Princess Cruises offers exciting helicopter tours in Kauai as part of their shore excursions. While the specific tour providers are not explicitly named, these tours are managed through Princess Cruises’ excursion programs. Passengers can book these tours via the Princess Cruises website, by contacting the cruise line directly, or through the ship’s tour office once onboard. The helicopter tours showcase Kauai’s breathtaking landscapes, including Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast, and Waialeale Crater, providing an unforgettable aerial experience for cruise guests.
What Are the Available Helicopter Tour Options?
Princess Cruises offers two main helicopter tour options for Kauai:
- Helicopter, Kilauea Lighthouse & Hanalei Pier: This full-day excursion includes:
- Approximately 45 minutes of flight time
- Scenic drive along Kauai’s coconut coast
- Visits to Kilauea Lighthouse and Hanalei Pier
- Picnic lunch at Anini Beach Park
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Aerial views of Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast, Mt. Namolokama Waterfalls, and Hanalei Valley
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Kauai’s Grand Helicopter Tour: This tour features:
- Approximately 55 minutes of flight time
- Views of Waialeale Crater and Wailua Falls (weather permitting)
What Are the Helicopter Specifications?
The helicopters used for these tours are equipped with:
- Air conditioning
- Digital surround-sound systems
- Large custom windows for optimal viewing
- Narration on the culture, history, and myths of Kauai
How Much Do These Helicopter Tours Cost?
While exact current prices are not specified in the available sources, historical pricing provides a reference point:
- Helicopter, Kilauea Lighthouse & Hanalei Pier: Previously priced around $235
- Kauai’s Grand Helicopter Tour: Previously priced around $249
Are There Additional Fees?
Yes, there are potential additional charges:
- A weight surcharge of $179.95 may apply for guests weighing 260 lbs. or more (fully clothed)
- Refunds are not available unless cancelled by 12:00 PM on the day after embarkation
- If the flight portion is cancelled due to weather, a partial refund is given for the completed land portion
How Is Transportation Arranged for These Tours?
Princess Cruises provides:
- Round-trip transportation from the ship to the helicopter terminal via van
- No need for personal parking arrangements as tours are managed through the cruise line
What Should Passengers Know Before Booking?
Important considerations include:
- Booking methods:
- Princess Cruises website
- Direct contact with the cruise line
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Ship’s tour office once onboard
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Tour durations:
- Full-day excursion for the Helicopter, Kilauea Lighthouse & Hanalei Pier tour
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Shorter duration for Kauai’s Grand Helicopter Tour
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Weight restrictions:
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Additional charges may apply for passengers over 260 lbs.
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Refund policy:
- Limited refund options available
- Partial refunds for weather-related cancellations of the flight portion
What Makes These Helicopter Tours Unique?
The Princess Cruises Kauai helicopter tours offer:
- Comprehensive island coverage:
- Aerial views of Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast, and other iconic landmarks
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Combination of air and land experiences in some tours
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Educational component:
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Narration on Kauai’s culture, history, and myths
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Comfort and visibility:
- Air-conditioned helicopters
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Large custom windows for optimal viewing
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Convenience:
- Integrated with cruise itinerary
- Transportation provided from the ship
How Do These Tours Enhance the Cruise Experience?
Princess Cruises’ Kauai helicopter tours add value to the overall cruise experience by:
- Offering unique perspectives:
- Bird’s-eye views of Kauai’s diverse landscapes
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Access to areas not easily reached by land
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Providing time-efficient exploration:
- Cover large areas of the island in a short time
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Ideal for cruise passengers with limited shore time
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Creating memorable experiences:
- Opportunity for stunning aerial photography
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Once-in-a-lifetime views of natural wonders
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Complementing other shore excursions:
- Combines well with land-based activities
- Offers a different dimension to island exploration
While Princess Cruises does not disclose the specific helicopter tour providers they use for Kauai excursions, they ensure a high-quality experience through carefully managed partnerships. The focus is on providing safe, comfortable, and awe-inspiring aerial tours that showcase the best of Kauai’s natural beauty, seamlessly integrated with the cruise itinerary.
References:
– https://www.princess.com/ports-excursions/kauai-nawiliwili-hawaii-excursions/helicopter-kilauea-lighthouse-and-hanalei-pier/
– https://www.princess.com/ports-excursions/kauai-nawiliwili-hawaii-excursions/kauais-grand-helicopter
– https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-destinations/hawaii-cruises