Safari Helicopters — Local services in Kauai

All around terrible experience…

We booked a Wednesday tour at 1pm and were excited for our trip, until we received a phone call day of, canceling our flight because they had 4 rather than 5 people signed up. They rebooked us to the following day at 3:30, upending our plans for our last day on the island, and to a day predicted to have inclement weather.

My wife is an anxious flier, but was excited all the same. We arrived just in time to watch the pilots shaky landing from the tour before, while the other helicopters landed without issue. My wife was asked to board first, approaching the aircraft with blades flying overhead because they didn’t bother to shut down from the flight before. She was a little hesitant as she started into the aircraft causing the pilot to roll his eyes and swear out loud in disgust, while the other staff member was pushing her from behind. Clearly NOT the way to handle someone experiencing anxiety. This sent my wife over the edge and she backed away saying I can’t do this. This resulted in the pilot swearing out load again, which I heard myself because I was asked to come get my wife, and then to turn the craft off while he recalculated the weights.

We were ushered back to the waiting area, where we saw the pilot exit the aircraft walk up to me and ask “Are you flying alone?” When I responded “It seems like it”, his response was “Well you don’t have to go”, clearly wanting me to walk away. He then walked over to a cooler, where he pulled out a silver metal bottle which looked suspiciously like a Coors Light, slammed it and return to the helicopter. We boarded in the same order we had before, with the escort informing me that my wife’s flight would not be refunded (clearly not the time for that discussion) and took off, but not until the pilot checked his Venmo account to see if he was being tipped from previous flights.

The rest of the flight the captain kept the waterfalls and Nā Pali Coast on the right side of the craft while I sat on the left, clearly being punished for what he felt was an inconvenience to his day. 50 min later and another shaky landing, we were on the ground being asked to make sure we tip… They can inconvenience you without compensation, but if you get nervous they will not support you, and will gladly...

Our tour with Safari Helicopters was amazing. The office staff was friendly and had a comfortable waiting area and gift shop prior to the tour. They provided lockers in the office to store our bags or any items not needed on the tour. After a short safety presentation, we were shuttled to the airport to board the helicopter. There were 6 guests plus the pilot, Hunter. We were provided headsets to hear the pilot and cancel the noise of the aircraft. Hunter had easy-listening Island music playing which helped provide a calm experience. We had a mic through which we could ask questions. The ride was smooth and just amazing. We flew over the Jurassic Falls as seen in the movie. We landed in the canyon and got to meet and interact with Mr. Robinson, whose family owns quite a bit of the island, but more importantly, it was a pleasure to meet him as he was working on his project, helping to reproduce plants native to the islands that are nearing extinction. We then flew along the gorgeous Napoli Coast, which was much more amazing than a boat tour could provide. We saw more waterfalls and got up close to experience the natural elements of Kauai. This was a doors-on tour, so the only negative is that when taking pictures during the flight, be aware of potential reflections from inside that can be visible in your pics (due to the glass windows). This is the only tour on the island that lands on top of the canyon. This tour is highly...

I booked my parents on what they thought was going to be a once in a lifetime helicopter trip over Kauai. Enter Safari Helicopters. It was booked almost a month in advance for their day trip to Kauai on a cruise. The morning of, Safari decided to change their boarding time. When my dad called that morning to confirm their trip, Safari didn't tell them that THEY changed the time, but instead that we booked the wrong time, and they were SOL if they didn't make the later time. Unfortunately they wouldn't have been able to get back on their ship on time, so they had to decline, and safari told them they were out the money. Luckily my dad called me, and I called the military ITT (who we booked through), and they offered us a refund and said they would work it out with the company. They also informed us that we in fact did not book the wrong time, but the company called them that morning to notify that they moved them. Really?? Take accountability!! Making an elderly couple think it was their fault and telling them they can't get a refund because you changed things?!?! Scandalous and shameful. I recommend going through ANYONE else but Safari. I understand that sometimes things are beyond your control, but the awful way in which they handled it was despicable. Take accountability and offer a refund when you're clearly at fault. I hope whoever handled that gets...