Open Door Helicopter Tour Kauai: Is it Worth the price?
As you plan your visit to Kauai, you may find yourself asking the question many travelers have asked: Is an open door helicopter tour Kauai worth the price?
Drawing from my unique perspective as the wife of a professional helicopter pilot, I have the privilege of offering you insights and knowledge from an insider’s point of view to help answer this question.
In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey high above the Garden Isle, exploring the pros and cons and ultimately helping you decide if the price of this aerial adventure is justified.
Get ready to discover the magic of Kauai from a perspective like no other.
Side Note: Our tour was not sponsored; we just really loved it.
Table of Contents
- The Beauty of Kauai
- The Benefits of a Kauai Helicopter Tour
- The Costs of a Kauai Helicopter Tour
- Making the Decision
- Doors-off vs. Closed Door.
- Which One is Best For You?
- A third option: A Private Helicopter Tour
- Which Helicopter Tour Did We Choose
- What to Bring (and Not to Bring) on Your Kauai Helicopter Tour
- Kauai’s Must-see Aerial Sights
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Conclusion
The Beauty of Kauai
Before we dive into the expense and whether I think it’s worth it or not, let’s first appreciate the captivating allure of Kauai. This island isn’t just a destination; it’s a living masterpiece! With its emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and rugged cliffs, Kauai’s scenery is nothing short of mesmerizing and left me awe-struck. For those of you seeking an unforgettable adventure, a helicopter tour might provide a vantage point that allows you to really appreciate the island’s natural beauty.
The Benefits of an Open Door Helicopter Tour Kauai
Unparalleled Views
From my experience, one of the most compelling reasons to consider a Kauai helicopter tour is the chance it provides to witness breathtaking, otherwise inaccessible views. Up in the sky, you have the advantage of gazing upon the dramatic Na Pali Coast, admiring the contrasting beauty of Waimea Canyon, and diving into the depths of lush valleys that otherwise you wouldn’t see from the land below.
Accessibility to Hidden Gems
I had yet to learn Kauai was riddled with many hidden gems, including remote beaches, secluded waterfalls, and pristine landscapes. With a helicopter tour, you have the ability to access these secret spots that are not reachable by car or foot. This exclusivity can make your trip to Kauai feel even more extraordinary.
Time-Efficiency
Exploring Kauai’s diverse landscapes by traditional means can be time-consuming. If you have limited time on the island and want to make the most of your short visit, tours that provide efficiency would be particularly valuable. Opting for a helicopter tour would allow you to cover extensive highlights in a relatively short period of time.
Expert Guided Experience
Our helicopter tour came with a knowledgeable pilot/guide who provided insights about the island’s geography, history, and culture. Having an expert on board enhanced our overall experience, making it both entertaining and educational. We could also ask our pilot/guide questions, and it was fun talking on the headsets.
The Costs of an Open Door Helicopter Tour Kauai
Budget Considerations
Now, let’s address the expense. Kauai helicopter tours are undeniably a luxury experience and come with a price tag reflecting this exclusivity. Depending on the tour operator, the duration, and the route chosen, prices can vary significantly, ranging from approximately $270 to $500 per person. In complete transparency, we paid $350 per person for our helicopter tour. For some travelers, this cost may be a significant deterrent.
Special Offers and Packages
While the base cost of a helicopter tour may seem steep, it’s worth exploring available discounts and package deals. Tour operators sometimes offer promotions, especially for early bookings or group reservations. Some packages may include additional perks like transportation to and from your accommodation or meals, making the overall experience more cost-effective. Take some time to conduct online research, comparing prices when booking through a tour website versus reserving directly with the helicopter company. Additionally, don’t hesitate to contact the company via phone and inquire about any potential discounts they may offer.
Making the Decision
Whether a Kauai helicopter tour is worth the expense ultimately depends on your priorities and budget.
To help you decide, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Does your budget allow for a helicopter tour without significant financial strain?
- Prioritizing Experiences: Do you value unique and memorable experiences that offer an unparalleled perspective of Kauai?
- Time Constraints: Is your time on the island limited, and do you want to maximize your sightseeing quickly?
- Special Occasions: Maybe you are celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon, which might justify the splurge on a helicopter tour as a special treat.
- Adventure and Exploration: Are you an adventurous traveler seeking to explore the hidden corners of Kauai and want to see remote and exclusive locations?
Doors Off vs. Closed Door
When planning your Kauai helicopter tour, you’ll encounter two options: doors-off and closed-door tours. Each offers a unique experience, and your choice can significantly impact your adventure and budget.
Doors-Off Helicopter Tours
I think Kauai Doors off helicopter tours are the most thrilling and offer the best experience. With that being said, here are some pros and cons you should keep in mind when choosing if a doors-off tour is right for you:
The positives of a doors off tour:
Unrivaled Views: Doors-off tours provide the most exhilarating experience where you have no barriers between you and the stunning Kauai scenery. You’ll get unobstructed panoramic views of waterfalls, valleys, and cliffs.
