60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE in Kauai
Kauai, United States

60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE

Outty Ranking 71 4.8 · 419 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $460

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$460
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 419 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE worth booking?

60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE is a 2-hour experience in Kauai, United States, from $460 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 419 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (419)
Duration
2 hours
From
$460 per person

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with our Doors-Off helicopter tour over breathtaking Kauai. On this exhilarating adventure, our knowledgeable and skilled pilots share insightful commentary as you feel the wind and ge

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience the thrill of a lifetime with our Doors-Off helicopter tour over breathtaking Kauai. On this exhilarating adventure, our knowledgeable and skilled pilots share insightful commentary as you feel the wind and get unobstructed views of the island's iconic landmarks. We fly a FULL 60-65 minute tour. You won’t want to settle for any less than 60 minutes, as this allows our pilots to take their time at each viewpoint and rotate the helicopter so all passengers have a great view regardless of seating arrangements. Safety is our top priority, and our Doors-Off helicopter tours adhere to the highest industry standards. We fly a MD500E aircraft, one of the safest and best helicopter makes in the world, from our specially designed helicopter with the doors removed and pilot controls on the left hand side. Please know we fly a full tour with all seats sold. Maximum of 4 passengers per helicopter. Ages 10 and older. Weight restrictions apply.

    What's included

    Included

    • Transportation to and from the heliport
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Wrist straps for mobile phones
    • 60-Minute Doors-Off Helicopter Tour

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Over weight limit
    • Hotel pick-up and drop off
    • Meals

    What you'll see and do

    1. Lihue

      Tour check-in time is 45 minutes in advance of tour time. After checking in at our office and verifying weights, you will be given a thorough safety briefing. You will then be transported to our hangar where you will board the aircraft and meet your pilot.

      45 minutes here

    2. After taking off, your first scenic landmarks will be the Nawiliwili Harbor and historic Menehune Fishpond. This is a great time to test out the two way communication and chat with your pilot and introduce yourself.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park Falls)

      After soaring over the Tunnel of Trees in Poipu you will make your way inland and leave all signs of civilization behind you. You will make your way up Hanapepe Valley towards Manawaiopuna Falls, made famous in the opening scene of Jurassic Park.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. You will start to get a taste of Kauai's unique geography when flying over Olokele Canyon.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Waimea Canyon State Park

      Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, you will experience the best perspective of Kauai's famous canyon and it's array of beautiful colors that make up its soil and vegetation.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Waipo’o Falls

      Fly right over the stunning Waipo'o falls, a multi-tier waterfall on the sheer cliffs of Waimea Canyon.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

      Some would call it the star of the show, the famous Na Pali Coast! Jaw-dropping beauty that will make you want to come back again and again. On our FULL hour tour you will get more time on the coastline than any of our competitors. Our pilots will be able to take you up close and personal with the stunning cathedrals of Kalalau, though remote lush valleys, and still have enough time to fly out and get a wide perspective of the entire coastline.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. A stunning valley, ridge and beach along Na Pali coast that's almost always missed on the shorter 45 min tours of our competitors. Your pilot will fly you up close to these epic cliffs for a chance to spot wild goats roaming about.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. Ke'e Beach

      Get a view of the beautiful Ke'e beach, or as locals call it "the end of the road". This is the start to the Na Pali Coast Trail. It is also where your pilot will turn the helicopter so everyone on board can get one last view of the Na Pali Coast.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Tunnels Beach

      Get an incredible perspective of Tunnels Reef from the air. You'll realize why this reef is some of the best snorkeling/scuba diving in the world.

      Pass by without stopping

    11. Hanalei Bay

      As you fly down the coast of Kauai's North shore you will see many beaches including popular Hanalei Bay. You will fly up towards the stunning mountains above the sleepy little town that often have many waterfalls, especially after a little rain.

      Pass by without stopping

    12. Mt. Waialeale

      After leaving the North Shore you will fly towards the center of the island to Mt Waialeale, Kauai's dormant shield volcano. It's epic crater is known as the Weeping Wall thanks to it's many waterfalls. The crater sees more than 450 inches of rainfall a year making it one of the wettest spots on Earth.

