Doors-Off, 18-Minute Flight

Jack Harter's brief doors-off flight: 18 minutes from $221 per person, the cheapest tour listed. It holds 4.8 across 16 reviews.

Overview

This is a short, focused doors-off flight, not a full island tour. One reviewer made a point of flagging exactly that: the trip runs into the volcano area and back, roughly 15 to 20 minutes in the air. Jack Harter Helicopters operates it with an MD500 helicopter, which flies with a maximum of four passengers for an intimate experience, with the doors removed.

The route starts from the operator's office at 4231 Ahukini Road in Lihue, about half a mile west of the airport. Travellers need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. From there the flight passes Wailua Falls and Mount Waialeale, with the pilot pointing out scenery and movie filming locations along the way. The listing describes the experience as a nature and wildlife tour.

It is for ages 10 and up, with children under 18 required to be accompanied by an adult. Anyone after a longer, fuller island loop should book a different flight. Gratuities are not included, and hotel pick-up and drop-off are not provided, so travellers make their own way to the heliport.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Lihue officeMeet at 4231 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, at least 30 minutes before the flight. The office is half a mile west of the airport on Ahukini Rd.
2. Board the MD500Up to 4 passengers board the doors-off helicopter. Wrist straps for mobile phones are available to borrow.
3. Fly toward the interiorThe 18-minute flight departs from Lihue with the pilot sharing insights and movie filming locations.
4. Pass Wailua FallsThe falls are seen from the air as a pass-by, with no landing or stop.
5. Pass Mt. WaialealeThe flight continues past Mount Waialeale, again as a pass-by with no landing.
6. Return to LihueThe activity ends back at the meeting point on Ahukini Rd.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape this flight more than most tours, from weight limits to what you can carry.

• Weight limits. The limit is 250 lbs per individual or 400 lbs combined per pair. Anyone over that is required to buy an adjacent Comfort Seat. For parties of 3 or 4, one passenger must weigh 150 lbs or less and be no taller than 5'10" to fit the front middle seat.
• What not to bring. Hats, beanies and scarves are prohibited, along with iPads, bags, pocket items, selfie or GoPro sticks, magnetic gimbals and unsecured footwear such as flip flops. A handheld camera or phone secured with a neck or wrist strap is allowed, and the operator lends wrist straps for phones.
• Short flight time. Reviewers note this is a 15 to 20 minute flight into the volcano area and back, not a full island tour. The operator lists the duration as 18 minutes.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Travellers make their own way to the office at 4231 Ahukini Rd, half a mile west of the airport, arriving at least 30 minutes before departure.
• Weather dependence. The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, travellers are offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer reported a windy day that still flew smoothly, though conditions vary.
• Ages and mobility. The tour is for ages 10 and up, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. It is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for travellers with back problems, though the listing says most travellers can participate.

Common issues. The main limitation is length: one reviewer specifically warned that this is a short flight into the volcano and back, not a full island tour, so anyone expecting a complete loop of Kauai will be disappointed. A minimum number of travellers is required, and if it is not met the operator offers a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. Weather can also cancel departures. Passengers over 250 lbs, or pairs over 400 lbs combined, must pay for an additional Comfort Seat, and gratuities are not included.

What To Know Before Flying