60-Minute Doors-Off MD500

60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE runs through Jack Harter Helicopters - Tours. Rated 4.8 across 425 reviews. Runs 2 to 3 hours (approx.). From $460.

Check park access before you go. Stops inside state parks (Waimea Canyon, Koke'e, Wailua River and Secret Falls) follow current DLNR notices and can be closed. Check the booking page for which stops are running on your date.

Overview

This tour puts you in a doors-off MD500 helicopter with nothing between you and Kauai's cliffs, canyons and coastline. The flight itself lasts 60 minutes, though the booking covers roughly 2 to 3 hours in total, from check-in at the Lihue office through the flight and the return. A pilot narrates throughout, sharing expert commentary on the scenic views below.

The route sweeps across most of the island in one loop. From Lihue and Nawiliwili Harbor it heads to Manawaiopuna Falls, the waterfall known from Jurassic Park, then over Olokele Canyon and Waimea Canyon State Park, past Waipo'o Falls, and along the Na Pali Coast. The final stretch passes the north shore beaches, Hanalei Bay, Mt. Waialeale and Wailua Falls before landing back at the heliport.

It suits travellers aged 10 and up who want an unobstructed view and don't mind open air, wind and some turbulence. The helicopter carries a maximum of four passengers, and hotel pickup is included as detailed at booking. Travellers with back problems are advised against it, since the listing does not recommend it for them.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Lihue officeCheck in at 4231 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, between Walmart and the intersection to Lihue Airport. Look for the white company sign near an American flag, pull into the driveway and park to the left of the office.
2. Board the MD500Up to four passengers board the doors-off helicopter with the pilot. Parties of three or four need one passenger at 150 lbs or less and no taller than 5'10" to fit the front middle seat. Headwear, bags, iPads and unsecured footwear are prohibited; only a camera or phone on a neck or wrist strap is allowed.
3. Lihue and harborThe flight passes Lihue and Nawiliwili Harbor, with the pilot narrating the views throughout.
4. Jurassic Park FallsThe route passes Manawaiopuna Falls, the waterfall featured in Jurassic Park, then Olokele Canyon.
5. Waimea CanyonThe helicopter passes Waimea Canyon State Park and Waipo'o Falls.
6. Na Pali CoastThe flight continues along Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, passing Nualolo Kai, Ke'e Beach and Tunnels Beach.
7. North shore and interiorThe return passes Hanalei Bay, Mt. Waialeale and Wailua Falls before landing back at the Lihue heliport, where the activity ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A doors-off flight is a different experience from a standard helicopter ride, and a few practical details shape how it goes.

• Dress warm. Several reviewers recommend a light jacket or sweater. With the doors off, wind chill makes the cabin noticeably cooler, and reviewers who took the advice found the flight comfortable.
• Secure your camera. Only a handheld camera or phone secured with a neck or wrist strap is allowed, and the operator lends out wrist straps for phones. Selfie sticks, GoPro sticks, gimbals, bags and any headwear are prohibited, so plan photos around a strapped device.
• Expect movement. The MD500 is a small aircraft, and reviewers describe light turbulence and a lot of movement, especially in edge seats with no doors. Anyone nervous about heights or motion should weigh that honestly before booking.
• Seating matters. One reviewer found the front middle seat a little cramped compared to the other seats. The operator requires parties of three or four to include one passenger light and short enough for that seat, so groups should discuss seating before boarding.
• Weight limits. The limit is 250 lbs per individual or 400 lbs combined per pair. Anyone over those limits must purchase an adjacent Comfort Seat, which is an extra cost not covered by the base booking.
• No food or drink. Meals are not included with this tour. Anything eaten should be arranged separately before or after the flight.

Common issues. The flight requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and if either condition isn't met you'll be offered a different date or a full refund. It is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for travellers with back problems, and children under 18 must fly with an adult. A few reviewers found the pilot's narration hard to hear at times over the wind and engine noise. One reviewer found the front middle seat a little cramped, though still worth it. Gratuities are not included, and passengers over the weight limits must buy a Comfort Seat at extra cost.

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