      Pass by without stopping

    13. Wailua Falls

      Before heading back to the Lihue airport you will have the opportunity to see one more great landmark, the beautiful Wailua Falls.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Kauai

    Our office is located on Ahukini Rd between Walmart and the intersection to Lihue Airport. Look for a white sign with our company name and logo near an American flag. Pull in our driveway and please park to the left of our office.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Our office is located on Ahukini Rd between Walmart and the intersection to Lihue Airport. Look for a white sign with our company name and logo near an American flag. Pull in our driveway and please park to the left of our office.

    Options you can book

    • Comfort Seat

      Weight Limit Exceeded Pickup included

    • KAUAI LUXURY 60-Minute Doors-Off Helicopter ADVENTURE

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Jack Harter Helicopters - Tours

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Weight limit of 250 lbs per individual
    • Weight limit of 400 lbs per couple
    • Over the weight limit requires the purchase of a Comfort Seat

    Photos

    60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE in Kauai, photo 260-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE in Kauai, photo 360-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE in Kauai, photo 460-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE in Kauai, photo 560-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE in Kauai, photo 660-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE in Kauai, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 415 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    6 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    415 verified traveler reviews for 60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    388
    4 star
    9
    3 star
    6
    2 star
    6
    1 star
    6
    Sort
    Q4554XCtinaj · August 2026

    Breath Taking Views

    This experience was amazing. Our pilot, Chrissy was very knowledgeable and safe yet attentive! She flew us through some pretty amazing views of the island. Highly recommended if this can be fit into your personal vaca budget.

    via Tripadvisor

    Nikita_P · August 2026

    Highly recommend !

    Amazing experience flying with this company. We got to see amazing views of the island and everything from start to finish was so safe. There was also only 4 people apart form the pilot so everyone got great views. Thank you team and hope to fly with you again soon!

    via Viator

    christymC3581JH · August 2026

    Fun Helicopter Ride

    Super fun experience! Chrissy was great.

    Response from the operator: Mahalo!

    via Tripadvisor

    Jack_S · August 2026

    My unfortunate experience

    Would've rated it 2 stars of the pilot wasnt 1. Really good at his job and 2. I didnt recognize him from my previous tour 2 years ago (actually pretty cool ngl). I was put in the worst seat imaginable and was physically in pain from the brunt of the air I was taking to my face. Half the attractions I wanted to see were completely skipped for me because I was the only one on the left side of the bird (i had a nice view of the complete open and empty ocean for 90% of the time🥲). I was completely split up from my wife our HONEYMOON. (I get weight etc. but it could've been handled so much better especially because its OUR HONEYMOON) it felt like we were at a summer camp our parents dropped us off at with how much people very clearly looked like they didnt want us there after I had spent ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS on this tour for us just for us to not enjoy it and be miserable for most of the time. I would rate it 0 stars if I wasnt 1. in a helicopter and still enjoying the concept alone because im an aspiring pilot and 2. wasnt in my favorite place in the world (kauai). I love everyone here and the aina. but not just this tour but almost this whole trip has really tainted my image quite a bit on how yall treat people who love AND respect the aina as much as you (even if they are tourists). This isnt all your guys fault but it was just the icing on the cake for me.

    Response from the operator: I'm very sorry to hear that your experience on our beautiful island was less than you expected. We do train our pilots to turn the helicopter throughout the flight so that the left side is exposed to the same views as the right side. I would recommend flying in a closed door helicopter if the wind on your face was too much to bear. Thank you.

    via Viator

    petegD292KI · August 2026

    Doors off helicopter ride!

    We’ve taken helicopter tours before, but this was a first with the doors off. What a great experience. Wouldn’t recommend it for anyone fearful of heights. The pilot Stewart was great and you felt safe flying with him. Would certainly recommend a jacket as it is cooler when flying and you can anticipate the possibility of rain.

    Response from the operator: Mahalo and a hui ho!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    147
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 71

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)79
    Booking momentum (14% weight)76
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kauai.

    How much does 60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE cost?

    +

    Prices start at $460 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kauai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kauai is not rushed.

    Is 60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 419 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Kauai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is 60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE?

    +

    Around 147 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kauai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kauai and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 60-Minute Doors-Off MD500 KAUAI HELICOPTER ADVENTURE start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kauai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Kauai?

    +

    Kauai sells Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours, Waimea Canyon drives, tubing through old plantation ditches and Hanalei kayak trips. Ocean conditions shut down the north shore boat runs in winter, so cancellation terms matter. On Outty we rank every Kauai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Koloa Zipline in Kauai, Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K, Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Kauai?

    +

    April to June and September to October, with calmest seas in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Kauai?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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