Routes and departure points
Safari Helicopters checks in at Akahi Street in Lihue. Its Deluxe Waterfall Safari of about an hour flies the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls and the Waialeale crater. The 90-minute flight covers the same ground and lands in Olokele Canyon; the operator's second listing of this flight places the landing on the canyon rim and adds that it does not land at the falls themselves. Manawaiopuna Falls stand on private land, and the Safari listing says they can only be reached by helicopter.
Blue Hawaiian's 50-minute Eco Adventure continues past Na Pali to Hanalei Bay and Princeville and, weather permitting, into the Mt Wai'ale'ale crater. Its 45-minute Discover Kauai takes off from Princeville on the North Shore, handy if you stay there rather than near Lihue. Air Kauai's Ohana flight starts on Ahukini Road by Lihue Airport, keeps the doors on and takes up to six passengers per cabin, with music and narration from the pilot.
Check-in and what to leave behind
Safari asks you to show up one hour before departure; a late arrival can cost the seat without refund. Blue Hawaiian wants you there 60 minutes ahead for the Eco Adventure and 45 minutes for Discover Kauai. Blue Hawaiian and Safari (on the 90-minute flight) do not allow hats, bags or selfie sticks on board, and Air Kauai allows no bags at all, purses and fanny packs included. Air Kauai and Blue Hawaiian recommend dark clothing, so it does not reflect in the windows.
