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JACK HARTER HELICOPTERS

Kauai helicopter tours dedicated to safety and quality since 1962.

• MOST POPULAR
• Hour Glass 60-65 min
• User Ages 10+

Kauai Doors-Off Helicopter Tour (MD500E)

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

• User All Ages

Kauai Doors-On Helicopter Tour (AStar)

Experience comfort and luxury on our doors-on Kaua’i helicopter tour! Explore the island from our six-passenger AStar, designed for providing a smooth and safe ride with all the luxuries. Book online!

Jack Harter is the Originator of Helicopter Tours on Kauai

Kauai’s best helicopter tours.

You don’t have to take our word for it, Jack Harter Helicopters has been voted Best Helicopter Tour of Kauai, year after year.

Jack Harter Helicopters is proudly a local family owned and operated small business, with three generations all working together.

We stand apart from other tour operators on the island, a distinction rooted in our rich history and unwavering commitment to enhancing our community. See our history page for more info.

Jack Harter giving Frank Sinatra a tour of Kauai

Private kauai helicopter charters.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking a photography charter, or need assistance with utility work, Jack Harter Helicopters is the premier choice for all Kauai helicopter charters.

We offer a wide range of helicopter charter services on Kauai including wedding proposals, flower drops, aerial photography/videography, external load transportation, location scouting, off-airport transportation, emergency services, and more!

At Jack Harter Helicopters, our team is comprised of highly skilled and experienced pilots you can rely on for unparalleled and exceptional service. We are the only operator on Kauai offering charter services in two different aircrafts – the MD500E and the AStar. NASA, National Geographic, and the State of Hawaii are just a few of our repeat charter clients that trust us to get the job done right.

With over 60 years of expertise , we assure you that we are the epitome of reliability and excellence, providing unrivaled helicopter tours of Kauai that prioritize safety and guarantee exceptional customer service.

PRIVATE HELICOPTER CHARTERS

Don’t take our word for it – get the jack harter helicopters experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

We did the doors off Kauai helicopter tour. We have previously done a helicopter ride with a different company on Kauai and Jack Harter is definitely above the rest in terms of customer service and friendliness. We had Stephanie as our pilot and she was great. We felt very safe the entire time and she made sure to point out many spots to look out for as we passed over them. Yes it is pricey but this is some of the best money to be spent on Kauai and one of the few ways that you can see the entire island.

This was our first helicopter experience and we did the doors off tour. It was hands down the most beautiful experience ever. It was a bit cloudy/rainy but we got to see some amazing rainbows and great waterfalls. Our pilot was Preston, he was super friendly and made us feel very safe and comfortable. He was very knowledgeable about the island and answered all of our questions. I highly recommend this!

AMAZING experience - even as someone who is afraid of heights, the doors-off helicopter ride was a major highlight of our trip! Worth every penny. Such a unique and up-close way to see the island. We had to reschedule our original flight due to bad weather -- which we really appreciated their commitment to safety and also to making sure we got to see everything! -- and the day we rescheduled for was PERFECT weather and visibility. So I recommend taking their advice to book the flight for early in your trip so you have time to reschedule if needed!

These guys are pros and deliver an extraordinary experience. Check in was organized and gracious. All the staff are friendly and informative. Safety procedures will make you confident in the journey. Our pilot, Preston, was great at narrating the scenery as well as warning us of any upcoming turbulence. The entire flight was smooth with little turbulence and jaw dropping views. Can't recommend highly enough!!

We rode with Eli doing the full island tour (1h). It was a doors on flight with 2 other guests though the helicopter seated 6 so we had lots of room and great views. Eli was an incredible guide, did a great job of entertaining us and giving us history of the island, as well as being very calming to one of the passengers who was quite nervous about flying. 10/10 experience. I am glad we chose to schedule early in our trip because we ended up having to reschedule to 2 days later. Well worth the wait. Also just as an aside, being that there was a mist/sprinkling on and off during our tour, as it often seem to be according to the staff, I’m really glad we chose doors on!

Even though a doors off helicopter ride could sound scary and overwhelming, we are so glad we chose this company. From start to finish, they made the whole experience so seamless. Most importantly we felt safe throughout the entire process!!! We loved our pilot Max and the safety instructors were fun and hilarious! This experience was 10/10 and we will definitely tell our family and friends!!! Thanks for making this such a beautiful memory for us.

