Kauai’s diverse landscapes make it the best Hawaiian island for an aerial tour.
While a helicopter tour in Kauai might be your most expensive activity in Hawaii, it will also be your most memorable experience.
For the ultimate adventure, tourists consider a doors-off helicopter tour.
With nothing between you and the lush greens of Kauai, you’ll have an unparalleled view of the island’s stunning beauty.
This article covers everything you need to know before booking a helicopter tour without doors in Kauai.
Top helicopter tours
# Most popular Kauai doors off heli tour
# Guided doors off helicopter tourIt’s highly recommended to book your helicopter tour in advance. With limited seating available, these tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Doors off helicopter tour in Kauai
Kauai is a dream with its lush jungles, dramatic cliffs, and flowing waterfalls, and this helicopter trip offers one-of-a-kind aerial views of its grandeur.
Choose between morning and afternoon departure times, drive to Lihue Airport, and take to the skies.
On this 50-minute doors-off helicopter tour, you’ll enjoy incredible views of Mt. Waialeale, Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon State Park, and more.
Admire the Na Pali Coast, the “Jurassic Park” waterfalls, and other stunning attractions.
You will discover many of Kauai’s best sights on this single tour.
The tour operator provides lanyards for cellphones and GoPros, ensuring you can capture every moment.
The customizable doors-off helicopter offers unrivaled views of the island’s beauty.
Tour operator: Air Kauai Helicopters
Morning departures: 8 am – 12 pm
Evening departures: 12 pm – 4 pm
Departure and end point: 3651 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA. Get Directions
Cost of the tour (10+ years): US$353 per person
Book This TourWhen you enter Lihue Airport, stay to the left towards the CARGO/HELIPORT. Turn left at the second stop sign and head north on Ahukini Road. Take the first right after UPS Customer Center Drive and look for the Air Kauai sign. Park on the grass area and check in at the back office.
Guided Kauai helicopter tour
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with this doors-off helicopter tour over breathtaking Kauai.
This helicopter meets the highest industry standards to ensure maximum passenger safety.
The knowledgeable pilots will guide you through the island’s iconic landmarks, providing insightful commentary along the way.
The 60-minute tour ensures ample time at each viewpoint, with the helicopter rotated for the best views.
Wrist straps for mobile phones are included with the ticket, and the tour also offers transportation to and from the heliport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Tour operator: Jack Harter Helicopters Tour
Timings: 9.45 am – 3.15 pm
Departure and end point: 4231 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA. Get Directions
Cost of the tour (18+ years): US$359 per person
Book This TourThe Jack Harter office is on Ahukini Rd, between Walmart and the Lihue Airport intersection. Look for a white sign with the company name and logo near an American flag. Pull into the driveway and park to the left of the office.
Restrictions strictly followed
Here are some important restrictions to keep in mind for helicopter tours in Kauai:
- Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable doors off heli tour of Kauai.
- Passengers exceeding 230 lbs (104 kgs) or two passengers combined over 400 lbs (181 kgs) must purchase an additional seat for comfort and safety.
- The Kauai guided helicopter tour accommodates up to 12 travelers, while the doors-off adventure tour allows only up to six travelers.
- Tennis shoes must be worn, and no flip-flops are allowed on board the aircraft.
- These helicopter tours are not wheelchair accessible.
- A valid photo ID is required.
- No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
- Gratuities are not included in the ticket price.
- Check-in at least 30 minutes early.
- Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
- Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Are doors-off helicopter tours safe?
If you’re worried about the safety of a doors-off helicopter tour, rest assured that these tours follow strict safety protocols. Experienced pilots use high-quality equipment engineered for stability and safety. Flights are scheduled based on weather conditions, and you’ll be securely strapped in with a safety harness. Just listen to your pilot, and you’ll be good.
What to expect from doors off helicopter tour
Known as the Garden Island, Kauai’s name comes from the tropical rainforest that blankets its mountains, creating emerald valleys, vibrant canyons, jagged cliffs, and tumbling waterfalls.
On a sunny day, you can take a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the island.
Booking a doors-off helicopter tour adds to the thrill, leaving nothing between you and nature’s bonanza down below.
You can make a loop around the island, fly over Waimea Canyon, and admire its waterfalls and dramatic scenery.
The most exhilarating part is navigating the craggy rocks along the Na Pali Coast, where no vehicle can go.
As you continue along the north shore beaches and over the rainforest valleys to the highest point on the island’s extinct volcano, you’ll feel a mix of fear and delight flying without doors.
Get ready to make the most of your first helicopter tour with tips on what to wear and how to enjoy every moment in the sky.
Kauai helicopter tours with doors
If you change your mind and want to opt for doors-on helicopter tours over Kauai, we suggest the 45-minute Kauai Air Tour.
45-minute Amazing Air Kauai Helicopter Tour
Discover why Kauai is known as the Garden Isle on a helicopter tour that showcases the island’s diverse scenery.
Soar over the mountainous Na Pali Coast for an unbeatable view of the emerald peaks and sea cliffs.
Marvel at the “Jurassic Park Falls” made famous by the movie, and fly over Waimea Canyon’s red desert valleys.
This tour is the perfect way to see Kauai in all its splendor, with the pilot providing a local’s perspective through insightful narration.
In less than an hour, you can see the best of Kauai from the air.
The only way to visit the spectacular Manawaiopuna Falls is by helicopter, and this tour makes it possible.
This small-group helicopter tour is limited to six passengers for a more personal experience.
Tour operator: Air Kauai Helicopters
Morning departures: 8 am – 12 pm
Afternoon departures: 12 pm – 4 pm
Departure and end point: Lihue Airport, 3711 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA. Get Directions.
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$301 per person
Book This TourCancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the tour’s start time.
Helicopter tours depend on good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
Got questions about your helicopter tour? Our FAQs cover everything you need to know before takeoff.
Doors-on or doors-off helicopter tour—which is best?
Doors-on helicopter tours provide more comfort and protection from wind and weather.
They also offer a sense of security for those who may be nervous about flying.
However, windows can cause reflections and glare, which can obstruct your photos.
Doors-off helicopter tours offer a more exhilarating and immersive experience, making them ideal for photography and enjoying the scenery.
But they expose you to wind and weather, which can be uncomfortable in colder or rainy conditions.
Increased wind noise can also make communication with the pilot more challenging.
If you fear heights or open spaces, a doors-on tour is a better choice. But if you are a thrill-seeker, then the doors-off tour is your way to go.
Related Reading
# Helicopter tours in Kauai
# Helicopter tours in Big Island
# Helicopter tours in Oahu
# Helicopter tours in Maui
# Helicopter tours from Honolulu
# Helicopter tours from Kona
# Helicopter tours from Lihue
# Helicopter tours in Hawaii
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