Kauai Hughes 500 Doors-Off Helicopter Flight

Intimate 3-Passenger Helicopter Tour

Take flight in the iconic Hughes 500 helicopter with doors removed for the ultimate Kauai adventure. This nimble aircraft offers exceptional maneuverability and intimate access to hidden valleys, towering waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines. Feel the tropical air as you soar through narrow canyons and hover beside cascading falls in this unforgettable open-air experience.

Activity Price

348 USD

Duration

50-55 Minutes

Age

Ages 10+

Location

Lihue

Amenities

Professional Pilot Instruction – Expert guidance for first-time helicopter passengers
Flexible Route Options – Customizable flight paths based on conditions

Special Instruction

Hughes 500 Open-Air Excellence

Agile Hughes 500 Aircraft Performance

The Hughes 500 helicopter’s compact design and exceptional maneuverability make it perfect for navigating Kauai’s challenging terrain. This aircraft can access narrow valleys and hover in tight spaces that larger helicopters cannot reach. With doors removed, you’ll experience unmatched stability and smooth flight characteristics while enjoying panoramic views of the Garden Isle’s most spectacular landscapes and hidden natural wonders.

Intimate Small-Group Experience

With seating for just 2-3 passengers, the Hughes 500 provides an exclusive, personalized adventure unlike crowded tour buses or larger aircraft. Your pilot can customize the route based on weather conditions and passenger interests, ensuring optimal viewing opportunities. This intimate setting allows for better communication with your pilot and creates lasting memories with your travel companions in Kauai’s most pristine environments.

Superior Photography and Video Opportunities

The Hughes 500’s door-free design eliminates glass reflections and obstructions, providing crystal-clear views for photography enthusiasts. The aircraft’s stable platform and slower flight speeds allow for professional-quality shots of Kauai’s iconic landmarks. Our pilots are experienced in positioning the helicopter for optimal lighting and angles, ensuring you capture stunning images of waterfalls, rainbows, and dramatic coastal formations.

Your Hughes 500 Adventure Includes

About
Additional information
Pricing
Cancellations

Overview
Duration: 50-55 minutes
Meeting Point: Lihue Airport, Kauai
Group Size: Maximum 4 guests

Activity Details
About the Tour
Departing from Lihue Airport, this Doors-Off Helicopter Adventure takes you on a breathtaking aerial tour of Kauai’s most scenic and lush destinations.

Sites Included in the Tour:

  • Bali Ha’i (Makana Mountain)

  • Hanalei Bay

  • Hanapepe (Jurassic Falls)

  • Kipu Kai

  • Nā Pali Coast

  • Waialeale Crater (The Weeping Wall)

  • Wailua Falls

  • Waimea Canyon

What’s Included

  • Doors-off flight for an immersive experience

  • Hughes 500 helicopter – Maximum of 4 guests with all window seats

Tour Highlights
This DOORS-OFF ADVENTURE will take you over Kauai’s most lush and scenic destinations, providing spectacular aerial views that will leave you in awe.

  • Bali Ha’i (Makana Mountain): Soar over this iconic mountain at the start of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, offering stunning views of the island’s rugged beauty.

  • Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls): Fly over one of the island’s most famous waterfalls, featured in the opening scene of the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park. Watch as water cascades over a 400-foot cliff, surrounded by vibrant green flora.

  • Kipu Kai Beach: See this remote, private beach from the sky—accessible only by water. A rare sight, it’s a favorite for those who can only admire it in photos.

  • Hanalei Bay: Glide over this picturesque two-mile stretch of beach, backed by towering emerald mountains: Hihimanu to the east, Namolokama with its square top in the middle, and the triangular Mamalahoa to the west.

  • Waialeale Crater (The Weeping Wall): Known for receiving over 600 inches of rain per year, Waialeale is one of the wettest spots on Earth. From above, witness the beauty of cascading waterfalls and the lush greenery that surrounds this ancient volcano.

  • Wailua Falls: Experience this stunning waterfall, renowned for its beauty and surrounded by dense tropical forests.

  • Waimea Canyon: Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this majestic canyon offers incredible aerial views of its deep ravines and vibrant colors.

This tour promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing Kauai’s natural wonders from a unique and thrilling perspective.

Disclaimers

  • Routes and sites may vary due to weather conditions.

Tour Pricing

  • Open Seating: $348
    (For guests weighing more than 240 lbs or parties of 2 with a combined weight exceeding 400 lbs, an additional seat must be booked. Ages 10 and older)

  • Front Seat Upgrade: $388
    (Front seats are sold as a pair, with a combined weight limit of 340 lbs. Ages 10 and older)

  • Private Tour Option: $1,392
    (Up to 4 guests, maximum weight of 745 lbs)

Cancellation Policy

  • 48-Hour Notice: Customers will receive a full refund or credit if they cancel with at least 48 hours’ notice.

  • Operator Cancellation: If the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive a full refund or credit.

  • No-Shows: No-shows will be charged the full price of the tour.

For cancellations or inquiries, please contact us by phone.

Hughes 500 Tour Questions

  • The Hughes 500 is renowned for its agility, stability, and ability to access areas larger helicopters cannot reach. Its compact size allows for intimate experiences while maintaining exceptional safety standards. The aircraft’s design provides superior visibility and smooth flight characteristics perfect for doors-off adventures.

  • The Hughes 500 typically accommodates 2-3 passengers plus the pilot, depending on weight distribution and specific aircraft configuration. This creates an intimate, personalized experience with unobstructed views for every passenger during the doors-off flight.

  • Absolutely! The Hughes 500 offers excellent stability and smooth flight characteristics, making it ideal for first-time flyers. Our experienced pilots provide thorough safety briefings and ensure passenger comfort throughout the adventure. The aircraft’s reputation for reliability adds confidence to the experience.

  • The Hughes 500 incorporates multiple safety systems including redundant flight controls, emergency procedures, and rigorous maintenance protocols. For doors-off operations, we use certified safety harnesses and follow strict weight distribution guidelines to ensure optimal aircraft performance and passenger security.

  • Like all aircraft, the Hughes 500 follows strict weather guidelines for safe operations. However, its agility allows flights in conditions that might ground larger helicopters. Our pilots monitor conditions constantly and will reschedule if necessary to ensure passenger safety and optimal viewing conditions.

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