From the staff answering the phones, inside the office, the shuttle lady to the pilot this place was hands down the most professional well staffed helicopter tour I have EVER been on. Our pilot was very safe, knowledgeable and personable with us. We had an excellent time with the doors off tour and highly recommended it. I will be back with my kids next year. Thank you!

As Recommended by The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook

Sunshine Helicopters

Scenic hawaii helicopter tours.

Soar through breathtaking scenery on helicopter tours of Maui, Big Island, & Kauai

MAUI HELICOPTER TOURS

Discover Maui’s Haleakala crater & Molokai’s remote north shore.

KAUAI HELICOPTER TOURS

Perhaps the best way to see the hidden beauty of Kauai is by air.

Big Island Helicopter Tours

Experience the fiery lava vents of the Big Island’s active volcano, Kilauea.

• most popular!

Ultimate Kauai Adventure Tour

A Kauai helicopter tour is the best way to see all the hidden beauty of the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain. Glide over waterfalls, mountain spires, rainforests, and more.

• Map Marker Kauai
• Hour Glass 50-55 minutes

Experience the Adventure of a Lifetime!

Sunshine Helicopters offers helicopter tours and sightseeing tours of Maui, Molokai, Kauai, and Hawaii Big Island. Experience Hawaii’s hidden wonders that can only be discovered from the air and see areas where no one has ever set foot. Soar with us above the Hawaiian Islands aboard our state-of-the-art helicopters.

Hawaii air tours offer spectacular aerial views of dormant and active volcanoes including Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui and Volcano National Park on the island of Hawaii. The Intensity of the volcanic landscape and hidden tropical valleys will surely take your breath away. You will see lush valleys dotted with waterfalls, secluded beaches, and areas only accessible by one of our helicopter tours.

Our experienced pilots’ narration provides a rich history and knowledge of the Hawaiian Islands. Our reservations staff, friendly customer service crew, experienced pilots and well-trained mechanics make your safety and comfort our number one priority.

Soar With Us in the Hawaiian Skies!

I took my son for a holiday gift and was a bit nervous, but the ride was very smooth and actually calming. It was an enjoyable ride and loved seeing all the breathtaking views from the a much different vantage point. It was an incredible experience that we’ll always remember.

The ground crew were efficient and helpful, our pilot was highly experienced, professional and very informative about the island, as well as being very entertaining. It was a great tour and a great experience - highly recommended.

Sunshine helicopters did an amazing job of flying our family into the Waimea canyon, thru the waterfalls and around the Napali coast. Our pilot was extremely skilled and a great guide of the sights! The flight was smooth and comfortable but we were in awe and amazement of the scenery.

So thankful for my daughter who read up about helicopter tours on our first visit to Kauai. No other way to experience the untouched beauty of this island. Happy with sunshine helicopters and enjoyed Steve, our pilot. Funny and informative, made the trip special! No regrets and got spectacular pictures!

A helicopter tour is a must on Kaua'i if you want to really see the island. Sunshine staff was great from the gals at the sign in, to the safety briefing and ride to the airport, and then the flight itself. We opted for the 1st class flight on the whisper helicopter and it was worth the small difference in price to sit in the two front seats for the unobstructed views. Our pilot, Jed, was great and provided tons of information about the island. This was one of the highlights of our trip.

Most excellent experience even on a very rainy day across Kauai. Don't let the rain stop you from going on the tour. Despite the rain, we were able to get a very clear view of every point on the island and the extra rain only added to the amount of waterfalls that were able to be seen. Our pilot and ground staff were all great. Highly recommend Sunshine Helicopters in Lihue.

My son and I sat up front in the Whisper Star, the experience was incredible! Jaw dropping, unreal beauty. Everyone I spoke to and met at Sunshine was friendly and professional. Jed, the pilot, is competent and pleasant. We had a great time and got the video. Unreal beauty on Kauai.

The helicopter tour was amazing - we saw all the best known spots and also some where no one has ever walked before. Our pilot made sure we also got some adrenaline rush, but just the right amount! He also provided us with great explanation of what we were seeing and what to look out for. Would definitely recommend!

This excursion was unbelievable! Could not have been any better. All staff were exceptional. In over 55 years of travel this was one of the best “adventures “ I’ve ever experienced

COMPARE HELICOPTERS:

Click on buttons to see the 360° view, fx star helicopters.