Thrilling Experience: If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll enjoy the feeling of the wind rushing through the cabin. You’ll experience the excitement you’re seeking on a doors-off tour.
Photography Opportunities: Photographers often prefer the doors-off tour as it allows for capturing unobstructed photos without window reflections.
The negatives of a doors-off tours:
Temperature and Wind: With the doors off, you’ll be exposed to the elements, which can be quite chilly and windy, especially at higher altitudes and with bad weather. Dressing appropriately is going to be crucial for your comfort.
Noise: The rotor and wind noise will be louder in a doors-off helicopter, which may affect your overall experience and your ability to converse with fellow passengers or the pilot even though you’re using the headsets.
Safety Precautions: Passengers must adhere to strict safety guidelines, including wearing harnesses and following specific instructions during the flight. Your tour company will have a safety briefing and demonstration before your flight.
Closed-Door Helicopter Tours
Closed-door helicopter tours are going to be more comfortable and a quieter option. These tours are ideal for a less adventurous but equally scenic experience. Here are the pros and cons you should keep in mind when choosing a closed-door helicopter tour:
The Positives of a closed door tour:
Comfort and Climate Control: With closed-door tours, you’ll be protected from the wind and temperature fluctuations, ensuring a more comfortable journey.
Noise Reduction: Closed-door helicopters are generally quieter, allowing for easier communication with the pilot and fellow passengers.
Safety and Stability: You may feel safer in a closed-door helicopter due to the added structural protection.
The negatives of a closed-door tour:
Obstructed Views: While you’ll still enjoy breathtaking views, windows can create reflections, especially when the sun is bright, potentially obstructing your view slightly. The window reflections will also reflect in your photos.
Less Thrill: Closed-door tours may not offer you the same adrenaline rush and exhilaration, if that’s what you are looking for, as open-door tours. Closed-door tours would be better for those who prefer a calmer experience.
Which one is best for you?
When choosing between open-door and closed-door helicopter tours in Kauai, your decision should align with your personal preferences, comfort level, and desired experience.
Factors to help you decide:
Adventure Level: If you crave excitement and don’t mind the elements, an open-door tour will be fantastic for you. If you prefer a more comfortable and quieter experience, opt for a closed-door tour.
Photography: If your goal is to take jaw-dropping or specific photos, choose the unobstructed views of an open-door tour. However, closed-door tours can still provide great photo opportunities.
Budget: Open-door tours are generally slightly more expensive than closed-door tours.
Weather Conditions: Weather can significantly impact your experience. Open-door tours may be less comfortable during windy or rainy weather, while closed-door tours offer better protection.
Ultimately, both open-door and closed-door helicopter tours offer fantastic opportunities. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a memorable and extraordinary journey over this tropical paradise.
A Third Option: Private Helicopter Tour:
There is a third option for you to consider. Choosing a private helicopter tour might be an enticing option for you. If you seek an exclusive and personalized Kauai experience, a private tour is the way to go.
The benefits of a private tour:
Opting for a private helicopter tour presents a third and highly enticing option for those who want a personalized Kauai experience. With a private tour, you will have the entire helicopter to yourself and your party, allowing for an intimate journey. Photographers particularly prefer the exclusivity of a private tour, allowing them uninterrupted access to capture the island’s stunning scenery from every angle, ensuring that not a single moment is missed. However, it’s worth noting that this premium experience comes at a cost, which may stretch your budget even further.
Which Helicopter Tour Did We Choose?
I’m usually the planner for everything, but with my husband’s nearly two-decade-long experience as a professional helicopter pilot, I let him be the leader on which helicopter tour company we should choose. My husband vouched that Jack Harter’s helicopters were the optimal choice for a tour that maintained impeccable quality and delivered an adrenaline-filled adventure. What sets Jack Harter apart is their ability to access places many other competing helicopters cannot reach. Their smaller helicopters accommodate fewer passengers, ensuring a more personalized experience while showcasing their agility in navigating the island’s deep ravines and rugged terrain. Besides that, Jack Harter Helicopters had highly praised reviews for their experienced pilots, well-maintained fleet, and great knowledge shared during tours. They offer excellent access to hidden gems and famous sights of Kauai, including the Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), Napali Coast, Jurassic Falls, and the North Shore, including Hanalei Bay. I think we covered the entire island! After experiencing their helicopter tour firsthand, I wholeheartedly recommend Jack Harter Helicopters to anyone seeing an unforgettable Kauai experience and the most jaw-dropping vistas you could ever imagine. Per my husband’s words, who flies helicopters every day, “It just doesn’t get any better than that!”
What to Bring (and Not to Bring) on Your Open Door Helicopter Tour
Be sure to read the rules on your tour company’s website for what you can and cannot bring on your flight. As a general rule, here is a list of what you should and should not bring.
