Air Kauai Doors-Off Flight

Air Kauai: DOORS-OFF Helicopter Adventure runs through Air Kauai Helicopters. Rated 4.8 across 545 reviews. Runs 50 minutes (approx.). From $402.09.

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

The doors come off before you leave the ground at Lihue Airport, and they stay off for a roughly 50 minute circuit around Kauai with a local pilot at the controls. Six passengers share the cabin with the pilot, and everyone wears goggles supplied by the operator. Because there is no window between you and the island, the ridgelines, waterfalls and coastline pass by unobstructed.

The flight path runs over Mt. Waialeale, Waimea Canyon State Park, Hanapepe Valley Lookout, the Na Pali Coast and Manawaiopuna Falls, the waterfall known from Jurassic Park. All of these are pass bys, so there are no landings or stops along the way. One reviewer wrote that there is so much of Kauai that cannot be seen driving or walking, and several describe the flight as the high point of their trip.

This suits travellers aged 10 and up who are comfortable in an open helicopter. It does not suit anyone who cannot manage the boarding and seating, since the aircraft has no wheelchair lift and staff cannot physically assist passengers inside. Hotel transport is not included, so you make your own way to the heliport at Lihue.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at LihueMeet at 3651 Ahukini Rd, at the cargo and heliport side of Lihue Airport, and check in at the black office. One reviewer suggested arriving a little early to get ready with the coaching or video on how to travel in the helicopter.
2. Mt. WaialealeThe helicopter passes by the mountain. Several reviewers describe the island scenery seen on the flight as the high point of their trip to Kauai.
3. Waimea Canyon State ParkPass by the canyon, one of the dramatic changes in scenery reviewers mention on the flight.
4. Hanapepe Valley Lookout areaThe route continues over the Hanapepe Valley.
5. Na Pali Coast State ParkPass by the coast on this leg of the flight before turning back toward the heliport.
6. Manawaiopuna FallsPass by the waterfall used in Jurassic Park before returning to the heliport.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few rules shape the day more than most tours, so it helps to know them before booking.

• Camera rules. Only your cell phone is allowed on board, and no other camera device is permitted. The operator provides a lanyard and you keep one hand on the phone throughout the flight.
• What to wear. Closed toed shoes or sandals that strap to your ankles are required, and flip flops or slides are not allowed. Long hair must be tied up, and prescription glasses should be a small pair or worn with contacts under the goggles. No hats, bags, sunglasses, loose items or anything in your pockets.
• Weight limits. Any passenger over 230 lbs, or two passengers combined over 400 lbs, or a group of 3 or more averaging 190 lbs or more, must buy an additional seat. Anyone over 250 lbs must buy an extra seat regardless of combined weight. The stated limit per passenger is 104 kg.
• Age and seating. Passengers must be 10 or older, and only those 16 and older can take an outside or edge seat. The cabin holds 6 passengers plus the pilot.
• Weather luck. The experience requires good weather, and rain can change what you see. One reviewer noted recent rains meant waterfalls that many people never see were flowing on their flight.
• Getting there. Make your own way to the Lihue Airport heliport and follow the signs for cargo and heliport. The meeting point is on Ahukini Road, first right after the UPS Customer Center Drive, where the Air Kauai sign marks the spot.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup or drop off, and the site is not wheelchair accessible, with no lift and no physical assistance into the helicopter. The flight needs a minimum number of travellers and good weather; if either forces a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer reported a faulty headset and no narration, and the same reviewer felt four people in the back row was a squeeze, though the pilot's flying was praised. Cancellations within 24 hours of the start time get no refund, and heavier passengers may need to pay for an extra seat.

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