jack harter helicopter tours kauai

• Toll-free: 877-678-7333 -or- 808-876-7777

Thrilling Helicopter Flights with NO DOORS!

• Jack Harter Doors Off Helicopter Tours
• Helicopter Tours

• 60 Minute Complete Island Circle Tour
• Four-passenger Hughes 500 Aircraft flown with NO DOORS
• Wear long pants and a jacket as the air is chilly at altitude
• See Jurassic Falls, Waimea Canyon, and Na Pali Coast

Description

The most respected name in helicopter tourism over the years, Jack Harter created the helicopter tourism industry on Kauai way back in 1962. Jack invites you to escape the ordinary; to leave the byways of man and immerse yourself in the wilderness grandeur of the Garden Isle. His company offers tours in two different models of aircraft, both feature two-way communication with the pilot.

The Jack Harter Doors Off Tour is flown in the four passenger Hughes 500 for an exhilarating air tourism experience. Imagine yourself zooming along the spires of the Na Pali Coast with the wind blowing in your hair and looking straight down to the ocean below! This doors off helicopter is not for everyone, but if you are adventurous or are a photographer concerned about the window causing reflections in your photos, this might be the best tour for you.

The Jack Harter Doors Off Helicopter tour follows a circle island route clockwise around the island and features Jurassic Falls, Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, Waialeale Crater, and Wailua Falls. Exact tour routes and sites seen on each tour can vary based upon weather conditions, but wherever you fly you will surely be stunned by the island's beauty and thrilled with the doors off experience.

Jack Harter Doors Off Helicopter Rate (JHH3)

$324.00 per Passenger, $35.00 per Fuel Surcharge   (Hawaii sales tax included)  

Directions: Check in at Jack Harter's location about halfway between the Lihue Airport and downtown Lihue / Walmart area. Park at their office and their shuttle takes you to the heliport and returns you after your flight.

GPS Address: 4231 Ahukini Rd., Lihue, HI 96766 Click to view map

Schedule: 7 days a week

Time: Flight throughout the day. Checkin 45 minutes prior to your flight time.

Duration: Flight time is approximately 1 hour

Reservations: Required well in advance of your vacation. Jack Harter will charge your credit card for your seats at the time your reservation is confirmed.

Minimum Notice for Cancellation / Changes: 48 hours prior to the start of the tour. If the pilot feels a quality tour cannot be conducted due to weather conditions, you will be contacted to reschedule for another day. If you can't reschedule, there is no charge for a tour cancelled by the pilot's decision to not fly.

Equipment: Hughes 500 - This helicopter is equipped with a quick release safety harness that is required by the FAA for all doors off flights.

Restrictions: Passengers weighing over 250 pounds or couples whose combined weight exceeds 400 pounds must purchase an extra seat. No loose objects are permitted in the helicopter. Cameras must have a strong wrist or neck strap. Minimum age is 10. Guests must be physically able to climb up into the helicopter as it is several steps off the ground.

What to Wear: Long pants and jackets are recommended since this helicopter is not climate controlled.

Important Note: Jack Harter only flies with a completely full helicopter. If they do not sell all the seats on your tour, they will move you to a different flight time. If you decide to fly with Jack Harter we suggest that you reserve the tour for the first full day in Kauai ... if your flight time or date needs to be changed you'll have time to reschedule it for later in your vacation.

It never ceases to amaze me that people spend thousands of dollars to come to Hawaii, but think it is too expensive to spend another $350 to REALLY see the islands from a helicopter. There is so much beauty that you cannot see any other way. Do yourself a favor and SPLURGE! You will thank me. I have flown with many helicopter companies and done flights over all the islands of Hawaii (except Niihau and Oahu). I don't think anyone who works in this industry would question the fact that Kauai is the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands to fly over ... and is probably the most beautiful island in the world.

The doors off tours with Jack Harter are a wind-blown experience, and the temperature varies throughout the tour depending on your current altitude. No mood music on doors off tours ... you do wear headphones to listen to the pilot's narration and there is an intercom system so you can ask the pilot questions. This intercom doesn't work well in the back seat though ... it is windier back there. Flying with the doors off is certainly thrilling ... but it isn't for everyone.

