About Our Company

Curt and Bonnie Lofstedt, owners and operators of Island Helicopters, are long time residents of Kauai, residing on the Poipu side of Kauai.  Curt flies full time and with over 28,000 accident-free hours, he is one of Hawaii's highest flight time helicopter pilots.  His experience dates back to high school, receiving his pilots license even before his drivers license. After college in Oregon, Curt flew helicopters in Vietnam, on Alaska's pipeline and then on to Hawaii.  Curt has been flying in Hawaii for over 33 years and still "loves every minute of it."  Curt personally selects and trains each of Island Helicopters' pilots.  Both the Company and all of our pilots are F.A.A. Certified Part 135. All of Island Helicopters' pilots have perfect safety records. The safety, comfort and satisfaction of each customer are our main concerns.

Island Helicopters is one of the oldest helicopter companies in Hawaii, opening our doors on Kauai in 1980.  Island Helicopters has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any company in the State of Hawaii - over 27 years.  Bigger doesn’t make you better; our company is small by choice, but our standards are the highest.  We specialize in providing a personalized tour for the independent traveler, families and groups of any size.  We have created a superior tour to capture the true essence of Kauai.  All of us are concerned about the ecology of our islands.  A helicopter tour is the most ecologically friendly way to show visitors the islands without destroying their natural beauty.

In addition to flying helicopter tours, Island Helicopters has also been very involved with the movie industry, participating in the filming of such movies as King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark, North, George of the Jungle and Six Days/Seven Nights, just to name a few.  Filming companies call Island Helicopters first because of our years of experience and expertise in the industry.  Curt has been flying aerial photography and support for over 33 years in Hawaii and is widely respected throughout the motion picture industry.  Other credits to Curt's flying experience include television shows such as Hawaii 5.0, Magnum P.I. and Fantasy Island.  The Discovery Channel and ESPN specials as well as numerous documentaries, TV movies, commercials, etc. are a sample of the various projects included in Curt's resume.

"With the influx of several new helicopter companies on Kauai, a visitor should be aware that all helicopter companies are not alike," explains Curt.  "When booking a helicopter tour make sure the company is a F.A.A. Certified 135 Air Carrier and that your pilot is also 135 Certified.  This license guarantees more stringent maintenance requirements and pilot training programs. All other operators and pilots are Part 91 certified which limits them to only 25 miles from their point of departure. Many of the major scenic attractions are outside this 25 mile limit."

"Today, the helicopter tour industry has become very competitive," says Curt.  "It is important that the visitor asks the right questions as they are shopping around for a company to fly with, because the bottom line is that you get what you pay for.  Besides the licensing of the company and your pilot, look at the length of the tour compared to price, type of aircraft being flown, how long they've been in business, and the experience of the pilot you will be flying with."  Per dollar, Island Helicopters is your best value.

A new FAA regulation requires helicopter tour operators to fly no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level.  Island Helicopters was the first tour operator to be granted a  500 feet above ground level altitude deviation based upon its compliance to existing regulations and its safety record. This deviation has tremendously enhanced the quality of the tour and allows passengers to get closer to waterfalls, valleys and canyons in order to appreciate the natural beauty of the island.

Island Helicopters' daily flights feature the most popular tour helicopter in Hawaii, new six passenger air-conditioned American Eurocopter AStars.  On May 11, 2006, Island Helicopters was pleased to present to the Island of Kauai the newest AStar in the State.  Both of our AStars now feature ceiling to floor glass doors, leather interior, air conditioning, state of the art BoseX CD stereo system and headsets and two way communication between pilot and passengers.  Island Helicopters' professional pilots give a personalized live narration highlighting the island's history and culture, and the tour is choreographed to gentle music to make each tour a true audio-visual experience.

Book online & save over 40% off the regular rate! (Save $113 per person!)

Before you book any activity, be sure you question the total cost.  There are companies who do not disclose additional taxes and fees until after you book a reservation.  You may think you have found a cheapter price when you really didn't.  Book today and save!!!

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