Ecotourism has become a common buzzword in the travel industry, and an increasing number of Hawaii travelers have begun to ask for tours, lodging and activities that fill this need.  Safari Helicopters have defined themselves as a leader in this space, and have taken great care to develop informative tours that provide a culturally and environmentally accurate education on the history, ecology and diverse biology of the Hawaiian Islands.  Safari Helicopters offers a unique Kauai helicopter tour focused on this niche, the Kauai Wildlife Refuge Eco-tour. 

“What is Kauai Ecotourism?”, you might ask.  Ecotourism has been defined by a variety of criteria.  The broad definition of ecotourism is “tourism that is nature and culture based tourism that is ecologically sustainable and supports the well-being of local communities”.  Ecotourism appeals to visitors who want contact with nature, want to learn about local communities and customs, and want to be sensitive to the indigenous culture.  Kauai ecotourism targets island visitors with special scientific, historic or other interests, and those in search of an authentic Hawaiian experience.  Ecotourism operators strive to provide tours and activities that are in harmony with the local ecosystem, and these conscientious tour operators make it a priority to take into account the impact of their service or product on the community and the landscape.  These concerns lead to tours and activities that are sensitive to environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts of their business.  Safari Helicopters has embraced this set of values, and have developed a wonderful aerial tour of Kauai that is eco-friendly and informative. 

There are a number of questions that Kauai visitors can ask tour operators and lodging providers when choosing their itinerary for their Kauai vacation.  Safari Helicopters has considered all of the following questions, and strive to incorporate these concerns into their daily operations.

1. Are they members of any organization that promotes genuine ecotourism values, such as environmental groups like the HEA, the Sierra Club or Natural Conservancy, etc.?
2. Have they been approved, accredited or certified by the government or trade association as ecotourism providers?
3. Does the company have a code of ethics they abide by?
4. Do they use alternative energy, water saving techniques, or other minimal environmental impact techniques? 
5. Is the staff trained in environmentally sustainable, culturally sensitive and appropriate behavior?  Is the information provided to visitors accurate?
6. What percent of employees are Hawaiian or part Hawaiian in ancestry?
7. Do they foster an appreciation for Hawaii’s sense of place?

As a result of asking these questions, you will help secure Kauai travel professionals that utilize Kauai ecotourism best practices, such as minimal impact, environmentally and culturally sensitive and aware, and a commitment to raising awareness to local environmental, social and historical issues. 

Safari Helicopters has developed the Kauai Wildlife Refuge Eco Tour, which is described on their website as:

“Kauai, known as the “Garden Isle”, is the lushest and oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. This green and romantic isle has been the back-drop for countless Hollywood films. The dramatic and rugged interior of the island is uninhabited, and is a landscape of pristine forests, plunging waterfalls, rainbows and verdant valleys. A helicopter tour of Kauai will take you on a tour of Kauai’s dramatic wilderness areas which are only accessible by air.

Safari Helicopters leaves from the Lihue Heliport. Check in at our office on Ahukini Road, and we will transport you the short distance to the heliport. Book online and save on your Kauai helicopter tour (55 minutes). Tours weather permitting. This incredible new tour is the same as the Deluxe Waterfall Tour with approximately a 30-minute stop at the Kauai Wildlife Refuge. At the stop  over site, there are restrooms and picnic tables. Refreshments will also be served. Tour length is a total of Approximately 1 1/2 hours.”

There are three main wildlife areas on Kauai, which include the Waimea Canyon, the NaPali Coast and the Mt. Waialeale Crater.  You will see a beautiful aerial tour of these three Kauai wildlife areas, complete with detailed ecology, geology and cultural educational narration.  Then, in addition to this standard tour you will have a helicopter landing at the Kauai Wildlife Refuge.  The Kauai Wildlife Refuge Eco Tour is just the most recent example of Safari Helicopter’s commitment to leading the Kauai travel industry in the direction of ethical and positive services.