Best time of day to fly? I think mid-morning provides the best lighting and least cloud cover. Kauai gets LOTS of rain ... the summit of Mt. Waiale'ale is one of the WETTEST places on the face of the earth. That's why this island is so beautifully carved and has so many waterfalls. Days that there are NO clouds are very rare. Typically the helicopters are able to fly back into the valleys while remaining safely below the cloud layer.

A word about body weights ... almost all helicopter companies in Hawaii have a 250 pound weight limit per seat. For larger passengers who exceed the weight limit it is necessary for the helicopter companies to leave a seat vacant so that there is adequate room for the larger passenger (and adjacent passengers). Some companies charge 50% extra for this "comfort seat" and others charge a full rate for the extra seat (which doubles the cost of the fare for a passenger over 250 pounds). Jack Harter charges 100% of the normal rate for this extra seat. They also charge extra in cases where the combined weight of 2 passengers exceeds 400 pounds. What about kids? The cost of a seat is the same whether the passenger is an adult or a child. "Doors off" tours have a minimum age of 10.

DOORS OFF HELICOPTER TOUR | JACK HARTER HELICOPTERS

Quick Details

• Tags Category: Air
• Map Marker Island: Kauai
• Hour Glass Duration: 60-65 Minutes
• Tag Adventure Type: Helicopter
• Tag Tour Operator: Jack Harter Helicopters

Capture epic moments and embrace the thrill of a doors-off helicopter around Kaua’i on our one-hour tour. Fly over waterfalls, canyons, cliffs, beaches, and more.

• Grand Canyon of the Pacific
• Witness Kauai’s Wonders
• Napali Coast & More!

Doors Off Helicopter Tour

Capture Epic Moments on this Doors-Off Helicopter Kaua’i Tour!

Experience Kaua’i like never before with our doors-off tour. You will feel the cool breeze as you fly by Kauai’s most beautiful landscapes, ranging from waterfalls, canyons, sea cliffs, beaches, and more. There is nothing but your camera between you and the island’s most picturesque views, making it the ideal option for photographers. Thrilling yet safe, this is the tour for those seeking to add a little adventure to their visit.

What You’ll See

As you fly clockwise around the island some highlights you may see include…

• 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’s spectacular 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
• Picturesque Wailua Falls …and more!

What To Wear & Bring

• For the Door-Off experience, you MUST wear shoes that are laced or strapped on.
• They highly recommend bringing a light jacket, preferably something waterproof for the cool and potentially misty breeze. For all tours, they recommend wearing a long sleeve shirt, pants, and comfortable shoes. Please bring a phone or camera, sunglasses.

Know Before You Go

• Their weight limit in place for an individual is 250 lbs and 400 lbs per pair. All passengers weighing over 250 lbs and pairs weighing over a combined 400 lbs are required to purchase an additional adjacent seat at checkout.
• For everyone’s safety, they do not allow: Hats, beanies, or any similar headwear. iPads, Selfie stick or GoPro stick longer than 12 inches. Bags, backpacks, or purses, any loose items, Magnetic Gimbals (allowed with an additional strap to secure), Flip flops/slip on footwear.
• Their pilots will do their best to show you all Kaua’i has to offer but they cannot guarantee all highlights since flight paths are weather dependant.
• Chevron down Tour Policies, Restrictions and Recommendations

Weight Restrictions

• All passengers weighing over 250 lbs and pairs weighing over a combined 400 lbs are  required to purchase an additional adjacent seat at checkout.

The weight and balance of a helicopter are crucial to its ability to fly, so we appreciate your understanding of strictly enforcing this policy. In order to comply with FAA regulations, we will discretely weigh every passenger upon checking in.

