets and gratuity, ensuring a seamless experience for guests. These amenities enhance the overall tour by providing necessary equipment and eliminating the need for additional payments.

What’s Included Description
Headsets Allow for clear communication between passengers and the pilot during the flight
Gratuity Tip for the pilot is already covered, so guests can fully enjoy the experience
All Window Seats Provides unobstructed views and optimal photography opportunities throughout the tour

This comprehensive package allows guests to focus on capturing stunning aerial shots of Kaua’i’s breathtaking landscapes without worrying about additional costs or logistics.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the Kaua’i: Photography Flight tour is located at 3501 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA, while the end point is at 3788 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA.

Participants will drive from the meeting point to the heliport, located at the Lihue Airport, which takes only 3 minutes.

After the helicopter flight, guests will be returned to the end point location.

Both the meeting and end points are conveniently situated in Lihue, allowing for a seamless and efficient start and finish to the tour.

This ensures participants can focus on the exciting photography flight and capture stunning aerial views of the beautiful island of Kaua’i.

Important Information

Weight restrictions apply for the Kaua’i: Photography Flight, capping individual passenger weight at 275 lbs and the total group weight at 620 lbs. Participants under 12 years old must sit next to a closed door, while those 12 and above may sit by an open door. Check-in 40 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time, as the flight is subject to favorable weather conditions.

Feature Requirement
Total Weight Per Passenger 275 lbs
Total Group Weight Limit 620 lbs
Minimum Age 7 years old
Seating for Minors Next to closed door

The tour’s important information ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants on this doors-off Kaua’i photography flight.

Tour Activity

After check-in, participants drive the short 3-minute route to the heliport located at the Lihue Airport, where they’ll meet the pilot and board the helicopter for the photography flight.

Once aboard, the pilot provides a safety briefing and overview of the tour. With doors off and all window seats, participants are free to capture stunning aerial shots of Kauai’s lush landscapes, including the iconic Napali Coast, Wailua Falls, and Opaekaa Falls.

The pilot expertly maneuvers the helicopter to provide the best vantage points for photographers. Throughout the 50-60 minute flight, participants have ample opportunities to snap breathtaking photos of Kauai’s natural wonders from this unique aerial perspective.

Photography Tips

To make the most of the photography flight, participants should keep their camera settings on manual mode, allowing them to quickly adjust shutter speed and aperture as the helicopter moves. Shooting in raw format will also provide more flexibility for post-processing the aerial images.

Plus, using a wide-angle lens can help capture the expansive vistas of Kauai’s landscapes.

Some other tips for capturing stunning aerial shots include:

  • Avoid overly bright or dark exposures by metering off the ground or horizon
  • Stabilize the camera by using a monopod or leaning against the open door frame
  • Anticipate the helicopter’s movements to pan and frame the shots effectively
  • Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most compelling compositions
  • Review images in-flight and make adjustments to dial in the perfect settings.

Safety Precautions

The tour operator takes several important safety precautions to ensure a comfortable and secure experience for all participants.

There are strict weight restrictions, with a total weight limit of 620 lbs and a maximum of 275 lbs per passenger.

For safety, the minimum age to participate is 7 years old, and children aged 7-11 must sit next to a closed door, while those 12 and older may sit by an open door.

Passengers must check in 40 minutes prior to the tour, and the activity is subject to favorable weather conditions.

These measures help maintain a safe and enjoyable flight for everyone on the Kaua’i: Photography Flight experience.

Booking and Cancellation

Customers can book their Kaua’i: Photography Flight experience online through the tour operator’s website or by calling their customer service number. Cancellations and refunds are subject to the company’s policies, which are clearly outlined on their website.

Bookings can be made up to 24 hours in advance, subject to availability.

A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 48 hours prior to the tour.

Cancelations made more than 72 hours in advance receive a full refund, while those made within 72 hours are subject to a 50% fee.

Rescheduling is permitted up to 24 hours before the tour, with no additional fees.

The tour operator reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the flight due to weather or other safety concerns, with full refunds provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Camera for This Tour?

Yes, a camera is highly recommended for this tour. The tour is specifically designed for photography, and guests will have all-window seats with doors-off access, providing optimal conditions to capture stunning aerial shots of the landscape.

Can I Bring My Own Drone for Aerial Photography?

No, guests are not permitted to bring their own drones on this tour. The tour operator provides doors-off helicopter access for aerial photography during the flight. Drones are not allowed due to safety and regulatory concerns.

Is There a Weight Limit for Carry-On Bags?

The tour has a weight limit of 275 lbs per passenger, but it doesn’t specify a limit for carry-on bags. Passengers should check with the tour operator for any restrictions on carry-on items before the flight.

Can I Switch Seats During the Flight?

No, passengers cannot switch seats during the flight. The seats are pre-assigned based on weight distribution and safety requirements. Changing seats mid-flight could affect the helicopter’s balance and is not permitted for safety reasons.

Are Professional Photographers Allowed on the Tour?

Professional photographers are generally allowed on the tour. However, the tour’s focus is on providing an optimal photography experience for all passengers, so any special accommodations for professional photographers would need to be coordinated with the tour operator in advance.

Recap

The Kaua’i: Photography Flight tour provides an unparalleled aerial photography experience. With doors-off, all-window seating, participants enjoy unobstructed views and optimal photo opportunities of Kauai’s breathtaking landscapes.

The tour includes headsets, gratuity, and flexible booking, ensuring a safe and memorable excursion. Whether a seasoned photographer or a first-time visitor, this tour offers an unforgettable way to capture the natural beauty of the Garden Island from the skies.