Kauai MD500 Doors-Off Tour – 60 Minutes

Affordable Extended Doors-Off Flight

Maximize your Kauai helicopter adventure with a full hour of doors-off flying in the agile MD500 aircraft. This extended tour provides comprehensive island coverage, extended hover time at spectacular locations, and unmatched access to remote areas. Experience the complete Garden Isle from dramatic sea cliffs to hidden waterfalls while feeling the tropical breeze throughout this thrilling 60-65 minute adventure.

Activity Price

364 USD

Duration

60-65 Minute

Age

Ages 10+

Location

Lihue

Amenities

Extended Flight Duration – Full hour of continuous adventure
Multiple Photo Stops – Extended hover time at prime locations

Special Instruction

Extended MD500 Adventure Experience

Comprehensive Island Coverage in 60+ Minutes

This extended MD500 tour covers all of Kauai’s major highlights including the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale, and hidden interior valleys in one comprehensive flight. The extra duration allows for extended hover time at spectacular waterfalls, detailed exploration of dramatic coastlines, and access to remote locations impossible to reach in shorter flights. Experience the complete diversity of the Garden Isle from volcanic deserts to tropical rainforests in this ultimate aerial adventure.

Enhanced Photography and Video Opportunities

The extended flight time provides multiple opportunities to capture perfect shots from various angles and lighting conditions as the sun moves across Kauai’s diverse landscapes. Your pilot will revisit favorite locations, hover longer at photogenic spots, and position the aircraft for optimal lighting throughout the hour-long adventure. The doors-off configuration eliminates all barriers for crystal-clear photography of waterfalls, rainbows, and dramatic geological formations.

MD500 Aircraft Performance and Comfort

The MD500’s exceptional stability and smooth flight characteristics ensure passenger comfort throughout the extended 60+ minute journey. This aircraft’s advanced design minimizes turbulence while maximizing visibility and access to challenging terrain. The helicopter’s efficient fuel consumption and reliability make it perfect for longer tours, while its compact size allows intimate access to narrow valleys and close approaches to waterfalls and cliffs.

Complete 60-Minute Tour Includes

About
Additional information
Cancellations

Overview
Duration: 60-65 minute tour
Meeting Point: Jack Harter Helicopters – Lihue Airport
Age: 10+

Activity Details
About
Experience Kauai like never before with our Doors-Off Helicopter Tour. Feel the cool breeze as you soar over Kauai’s stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, canyons, sea cliffs, beaches, and more. With no windows in your way, it’s the perfect option for photographers looking to capture Kauai’s most picturesque views. Thrilling yet safe, this tour is perfect for those seeking adventure and a unique perspective of the island.

  • Aircraft: Hughes MD500

  • Maximum Group Size: 4 passengers

Please note: We always operate a full tour with all seats sold.

Weight Restrictions

  • Individual weight limit: 250 lbs.

  • Pairs: The combined weight limit is 400 lbs. (This includes all clothing, shoes, and carry-on items).

  • If any passenger weighs over 250 lbs or if pairs exceed the 400 lbs combined weight limit, an additional adjacent seat must be purchased at checkout.

The weight and balance of the helicopter are essential to ensure a safe flight, and to comply with FAA regulations, all passengers will be discreetly weighed at check-in.

Front Middle Seat: For groups of 3-4, we require passengers sitting in the front middle seat to weigh 150 lbs or less and be no taller than 5’10” due to weight and height restrictions for that seat.

What to Wear

  • For the Doors-Off Helicopter Tour, you must wear shoes that are laced or strapped on for safety.

  • We recommend bringing a light jacket, preferably waterproof, to protect against the cool and potentially misty breeze.

  • Comfortable clothing (long sleeve shirts, pants, and comfortable shoes) is advised.

  • For everyone’s safety, we do not allow hats, beanies, GoPro head mounts, scarves, turbans, or other headgear, as these can pose a safety risk during boarding, flight, and deboarding.

Can I Bring My Children?

  • Age requirement: Passengers must be at least 10 years old to fly on the Doors-Off tour, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • If your child is not yet old enough, we recommend checking with your hotel for babysitting or daycare services.

Seat Requests

  • While you may submit a seat preference at the time of booking, we cannot guarantee specific seat requests.