• The weight limit in place for an individual is 250 lbs and 400 lbs per pair. Weight limits include all clothing, shoes, and carry-on items. The reason why their weight limit is different for pairs is to ensure that they can be on the same flight.
• The weight and balance of a helicopter are crucial to its ability to fly, so they appreciate your understanding of strictly enforcing this policy. In order to comply with FAA regulations, they will discretely weigh every passenger upon checking in.
• For parties of 3-4 passengers, they require a passenger to be 150 lbs or less and no taller than 5’10” to accommodate the front middle seat. This aircraft has a front middle seat with a weight limitation of 150 lbs and a height restriction of 5’10”.

Tour Policies

• For our Doors-Off tour, your child must be at least 10 years of age and must be accompanied by an adult.
• They highly recommend bringing a light jacket, preferably something waterproof for the cool and potentially misty breeze.
• For all tours, they recommend wearing a long sleeve shirt, pants, and comfortable shoes.
• For everyone’s safety, they do not allow any hats, beanies, GoPro head mounts, scarfs, turbans, or other headgear for any of our tours. These items pose a risk to everyone’s safety when boarding, flying, and deboarding.
• Chevron down Food & Beverages

No food or beverage options available on this tour.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

PLEASE NOTIFY HAWAII ADVENTURE CENTER IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE AN ACTIVITY.

You can do so by calling (888) 207-0722 or  contact us online .

• No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of activity
• For groups of 6+ there are no refunds for cancellations within 72 hours of activity
• We will gladly reschedule your activity at no extra cost if changes are made prior to the 48 or 72 hour cancellation period
• Cancellations from date of booking to 48 hours before activity or for larger groups 72 hours before activity are subject to a 10% service charge
• If for some reason we are unable to confirm your reservation with the activity operator due to oversold seats or other unforeseen reasons, a full refund will be provided and you will be notified immediately to discuss alternative dates and activities

If a tour operator cancels any trip due to weather, mechanical failure, unsafe conditions, or insufficient reservations, a full refund will be provided.

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Jack Harter Helicopters

Updates From This Business

We're open on Independence Day

We'll be open and flying this 4th of July. Come and… read more

If you only do one activity on Kauai - this is it!

The doors-off helicopter tour was one of the best… read more

Portfolio from the Business

Utility Charter - Long Line

Highlights from the Business

58 years in business

Locally owned & operated

Certified professionals

Family-owned & operated

Free parking

Review Highlights

“ I am very much scared of heights but had to experience Kauai from the air (my boyfriend really wanted to do this). ” in 261 reviews

“ I love just about everything about Hawaii, and our helicopter tour was the best thing we've done, hands down. ” in 103 reviews

“ I got to experience the island from Nawiliwili Harbor to Waimea Canyon to the Napali Coast to Waialeale Crater. ” in 41 reviews

Show more review highlights

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

4231 Ahukini Rd

Lihue, HI 96766

Serving Lihue Area

Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Jack and Bev H.

Business Owner

Are you looking to fully experience the breathtaking views of Kauai? Jack Harter Helicopters in Lihue, HI, has your answer. From its humble beginnings as one of the original helicopter tours in Hawaii, this business has blossomed into the leading choice for families and photographers alike. From high-flying adventure to a more comfortable view of the Na Pali Coast, the pilots here will take you on the journey of a lifetime. The AS350 AStar helicopter holds up to six passengers and has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a spectacular view. For more of a daring tour, try out the Hughes 500 helicopter, which features open doors, for up to four passengers. A two-way intercom allows the riders to interact with the pilot for a customized journey. Specialized tours are also available, such as VIP flights for photographers and videographers. This crew will take you on a one-of-a-kind aerial tour to capture the amazing views. They're authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to fly at the lowest altitude to accommodate your needs. If you're looking for a simpler view of the Kauai's varied terrain, a 60- or 90-minute ride provides the opportunity of a lifetime. Since 1962, Jack Harter Helicopters has been the backbone of Hawaiian helicopter tours. From movie scouts to families simply wanting to experience the view, they are the premier choice. Call (808) 245-3774 to schedule your ride today or visit them online to find out more. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Are the helicopter tours "rain or shine" flyers? We want to book a tour, but the forecast for our trip is rain everyday on Kauai...just curious?