AS-350 is the industry standard “Black Beauty” has all forward-facing customized bench style seats giving excellent visibility. Sunshine has flown over 1.6 million satisfied passengers in our “Black Beauties” since 1985. Upgraded in 2008 to the all-new AStar 350FX, the “FX” carries more weight, flies faster, is quieter and more fuel efficient. The increased capacity allows the FX to have “First Class” seating. Ross Scott, President says “the FX is the most environmentally friendly helicopter we operate with a lower noise footprint and 25% less fuel burn. It raises the bar for green helicopter air touring in Hawaii.”

FX First Class Seating:

Passengers enjoy “First Class” seating next to the pilot, with extra arm and leg room. Maximum combined weight for two passengers: 400 lbs.

FX Open Seating:

Industry standard six-passengers, seat assignment determined by weight and balance.

WhisperSTAR Helicopters

EC-130 B4 WhisperSTAR is the ultimate in sightseeing helicopters. More interior room, more visibility with added plexiglass and elevated rear seats. Sunshine customizes the standard factory interior with business and first-class seating to further enhance passenger comfort and visibility. Experience the superb quiet and ultra smooth most advanced technological sightseeing helicopter ever!

WhisperSTAR First Class Seating:

The three front seat configuration is replaced with two front seats. Passengers enjoy “First Class” seating next to the pilot, with extra arm and leg room. Maximum combined weight for two passengers: 490 lbs.

WhisperSTAR Open Seating:

Up to six-passengers, seat assignment determined by weight and balance.

Is a Helicopter Ride in Kauai Worth It? Your Top Questions Answered

A re you thinking about booking a  kauai  helicopter tour but still have a lot of questions keep scrolling to find out whether or not it’s worth booking a helicopter ride in kauai..

Guest post by Dani of Diapers in Paradise

If you have ever considered splurging on a helicopter tour, you are not going to find a better place in the world to do it than  Kauai .

Kauai is known for the lush, verdant jungle that covers most of the island, but it is largely inaccessible to vehicles.

In fact, some of the most iconic landmarks of the Garden Island are only visible from the water… or the air.

There are many helicopter tour companies set up on the island, ready to show you around the side of Kauai that you will not be able to experience any other way.

If you are wondering whether a Kauai helicopter tour is a worthwhile part of your trip, read on to learn more and to hear about my experience with it.

Don’t miss my top  Things to do in Kauai with Kids !

Popular Kauai Tours/Activities

• Na Pali Coast Snorkeling Tour (this one also goes to the forbidden island of Ni’ihau)
• Kauai Helicopter Tour (this is the BEST way to see waterfalls on Kauai)
• ATV Tour to a Private Waterfall (this is a romantic adventure that feels like a secret getaway)
• Mountain Tubing (this is a low-key adventure down an old sugar cane canal)
• Luau Kalamaku (you can do a little train ride and feed farm animals before the luau)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Kauai Resorts/Hotels

• Grand Hyatt Kauai (this Poipu resort has a luxurious pool area, romantic restaurants, and a stunning ocean view)
• Koloa Landing Resort (this is a luxury resort with an amazing pool area and truly spacious rooms)
• Royal Sonesta Kauai (we LOVE the pool here because it’s the largest one in Hawaii)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?

One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Click here for step-by-step Kauai travel planning help

What is it like to take a helicopter tour of Kauai?

Do you remember that iconic moment in the original  Jurassic Park  movie  when they are approaching the island in a helicopter, and the dramatic theme music plays as they fly along the prehistoric-looking coast?

That’s exactly what it feels like during helicopter tours of Kauai.

Because that is exactly what you are doing!

That scene from Jurassic Park was actually filmed on the approach to the Na Pali coast, on Kauai’s North Shore, which is one of the two main reasons to take Kauai helicopter tours.

Na Pali is only viewable  by boat  or by Kauai helicopter rides, and if you want the most epic view of the landscape, a helicopter is the way to go.

The other reason to take a helicopter tour? Waimea Canyon. The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

It is possible to see parts of Waimea Canyon by a combination of driving and hiking, but you will only get a hint of the wonder of this ten-mile-long canyon.

But flying through the canyon, past countless waterfalls, and seeing the jungle sprawled out below you – that is how you truly come to appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of Waimea Canyon.

Taking a tour of Kauai by air is an experience that you will not forget.

What is the process for taking a Kauai helicopter tour?

First, you will want to book it ahead of time for your Kauai vacation.

Yes, there are plenty of tour operators that you can find around the cruise ship terminal in Lihue that are happy to take same-day bookings.

But you will really want to do your research ahead of time and choose a reputable operator.

We went with  Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours  for their vast experience and impeccable safety record and because they are one of the very best helicopter tours for private tours.

