Why Safari Helicopters?

Our Company is the culmination of a lifetime of flying, adventure, business and family experience since 1987. Each day we explore the natural wonders of Hawaii and relish the positive reactions from our customers.
Why Safari Helicopters?
Our Company is the culmination of a lifetime of flying, adventure, business and family experience since 1987. Each day we explore the natural wonders of Hawaii and relish the positive reactions from our customers.
“Our company is the culmination of a lifetime of flying, adventure, business and family experience. Each day we explore the natural wonders of Hawaii and relish the positive reactions from our customers. What more can a guy ask for?”
– Preston Myers, Owner

Family Company

All of the people who work with Safari are “ohana” (Hawaiian for family). OK – we’re not all blood-relatives but our team approach is a core Safari value.

Safety First

Safe, smooth and level is our motto. We have a long term reputation and commitment to the highest safety standards for pilots, equipment and practices.

Trusted & Experienced

All Safari pilots are carefully recruited for experience, and all exceed FAA requirements

Our Choppers

From our aircraft to numerous industry innovations, Safari has always been at the leading edge of Hawaii Aviation. Safari’s “super” ASTAR 350 B2-7 features a left side pilot seat, more passenger leg room, and higher visibility with large side “mega windows” (on Kauai) and “picture windows” (on the Big Island). The exclusive “Safari Skylight” window (Kauai only) provides front and back-seat passengers a tremendous vertical overhead view for gawking at those amazing waterfalls.

Helicopter Innovations and Safari “Firsts”

First in Hawaii to fly the extremely powerful and technically advanced A-STAR 350 B2-7 helicopter, one of the most luxurious and expensive helicopters touring Hawaii’s beautiful locations. “Safari Skylights” and “Mega Windows” (Kauai only) ensure there are no physical obstructions that block the passenger’s panoramic view of all those amazing waterfalls. Custom left side pilot seat configuration that provides superior unobstructed viewing for passengers when flying counter clockwise. First to implement an onboard two-way communication system utilizing the Generation Bose X noise canceling headsets. First helicopter operator in the State of Hawaii to offer its passengers tours in air-conditioned comfort.

COMPANY FOUNDER

PRESTON S. MYERS – President 

 

A Naval Aviator and retired from the Naval Reserves as a Commander (0-5).  Started flying in college at the age of 19 at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California and graduated in 1965 with a degree in Aviation Management.  Joined Navy as Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) and earned his wings and commission in April 1967.  After flight school was sent to Naval Justice School, Newport, Rhode Island and attended courses for Squadron Legal Officer.

 

First duty assignment was with Fleet Composite Squadron Five (VC-5), Naha, Okinawa flying H-34s and S-2.  The primary mission of VC-5 was to provide target and drone services for the United States and foreign navies.  These services included target tows with the S-2 and BQM 34 drone recoveries from White Beach and Naha.  He was also deployed throughout Asia providing target services to SEATO operations and the Japanese Navy.  Occasionally, services were provided to HMS Hermes of the Royal British Navy.  A deployment included NAS Cubi Point, Philippines; Tinan, Taiwan; Thailand; Kanoya, MCAS Iwakuni and NAS Atsugi, Japan and was TAD to COMSEVENTHFLT DET C in Saigon, South Vietnam during the TET Offensive.

 

As a civilian, he was employed with Air America based in Udorn, Thailand providing quasi-military support for the United States.  He flew in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam.  U.S Contracts included U.S. Airforce, U.S. Embassy, USAID, Central Intelligence Agency and the ICCS, the peacekeeping organization assigned to South Vietnam after all U.S. troops were removed.  He flew the H-34, H-47C Chinook and the Bell 204B and H-1 helicopters.

 

After Air America, he relocated to Singapore where he flew extensively throughout Indonesia n East Borneo and Irian Jaya (old Dutch New Guinea) on offshore rigs and drilling ships that included ship to ship supply support including cargo, external and internal loads and personnel crew changes supporting oil exploration contracts.  In addition, he participated in Heli-Rig movements slinging oilrigs piece by piece from one drill location to another under his helicopter.  He flew the Sikorsky S-58T and Bell 205 A-1.

 

After his employment in SE Asia, he was affiliated with the U.S. Naval Reserves in San Diego, California where he was assigned as Executive (XO) and Maintenance Officer for HC-194, a logistical support helicopter squadron based at NAS North Island.  The squadron provided support staff and personnel for HC-9, the only Combat Search and Rescue Squadron in the Navy and he flew the Sikorsky HH-3A helicopter.  Upon relocation to Hawaii, he was assigned to COMUSNAVCENT and participated in “back-fill” operations at Pearl Harbor during the Gulf War.  He was also Commanding Officer (CO) for NR ABFC MMF DELTA providing mobile maintenance service for the P-3 Orion squadrons when deployed on combat missions throughout the world.

 

He started Safari Aviation, Inc dba Safari Helicopters first on Kauai and after Hurricane Iniki, in Hilo, Hawaii operating the Eurocopter AS350 B2 helicopter with air conditioned comfort and flight smoothness no other helicopter in Hawaii can provide. 

 

Aerial Landscape View from Inside Helicopter Looking Across Tropical South Pacific Island and Ocean Reef in Fiji

TOP RATED TRIP ADVISOR

We know we are good at what we do, but don’t take our word for it. Our happy clients have helped us become one of the top rated hawaii helicopter tour companies on the island of Kauai & the Big Island.
Client Safari Helicoptors

TOP 5 HELICOPTER TOUR IN HAWAII MAGAZINE

From Hawaii Magazine, we were rated as one of the top 5  helicopter tour companies on Kauai.

Aerial view of sand and seashore in Santa monica

BEST RATES ON THE ISLAND​

We know you have options when it comes to selecting a helicopter tour company but we can ensure you that we not only provide the best experience but also the best prices.

36+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

We are one of the longest-running Hawaii helicopter tour company on the island and it shows with our experience, knowledge, and fantastic customer service. With over 30 years and countless hours in the air we are sure to provide an experience you will never forget.
Aerial Hawaiian Coast

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