Jack Harter Helicopters' goal is to provide safe flights that are worth our customers' time and money. There are days when it rains and we fly and others when we do not. It is left to the pilots to determine if they will fly any given flight based… more

Recommended Reviews

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Overall rating

705 reviews

My husband and I had a great time on our doors off helicopter ride on Kauai. We had done a doors-on ride with our kids 8 or 10 years ago with Jack Harter, and wanted to return anticipating the same soaring views of Waimea Canyon and the Napili Coast. We did get great views, but they were quite different from what I recall on that last flight. The days was fairly overcast and with doors off we did get a bit wet and blown about, but it was absolutely worth it. Eli piloted skillfully and gave us views from many angles. I appreciated that his banter was generally informative and not too overbearing. We got some fantastic pictures and definitely experienced the amazing topography of Kauai in ways that couldn't be duplicated by any other means.

Took my mother and teenage daughter on a closed door tour. The staff was friendly and our pilot, Preston, was fantastic. Preston provided great information about the sites and made sure we all got a good view. There was a bit of light rain that morning so we were glad we did the doors on tour. Highly recommend.

If you're thinking about it, just do it! I was nervous to book, but this was genuinely one of the coolest experiences of my life. My husband and I opted for the doors off helicopter ride which seats 4 people. There isn't a bad seat on the helicopter as two people are sat in the front next to the pilot and two are sat in the back. We saw farmland, canyons, the Na Pali coast, and because the weather conditions were optimal, we even flew through a volcano crater with tens of waterfalls surrounding us. Everyone who worked here was so kind and helpful, and our pilot, Nick, made our experience amazing. He was a true professional and his calm and positive demeanor helped us feel safe. He gave us a thorough history and explanation of all our views during the flight. We felt like we were in good hands, and we got the most out of our experience thanks to him! I have no complaints and would recommend this tour to anyone considering a helicopter ride in Kauai.

You reallllllly have to overestimate your and your passengers weights when making the booking. We almost nearly didn't get to go and wouldn't have gotten a refund but it all worked out. The experience itself was gorgeous and beautiful. Almost surreal

Business Manager

Jun 12, 2024

Aloha Kisko, mahalo for the 5 star review. Thank you for sharing a tip about passenger weights. We ask that all customers give an accurate weight of themselves fully dressed with anything that you will be bringing on board. Mahalo!

You should 100% do the doors off tour! You should also bring a jacket and pants. We got super lucky and had a perfect day in the beginning of March. The weeping wall (blue hole trail) of Kauai was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life - video posted - as was the beautiful Nā Pali coast. With 70% of the island inaccessible, it really is worth it to see Kauai via chopper.

Such an incredible experience!! Our pilot, Eli, was exceptional! He made sure we were all doing well. (I was crazy nervous to do this, but so glad I did!) Eli explained so much about the island and its history. I love that he encouraged questions and I feel he really enjoys his job.

Na Pali Coast

Beautiful waterfalls

This was the main tour my hubby looked forward to in KAUAI and he talked to them beforehand and asked that we both either be in the front seat or on different rows but on the right hand side. They seemed fine with that request. Once they loaded us I had the right side front and he got the left side back. Nick, the pilot, catered entirely to those on the right and so my poor hubby never got a good view of the Denali coast or waterfalls. Because we were never instructed on how to use our headsets to speak to the pilot, our voices were never heard by Nick when we were trying to request a fly by from the left once in a while. My husband left the tour very disappointed as he mostly saw the ocean . I feel so sad for him, especially after it wasn't a cheap tour.

