Doors-Off, 50-Minute Flight

A 50-minute doors-off flight over Kauai with Air Kauai Helicopters, from $402 per person. No window glass between you and the ridgelines, just open air and a harness. Rated 4.8 across 545 reviews.

Overview

The doors come off the helicopter before you leave the ground at Lihue, and they stay off for the whole 50-minute circuit around Kauai. Six passengers share the cabin with one pilot, everyone wears goggles provided by Air Kauai, and the flight passes Mount Waialeale, Waimea Canyon, Hanapepe Valley, the Na Pali Coast and Manawaiopuna Falls, the waterfall also called Jurassic Park Falls. Every site is a fly-by rather than a landing, so the trip is one continuous loop with the island scrolling past at open-window proximity.

Because there are no doors, the camera rules are strict: only a cell phone comes on board, secured on a lanyard around your neck, with one hand on it at all times. No other camera gear, no bags, no hats, no loose items, nothing in your pockets. Passengers need to be at least 10 years old, and only those 16 or older can sit in an outside seat. Closed-toe or ankle-strapped footwear is required, and long hair must be tied back.

It suits travellers who want the unobstructed view and are willing to follow a firm set of safety rules. Weight limits apply, and anyone over the stated thresholds must buy an additional seat. Getting yourself to the heliport at Lihue Airport is part of the deal, since no hotel transport is included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Lihue heliportCheck in at the Air Kauai office on Ahukini Road, on the north side of Lihue Airport near the cargo and heliport area. Parking is on the grass beside the black office.
2. Safety briefing and gearing upStaff fit passengers with goggles and a lanyard for their phone. Reviewers advise arriving a little early to get ready and watch the pre-flight instructions.
3. Mount Waialeale fly-byThe flight passes Mount Waialeale without landing.
4. Waimea Canyon State Park fly-byThe route crosses over the canyon without landing.
5. Hanapepe Valley Lookout fly-byThe helicopter passes Hanapepe Valley without landing.
6. Na Pali Coast State Park fly-byThe coastline section runs past the cliffs.
7. Manawaiopuna Falls fly-byThe pass includes Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as Jurassic Park Falls. Reviewers note recent rains made additional waterfalls visible.
8. Return to LihueThe total flight runs 50 minutes and finishes back at the same heliport where it started.

What To Expect From The Tour

A doors-off flight has more rules than a standard tour, and knowing them in advance makes the day easier.

• Wear and avoid. Closed-toe shoes or sandals that strap to the ankle are required, and flip flops or slides are refused. No hats, sunglasses, bags or loose items are allowed, and pockets must be empty. Prescription glasses are fine if small, worn under the goggles.
• Phone only. Only a cell phone may be brought on board, hung on a lanyard the operator provides. You must keep one hand on the phone during the flight, and the operator is not responsible for lost phones. Any other camera device stays on the ground.
• Group feel. The cabin holds six passengers plus the pilot, so it is a shared rather than private experience. Several reviewers described the staff as friendly and competent from check-in through the flight.
• Hair and comfort. Long hair must be tied up in a bun or braid before boarding. One reviewer mentioned a jacket was provided, and others said the pilot checked that everyone was comfortable and safe before departing.
• Timing on your trip. Arriving slightly early helps, since check-in needs to be completed before boarding. Reviewers describe check-in as well run, but the extra time avoids a rush.
• Getting there. Transport to and from the heliport is not included. The meeting point is on Ahukini Road at Lihue Airport, near public transportation, and directions in the listing describe turning in by the UPS Customer Center and following the Air Kauai sign.

Common issues. There is no wheelchair access and staff cannot physically assist passengers into the helicopter. Age and weight rules are firm: passengers must be 10 or older, only those 16 and up can take an outside seat, and anyone over the stated weight thresholds must purchase an extra seat, which adds to the cost. Cancellations within 24 hours of the flight are not refunded, and the flight needs both good weather and a minimum number of travellers, so a full refund or a new date is possible if either condition fails. One reviewer reported a dead set of headphones and felt the back row was crowded with four seated there. Narration quality also varied in reviews, with most praising the pilots and one describing flat delivery.

What To Know Before Flying