Booking choice: The Entire Kauai Island Air Tour, from $159 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Age rules vary a lot between Kauai's air tours. The full-island planes take babies on a parent's lap, while some helicopters will not take children under 7, and doors-off flights start at 10.
This guide sets out the rules, then the practical side: headsets, seats, and short attention spans.
The quick answer
On the full-island plane tours, under-2s fly free on an adult's lap; Wings Over Kauai sells a child ticket for ages 2 and 3, and Air Ventures prices everyone from 3 as an adult. Private helicopters take children from 7, and doors-off helicopters from 10. Every passenger's weight is needed at booking.
What is the minimum age for a Kauai air tour?
None on the full-island planes, where babies ride on a lap; 7 on private helicopters; 10 on doors-off helicopters.
| Flight | Youngest | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entire Kauai Island Air Tour | Lap infants | Everyone from age 3 pays the adult price |
| Wings Over Kauai | Lap infants | Child ticket for ages 2 and 3 |
| Private helicopter (Ali'i) | 7 years | At least 40 lb |
| Mauna Loa private doors-off | 7 years | Ages 7 to 11 sit by a closed door |
| Jack Harter doors-off MD500 | 10 years | Under-18s with an adult |
Flying with little ones? The full-island plane takes lap infants.
Check dates for the Entire Kauai Island Air TourDo babies and toddlers fly free?
Children under 2 fly free on an adult's lap on the plane tours.
Wings Over Kauai also says on its own site that one child aged 2 to 3 per tour gets a free seat, with a second at half price; on Viator ages 2 and 3 book as a child ticket. Check the exact fare at checkout.
Will young children wear headsets?
Yes: everyone wears a headset, which protects ears from the engine noise.
Air Ventures lists noise-reducing headsets for adults and children. If your toddler refuses anything on their head, consider waiting a few years.
Where will the kids sit?
Seats are assigned by weight to balance the aircraft, so families are not always seated together.
In the Airvan every seat is a window, so children get a view wherever they sit. Give accurate weights for everyone, including children, when you book. Helicopters may seat a light child in the front middle seat.
Want to keep the family together? A private helicopter takes only your group, from age 7.
Explore the private helicopter tourIs an hour too long for kids?
An hour is long for very small children, so give them a job.
Give each child a list of things to spot: the lighthouse, a waterfall, a beach with no road. Choose a morning flight, when children are fresher, and let them eat something light beforehand.
What about motion sickness in children?
A light snack, a remedy suitable for their age if needed, and eyes on the horizon.
Ask your pharmacist about children's motion remedies before the trip. See what to wear and bring for more tips.
Plane or helicopter for a family?
The plane, for most families: lower cost per seat, lap infants allowed and a window for everyone.
For a family of four, the plane comes to about $636 against $1,344 or more by helicopter. Older kids keen on a doors-off flight will need to be 10. Compare both in airplane vs helicopter.
Family of four? Check four seats on the same departure.
Check dates for the Entire Kauai Island Air TourFrequently asked questions
Can a pregnant woman fly on a Kauai air tour?
Ask the operator before booking; policies differ, and some helicopter tours advise against it.
Do children need to be weighed?
Yes, every passenger's weight is needed at booking for the balance of the aircraft.
Is a car seat needed?
No. Lap infants are held by an adult; older children use the aircraft seat belt.
Ready to book
Choose your flight
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Entire Kauai Island Air Tour
- About 65 minutes in the air, narrated by the pilot
- GA8 Airvan: high wing, bubble windows, a window at every seat
- Noise-reducing two-way headsets and local taxes
Wings Over Kauai Small-Group Flight
- About 65 minutes in the air, small group of up to 6
- GA8 Airvan with bubble windows; every seat a window
- Na Pali, Waimea Canyon, Waialeale, Hanalei Bay, Kipu Kai
Private Helicopter Tour, No Middle Seats
A private helicopter for just your group