Jun 11, 2024

Aloha, Jana. We are sorry to hear that your husband had a disappointing experience. We strive to ensure that all guests feel they got the full value out of their tour. In an effort to reduce air traffic all helicopter agencies on Kauai have agreed to fly around the island in a clock-wise direction, which is why you felt catered to on the right-hand side. However, since our tours are 60 minutes (vs 45) we are able to take the time to make full 360 degree turns at each of the main scenic areas to ensure that both sides of the helicopter get a great view. We are sorry to hear that your husband felt like he didn't get long enough viewing along the Na Pali coast. Also we are sorry if you missed the instructions on how to use your headset once on board. These instructions are a part of the safety briefing at our office. But please don't hesitate to ask any questions if you missed something. We appreciate you leaving a review and we will pass your comments along to management.

One of the coolest things I have ever done. A bucket list item I was blessed enough to be able to share with my wife and kids. 65 minutes was a good amount of time to see the sights. Our pilot was super friendly and informative. "Doors off" tour means it gets loud, cold and windy. Cool! Count us in. The views were stunning, jaw dropping... magical.

See all photos from Mike M. for Jack Harter Helicopters

Best ride ever! it was a first heli flight for me & my 15 yr old son & it was awesome! i Know there are many heli tours companies in KauaI, but I will attest that Jack Harter provided excellent service. From the pickup at our hotel to the orien & flight, to the ride back - they were great! The office staff was friendly & our pilot was great! I would recommend them highly!

I can't recommend this place enough!! From start to finish, everything was so smooth and wonderful. Our pilot Chris was so knowledgeable about the island. He truly made the experience better!! The flight was an hour long and the perfect amount of time to explore the island. We saw sooo many waterfalls, and canyon, craters, and the day was soooo clear we got to see the summit! Overall 100% worth it and would do it again in a heartbeat! Truly our favorite part about our trip. Ps. Wear warm clothes, it gets pretty cold up there!

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90 Minute Kauai Helicopter Tour

This is a photographer’s dream! This flight is flown at slower speeds and explores deeper into Kauai’s valleys and canyons.  This is the longest helicopter tour on Kauai &  is offered in the A-Stars only. This unique 90 minute Kauai helicopter tour enables the pilot to turn the helicopter more often, setting up fantastic photographic opportunities.

Equipped with two-way intercom systems, allowing the pilot to easily converse with their passengers. There are no prerecorded narratives during the flights. Passengers are encouraged to pick up the microphone and talk with their pilot during the flight. This interaction gives the pilots some insight into their passengers’ interests and allows the narration to be tailored to each group.

Activity Details

Tour information:.

• Wear dark-colored clothing to reduce reflective glare
• Bring your camera & small personal bag if needed
• Large bags and items will not be allowed in the helicopter

ABOUT JACK HARTER:

Jack brought his first helicopter to Kauai back in 1962. His dream was to start his own helicopter business on the island offering tours, charters, and utility services. Jack Harter Helicopters has been in business on Kauai for the past 50+ years, maintaining its status as the original helicopter tour company on the island.

TOUR RESTRICTIONS:

Weight and balance of the helicopter are crucial please give accurate body weights at the time of reservation.  The weight limit is 250 pounds per person and 400 pounds per couple. Please call with any questions or concerns.

Please Note

• 72 hour notice of cancellation is required for a refund.
• There are no timeshare visits required to enjoy our discounts!
• Call 1-866-897-1637 for additional discounts available for large groups!

Reserve This Tour

Reviews, comments, & questions:.

I am interested in doing a long Kauai helicopter trip as it’s the only reason I’m going to Kauai!

So I have a few questions:

What are the various times the flight leaves? Is there anywhere I can safely leave a suitcase while I’m away on my flight?

Could you be more specific about what the 90 min flight will show us?

Aloha Hannah! Wonderful! Kauai is the most beautiful of all the islands from the air! Waimea Canyon, Mt. Waialeale, Napali Coast sea cliffs and tons of waterfalls! Taking the 90 minute gives the pilot much more time to hover and turn the aircraft giving you many more photo opportunities and time to really enjoy the breathtaking beauty. Tours start as early as 9:45 am and as late as 2:00 pm. These are limited being the only company offering this long of a Helicopter tour. You may leave your suit case in the check in office until you return from your flight.

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Jack Harter Helicopters

4231 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, US

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