When you fly with Safari Helicopters you’ll see breathtaking Hawaii vistas that can only be viewed by air. Miles of sparkling beaches like Kalalau, Polihale and Hanalei, aquamarine seas where humpback whales and dolphins play, emerald mountains where Kukui nut trees and tropical ferns abound, and lush rain forests. You'll have a bird's-eye view of hundreds of shimmering waterfalls hidden within Kauai's ancient Waialeale Crater. And on the Big Island you might witness Madame Pele's awesome handiwork as Kilauea Volcano sends molten lava flowing toward the sea.

If safety, comfort, and experience are important to you, Safari Helicopters should be your choice.

A family-owned company, Safari Helicopters was founded in 1987 by Preston Myers, one of Hawaii's most experienced pilots. Preston has, over the years, built his company and reputation on the sound principles of safety, professionalism and innovation -- always striving to offer the latest in state-of-the-art equipment to assure passengers of an unsurpassable and unforgettable helicopter "safari."

Preston's aviation career spans more than 30 years, starting with a college degree in aviation, followed by service as a U.S. Navy pilot in the Vietnam conflict, and then his retirement as a full commander from the U.S. Naval Reserves. Later, Preston returned to Southeast Asia as a civilian and flew for the now-famous "Air America." Based in Udorn, Thailand, he participated in secret missions throughout Laos. Preston's adventures continued when he relocated to Singapore, flying on oil exploration projects in Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Celebes, Irian Jaya (Dutch New Guinea) and in the Andaman Islands of India.

Sure, all of this was exciting, but definitely not the best way to promote good family relationships. Preston finally decided to give up jungle-camp life to spend more time with his family and eventually moved with his wife, Grace, and their three children to the island of Kauai. In 1987, Preston started Safari Helicopters on Kauai, and since then has expanded the company's flightseeing operations to the Big Island, with locations in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

Preston is always looking for ways to improve his passengers' overall experience, as a result, he has made his mark on Hawaii's helicopter tour industry by introducing many new innovations. Safari Helicopters was the first tour operator in the state to fly helicopter tours in air-conditioned B model ASTARs, dubbed the "Cadillac of sightseeing helicopters." Safari was also the first in Hawaii to offer two-way communication between passengers and pilots and the first to install and operate an FAA-approved multiple camera video system to record passengers' actual tour and live narration.

Safari's ASTAR helicopters seat everyone facing forward, with no physical obstructions blocking the passenger's 180 degree panoramic view (unlike four-passenger helicopters). And Safari's newest $1.3 million "super" ASTAR 350 B2-7 features a left side pilot seat, more passenger leg room, higher visibility with large side "picture windows," and the exclusive (another first in the state!) "Safari Skylight" window, an innovation providing front and back-seat passengers a tremendous vertical overhead view. "It's ideally suited to Kauai tours," says Preston, "because it allows passengers to look straight up when we are flying within the 3,000-vertical-foot Waialeale crater."

Preston wants Safari passengers to fully enjoy their adventure, but he considers safety of utmost importance. He holds to the axiom "there are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old bold pilots," and he requires that all his Safari pilots adhere to the same high standards of professionalism that he personally has carried out over the years. Safari Helicopters is a Certified Part 135 Air Carrier. Its helicopters are FAA certified, as are all of its highly qualified pilots. As a member of the Activity Owner's Association (AOA), Safari only has business relations with activity desks and agents who are reputable and in total compliance with existing State of Hawaii regulations. Safari only flies the newest and best equipped ASTARs and has an impeccable reputation in the industry.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Safari Helicopters direct.

Contact Safari Helicopters at 1-800-326-3356, on Kauai at 808-246-0136, or one of their two locations on the Big Island: 808-969-1259 in Hilo; or in Kona at 808-329-4655.

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