Kauaʻi Doors-Off MD500 Helicopter Tour, 60–65 Minutes (Jack Harter)

Overview

The Jack Harter Kauai doors-off helicopter tour is a 60–65 minute circle-island flight in a 4-passenger MD500 with the doors removed, over Waimea Canyon, Nāpali and Waiʻaleʻale for $460 a seat. It suits photographers and anyone wanting an open-air view. Drawbacks: over 250 lbs means buying a second seat, and the middle seat limits views.

Highlights

• 60–65 minutes in an MD500E with doors removed and the pilot on the left, carrying up to 4 passengers (operator site, October 2026).
• Clockwise route past Nāwiliwili Harbor, Waimea Canyon, Waipoʻo Falls, the Nāpali Coast, the North Shore from Kēʻē to Hanalei, Mt. Waiʻaleʻale and Wailua Falls, weather permitting.
• Price of $460 per passenger includes a $50 fuel surcharge; FareHarbor fees are extra and a second seat is mandatory over 250 lbs or 400 lbs per pair.
• Check-in 45 minutes before flight time at 4231 Ahukini Road, Lihue, where weights are verified under FAA rules.
• Operator holds 4.8 stars from about 1,500 Google reviews with 95% recommending, as shown on Greetwell in October 2026.

What to Expect

1. Check in 45 minutes before your flight at Jack Harter Helicopters, 4231 Ahukini Road, Lihue, and step on the scale; seats are assigned by weight and balance, not by request.
2. Leave bags, hats, iPads and loose items behind, strap your phone or camera to your wrist or neck, and put on a long-sleeve layer; a light waterproof jacket is recommended.
3. Board the MD500E with up to 3 other passengers; in parties of 3–4 the lightest person, 150 lbs or under and no taller than 5'10", takes the front middle seat.
4. Fly clockwise from Lihue over Nāwiliwili Harbor toward Waimea Canyon and Waipoʻo Falls.
5. Follow the Nāpali Coast and the North Shore from Kēʻē to Hanalei, then cut inland to Mt. Waiʻaleʻale.
6. Pass Wailua Falls on the return and land in Lihue 60–65 minutes after takeoff; highlights are not guaranteed if weather changes the path.

What to Bring

• Phone or camera with a wrist or neck strap
• Sunglasses
• Windbreaker or light waterproof jacket, long-sleeve shirt and pants
• Laced or strapped shoes

Restrictions and Requirements

• Ages 10 and up; under-18s must be accompanied by an adult
• Passengers over 250 lbs, or pairs over 400 lbs, must buy an additional seat
• No hats, beanies, GoPro head mounts, scarves, bags, iPads, loose or pocketed items, flip-flops or selfie sticks over 12 inches; magnetic gimbals need an extra strap
• Not wheelchair accessible; passengers must have mobility
• Seat preferences are not guaranteed; seating is by weight and balance

Cancellation Policy

Change or cancel free up to 48 hours before departure; no-shows and changes or cancellations inside 48 hours are charged in full. The operator site's own weather and cancellation section was not readable. Checked October 2026 on Greetwell.

Location

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Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Jack Harter Helicopters, 4231 Ahukini Road, Lihue, HI 96766 (near Lihue Airport)

Check-In

45 minutes before flight time

Frequently Asked Questions

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