  • Seating arrangements are made based on the weight and balance of the aircraft, which is critical for ensuring a safe flight.

Weather and Cancellations

  • Weather Policy: Safety is our top priority. We will only fly if the weather conditions allow for a safe and smooth experience. If we determine the weather is unsuitable for flying, we will not operate the tour. Weather patterns on Kauai can change rapidly, and we constantly monitor conditions throughout the day. Please keep in mind that rain often enhances the island’s famous waterfalls and rainbows.

  • Cancellation Policy: You may cancel or make changes to your booking at least 48 hours before your scheduled tour departure with no obligation. Reservations canceled or changed within 48 hours of the scheduled flight, or no-shows, will incur full charges.

What’s Included

  • Doors-off helicopter tour with incredible aerial views of Kauai’s natural beauty.

What You’ll See
During the tour, you’ll fly clockwise around the island, taking in the following highlights:

  • Nawiliwili Harbor and the Menehune Fishpond

  • Kipu Kai and the Tunnel of Trees

  • Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls) in Hanapepe Valley

  • Olokele Canyon

  • Waimea Canyon (The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”)

  • Na Pali Coast’s breathtaking sea cliffs and valleys

  • The North Shore Beaches from Ke’e to Hanalei

  • The Beautiful Bay and Valley of Hanalei

  • Mt. Waialeale, the heart of Kauai’s ancient volcano

  • Wailua Falls, and much more!

Our pilots will make every effort to show you all of Kauai’s stunning highlights, but flight paths are weather-dependent, so some sites may not be visible depending on conditions.

Check-in Details

  • Check-in time: Please arrive 45 minutes prior to your scheduled flight time.

What to Bring

  • Phone or Camera (with wrist or neck strap for safety)

  • Sunglasses

  • Windbreaker or Jacket (recommended for comfort)

  • Secure Shoes for safety and comfort during the flight

Restrictions
What You CANNOT Bring:

  • Hats, beanies, or any similar headwear

  • iPads or similar electronic devices

  • Bags, backpacks, or purses

  • Any loose items – all pockets must remain empty

  • Selfie sticks or GoPro sticks longer than 12 inches

  • Magnetic gimbals or camera sticks

  • Flip-flops or slip-on footwear

Cancellation Policy

  • You may cancel or make changes to your booking without obligation by notifying us at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight.

  • No-shows or cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled flight time will incur full charges.

Weather Policy

  • Safety is our priority. We will only fly if conditions are safe for a smooth flight. If we determine the weather is not ideal, we will not operate the tour.

  • Weather on Kauai can change rapidly, and we continuously monitor conditions before and during tours.

  • Each tour is unique, and the flight path may vary depending on weather.

  • A little rain can enhance Kauai’s beauty! The island’s famous waterfalls and rainbows often become more vibrant after rain.

Extended Tour Information

  • The extended tour covers all major Kauai highlights including Na Pali Coast sea cliffs, Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale crater, Hanalei Valley, hidden waterfalls, and remote interior valleys. The extra time allows comprehensive exploration of each area with extended hover opportunities for photography and detailed viewing of spectacular landscapes.

  • The extended duration allows complete island coverage, multiple visits to favorite spots, extended hover time for photography, and access to more remote locations. You’ll experience greater detail and depth in each area visited, with time to truly appreciate Kauai’s diverse landscapes from volcanic formations to tropical rainforests.

  • Yes, the MD500 is designed for passenger comfort with excellent stability and smooth flight characteristics. The aircraft’s advanced vibration dampening and ergonomic seating ensure comfort throughout the extended journey. The doors-off configuration provides natural ventilation and reduces any feeling of confinement during the longer flight.

  • Expect an immersive, adrenaline-filled adventure with constant spectacular views and photo opportunities. The extended time allows for a relaxed pace with multiple approaches to favorite locations. You’ll experience varying altitudes, speeds, and perspectives as your pilot showcases different aspects of Kauai’s incredible landscapes throughout the full hour.

  • No, this is a continuous 60-65 minute flight experience without landing breaks. However, the varied routing, different altitudes, and multiple hover stops provide natural rhythm changes throughout the journey. The pilot adjusts the pace to ensure passenger comfort while maximizing the adventure and viewing opportunities during the extended tour duration.

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