How to Visit Niihau

Booking a Helicopter Tour of Niihau

Niihau’s tourism agency requires 5 or more, so they will take names for a standby list and compile groups into tours. Alternatively, you can charter the helicopter for $2,600 (£1,763) with no group minimum, since you're essentially renting the aircraft privately for the day. Set up a charter through the same agency that gives group tours.

Call or email the tourism agency to reserve your tour. Call 1-877-441-3500 or email [email protected] and ask how to reserve a helicopter tour on the date you’re interested in. Since tours are so restricted, try to book yours as early as possible in advance. A half-day tour is $465 (£310.31) per person. For additional information about discounts and group rates, contact the agency directly for the most up-to-date pricing. In the event of inclement weather, the agency will work with you to see if rescheduling is an option or to get a refund.

The standard tour package includes the aerial helicopter tour, plus 3 hours on the ground to explore one of Niihau's secluded beaches, collect shells, swim, and snorkel. You most likely won't meet any island natives on your tour—the residents prefer privacy. You can behave and dress as you normally would without worrying too much about culture differences.

Dress comfortably and arrive to Niihau Helicopter Inc. 10 minutes early. Get your group to the helicopter office early and wear clothing you can run around in, like comfortable shorts, a t-shirt, and hiking or athletic shoes. Keep in mind that the weather is going to be very warm, so wear thin, comfortable fabrics. The office is located in the town of Kaumakani on Highway 50, and is the first business on your left when you enter the town coming from Lihue, the main airport (about a 30 minute drive). Lunch is included in the tour, but you might want to think about bringing: Sunscreen Sunglasses A camera Binoculars A towel Bottled water Snorkeling gear

Reserving a Spot on a Safari

Make sure you have the necessary permits. To hunt on Hawaii, you'll need either a Hawaii Hunter Education Wallet Card or a letter of exemption. Hawaii Hunter Education Wallet Cards are available to graduates of Hawaii's hunter education course, which must be taken in-person. You can sign up for one of these classes by calling (808) 587-0200. Contact them directly for information on class length and cost. Alternatively, if you have a hunting license in your state, you can fill out an exemption request at https://hunting.ehawaii.gov/hunting/exemptionRequestForm.html.

Call or email the tourism agency to reserve a safari. Call 1-877-441-3500 or [email protected] to get more information or reserve your hunt. You will not need a group minimum for this package. During the safari, you'll have a whole day to hunt wild Polynesian boar and sheep, eland, and Auodad sheep. A full day of hunting costs $2,200 (£1375.14) per person. Rifle rentals are available for $120 (£84.62). Trophy costs apply for the Eland and the Auodad, $3700 and 2700 respectively, but the agency will skin, pack, and transport your trophy for you. Payments are made on the day of the safari. In the event of inclement weather, the agency will work with you to try and reschedule. You most likely won't meet any island natives since the residents prefer privacy. Behave and dress as you normally would.

Arrive to the Niihau Helicopter Office 10 minutes early. Get to the office in Kaumakani (a town on Kauai) at least 10 minutes early, wearing comfortable hunting clothing, like camo pants, a camo t-shirt, and hiking boots. The office is a 30 minute drive from Lihue, Kauai's main airport, and is on the south side of Highway 50 as soon as you get into town. You’ll be outside all day, so remember to bring: Sunscreen A camera Bottled water