When you arrive, you’ll go through a safety briefing, and then you’ll head out to meet your pilot at the airfield.

They will get you all buckled up, go over any last-minute safety reminders, and then you’re off! The vertical take-off is thrilling and nerve-wracking, but within minutes you are out over the jungles of the island.

Most Mauna Loa helicopter tours are in the 45-60 minute range, although you can find longer ones.

While some of the sites that they visit may vary, you can bet that every tour is going to show you Waimea Canyon, the rugged Na Pali Coast, and  Manawaiopuna Falls .

There are even tours available that stop midway through for a picnic and photo op!

What are the types of Kauai helicopter tours available?

When you are looking to book a helicopter tour, you will have a few options. You’ll first need to choose if you want to share the helicopter with other people or book a private tour.

Shared tours usually have 6 passengers. And while this doesn’t seem like much, it is possible that you will have your view impaired by another passenger.

If you are hoping to get good photographs of this for your Kauai vacation, this is particularly worrisome.

Some of the best Kauai helicopter tours are better than others for visibility, so read about the particular helicopter for any flight you are considering booking.

You also might not get seated next to your travel partner. They balance the helicopter for weight, so you will not have any say in where you sit.

The next thing you’ll need to choose is whether or not you want doors on your helicopter.

Opting for a Kauai doors-off helicopter tour gives you the advantage of having a better view and not getting any glare on your photos. It’s windier and sometimes a bit wet!

But Kauai doors off helicopter tours give you an unparalleled view of the scenery and make you feel much closer to the landscape.

If having the doors off seems inherently scarier, remember – it is not the doors that are keeping you safe. It is your seat harness and the skills of your pilot.

It will be imperative that you do not have any loose items on you when you fly. Cameras will need to be strapped to your body.

We opted for the private, doors-off tour.

While this was a splurge for us, we figured it was probably the only time we would ever do a helicopter tour, and we wanted to do it the best way we could.

We have not regretted this decision once! The best Kauai helicopter tours are pricey either way. May as well make the most of it on this stunning Hawaiian island!

Can you bring kids on a Kauai helicopter tour?

Yes, although the age requirements will vary by the tour operator.

Some operators have a minimum age of around 7, while others will allow children of any age, including lap infants (under 2), for free. Lap infants will not have a seat belt, however.

If you are traveling with young children, you will really want to think about if they will be able to handle sitting buckled into an adult-sized harness for an hour, especially considering they might not even be able to see past other passengers.

You also might not get seated next to your child, depending on the weight distribution, although most operators will try to seat families together when possible.

When we visited, we were  traveling with a baby  and a toddler. We ended up using a  local babysitter agency  and turned it into a wonderfully memorable half-day date.

  Are Kauai helicopter tours safe?

This is undoubtedly a question that has crossed your mind if you are considering helicopter rides in Kauai.

And given a few high-profile helicopter crashes in the last few years – including one on Kauai – it is only natural to be nervous.

Of course, there is always risk in something like a helicopter flight. They are statistically more dangerous than a commercial airplane flight, although they are less dangerous than flying in a private plane.

Tour-operated helicopters are significantly safer than private helicopters, as well.

Helicopter flight has become much less risky over the past few decades, but there are occasional incidents.

Of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai has seen the highest number of helicopter crashes, although they are still incredibly rare.

Ensure that you choose a reputable tour operator that adheres to the highest level of safety standards. Expect that if there is adverse weather, your tour will be canceled.

For this reason, it is a good idea to book your helicopter flight early in your trip so that you can reschedule if needed!

We never felt unsafe during our helicopter tour. The flight was smooth, and we were impressed with our pilot’s level of experience.

Is a Kauai helicopter tour worth the money?

Without a doubt, yes!

The breathtaking scenery of the NaPali Coast and Waimea Canyon are best viewed from the air, especially a bird’s eye view!

There is no better way to experience the natural wonder of the Garden Isle than by flying above the jungle in a Kauai island helicopter.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience that you will treasure, along with incredible photos, especially if you choose a doors-off tour.

If you are coming to Kauai, I highly recommend taking a few hours out to see the beauty that this island has to offer!

Top Helicopter Tours on Kauai

Kauai eco adventure helicopter tour.

This is a 50-minute Kauai helicopter ride in a new Eurocopter Eco-Star, which is much quieter than other helicopters on Kauai.  Check out the latest prices and more details.

Private Kauai Helicopter Tour with No Middle Seats

This Kauai helicopter tour is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the major perk is that only your party participates, AND everyone gets a good window seat.  Check out the latest prices and more details.

Hughes 500 Helicopter Tour

For another fun ride on one of the island helicopters, try this Hughes 500 helicopter tour! No middle seats, and up to four guests can enjoy this ride. You will pretty much see the entire island with this experienced pilot. Check out the latest prices and more details.

Best Kauai Helicopter Tours FAQs

Absolutely! You will get to see stunning views of the island that you would not see otherwise. It is the perfect way to explore Kauai’s finest places and is an excursion you don’t want to miss out on.

The flight tie is different for each tour. Some are 30 minutes long, while others go over an hour. It all depends on who you book with.

Manawaiopuna Falls, the NaPali coast with its sea cliffs, where they filmed Jurassic Park, Waimea Canyon, Hanapepe Valley, Olokele Canyon, and so much more of Kauai’s natural beauty!

Dani runs things over at  Diapers in Paradise , a family travel blog focused entirely on travel with babies and toddlers. With destination guides that center around the needs of parents of little ones, and a library of helpful tips and tricks for minimalism-inspired travel with babies, her goal is to help you prepare to have the best trip ever,  because of  (not  in spite of ) bringing the baby.

Looking for more Kauai Travel Resources? Find out my top  Kauai Vacation Planning Tips ,  Kauai Packing List ,  Best Kauai Waterfalls ,  Top Kauai Luaus ,  Kauai Food Tour , and the best  Kauai Food Trucks !

The post Is a Helicopter Ride in Kauai Worth It? Your Top Questions Answered appeared first on Hawaii Travel with Kids .

Tour helicopter crash in Hawaii kills 1; rescue operation underway

A search and rescue operation for two missing people continues off Kauai island, after a helicopter belonging to Ali’i Kauai Air Tours and Charters crashed.

At least one person has died and two others are missing after a helicopter belonging to a tour company crashed into the water off the Hawaiian island of Kauai, police said.

Police said the helicopter involved in the crash belonged to Ali‘i Kauai Air Tours and Charters, a private family-owned company that offers aerial tours of Hawaiian islands by plane and helicopter, though identities of the passengers have not been released.

“Multiple agencies are continuing a search and recovery operation,” said Kauai Police Department in a statement , involving the United States Coast Guard, the Kauai Fire Department and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, among others.

Police said the helicopter “crashed in waters about a quarter mile offshore, fronting the Hanakoa Valley along Na Pali Coast” on Thursday, along the northwest of the island.

According to a preliminary police report, hikers along the Kalalau Trail along the coast witnessed the helicopter crash into the waters and reported the incident to the Kauai Police Dispatch at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time.

Police added that the body of one passenger was recovered at approximately 2:25 p.m. local time, with two others still missing early Friday.

“Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this tragedy. We will continue working with our partners to locate the missing individuals and provide support during this difficult time,” said Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck in the statement. “Our multi-agency response remains focused on the search and recovery efforts.”

According to its website , Ali‘i Kauai Air Tours and Charters uses Robinson R44 helicopters, which provide three passengers per tour with large window seats and unobstructed views. Tour prices start from $359 per person. An FAA spokesperson confirmed to The Post by email on Friday that the helicopter had been a Robinson R44.

“While we do not know all the details surrounding the incident at this time, we do know that our first responders are doing everything they can in this emergency operation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all involved,” said Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami.

Kauai, an island northwest of Oahu, is ringed by towering mountains and jagged cliffs that served as a backdrop for the “Jurassic Park” movie series making it popular with tourists. The island of 73,000 residents is nearly 80 percent uninhabited with much of it a state park. Its terrain is knotted with cliffs, gorges and forests and few inland roads.

Today, Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and Coast Guard Station Kauai responded to a charter helicopter crash off the Nā Pali Coast. The case is still on-going. — USCG Hawaii Pacific (@USCGHawaiiPac) July 12, 2024

. The FAA said it will investigate the incident and issue a preliminary incident report in the coming days. The National Transportation Safety Board also said it will launch an investigation into the event.

Acting Hawaii Gov. Sylvia Luke (D) said in a statement that the state “stands fully prepared to work in tandem with the County of Kauai and our Federal partners. We thank all responders and agency partners for their assistance during this difficult time.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has put in place a temporary flight restriction for the search area during this operation, police said. Search and rescue missions are due to continue early Friday, they added.

In 2019, a helicopter crash left seven dead after a tour off Kauai, among them three children.