What to Bring:
- Valid Photo ID: Most tour operators require a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, for check-in and security purposes. Make sure to have it with you.
- Confirmation and Tickets: Bring printed or digital copies of your tour confirmation and tickets to ensure everything runs smoothly during check-in.
- Comfortable Clothing: Dress in comfortable, layered clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Remember that doors-off tours can be cooler and windier, so bring a light jacket or windbreaker. The company will most likely want you to zip your coat all the way up on doors off and absolutely nothing in your pockets, even if they zip close.
- Closed-Toe Shoes: Closed-toe shoes are a must that are secure on your foot with good traction for safety during boarding and disembarking. Do not wear flip flops.
- Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses, especially on doors off tours, to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and wind. A strap or retainer must be on your glasses to keep them secure during a doors-off flight. For example, a girl who was on our doors-off tour did not wear sunglasses, and the wind really bothered her eyes. The poor girl closed her eyes for much of the flight, missing the breathtaking landscape.
- Sunscreen: You should apply sunscreen before the tour, even if it’s cloudy, to protect yourself from potential UV exposure.
- Camera or Smartphone: You won’t want to miss capturing this amazing experience and stunning views, so bring a camera or smartphone with ample storage space and a fully charged battery. Consider a neck or wrist strap to secure your device during the flight. If you are on the doors off helicopter tour, then a wrist or neck strap is a must! Our company zip-tied a wrist lanyard to our cell phones if we didn’t have one.
- Cash/Credit Card: It’s a good idea to have some cash on you to tip your helicopter pilot or a credit card for any additional expenses, such as souvenirs.
- Motion Sickness Medication: If you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to take anti-nausea medications. Be sure to take it at least 30 minutes before flying. It’s wise to take precautions.
- Hair Tie: If you have long hair, you will want to tie it back, especially on a doors-off helicopter tour.
What NOT to Bring:
- Excessive Baggage: Space on the helicopter is limited, so avoid bringing large bags or unnecessary items. Most tour operators have restrictions on the weight and size of personal items. If you are on the doors-off tour, you won’t be allowed to take any bag on the flight with you.
- Drones: Operating drones near helicopters can be dangerous and is usually prohibited for safety reasons. Leave your drone at home.
- Selfie Sticks and Extenders: These items can pose safety risks and are often not allowed on helicopter tours. Stick to handheld cameras or smartphones.
- Large Camera Equipment: Cameras and smartphones are encouraged, but avoid bringing large, professional camera equipment that may not fit comfortably or safely in the helicopter or on your person.
- Excessive Jewelry: Wearing excessive jewelry can be uncomfortable and potentially pose risks during the flight, especially doors off tours. Keep accessories to a minimum and securely fastened.
- Food and Beverages: Do not take food or beverages on your tour. It’s best to eat beforehand if needed.
By following these guidelines on what to bring and not bring, you’ll be well-prepared for your Kauai helicopter tour. Remember that safety and comfort are paramount, allowing you to focus on the awe-inspiring views and the unforgettable experience of exploring the Garden Isle from above.
Kauai’s Must-See Aerial Sights
From the moment you take off until the moment you land, your eyes will be treated to an array of the most astonishing natural wonders this island offers. These sights will leave a mark on your memory forever. Let’s explore some of Kauai’s must-see aerial sights that make a helicopter tour truly worth considering.
Na Pali Coast: Undoubtedly, the Na Pali Coast is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring sights to see when visiting Kauai. Its jagged sea cliffs, lush valleys, and hidden beaches form a landscape that seems almost surreal. From the vantage point of a helicopter, you can fully appreciate the grandeur of this dramatic coastline, often considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Waimea Canyon: Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a vast, colorful gorge spanning Kauai’s interior. When seen from above, the sheer magnitude and vivid hues of the Waimea Canyon are even more astonishing. It’s a geological marvel that’s impossible to grasp until you’ve witnessed it from the sky.
Hidden Waterfalls: Kauai is known for its hidden waterfalls, including the famous Manawaiopuna Falls, aka the Jurassic Falls, made famous in the Jurassic Park movie. Many of these hidden waterfalls are tucked away in remote valleys inaccessible by foot or car. A helicopter tour grants you exclusive access to these pristine falls, offering views that few others will ever see. The cascading water, lush surroundings, and untouched beauty are a true sight.
Mount Waialeale: Mount Waialeale, also known as the “Heart of Kauai,” is a geological wonder at the island’s core. With over 450 inches of rainfall annually, it’s deemed the wettest place on Earth. A helicopter tour offers a unique chance to witness its lush, mist-shrouded slopes and rugged topography. It provides a deeper understanding of Kauai’s geological diversity and central role in the island’s natural beauty.
Lush Valleys: Kauai’s interior is covered with lush valleys that testify to the island’s rich biodiversity. From the sky, you can peer deep into these valleys, where vibrant flora thrives, and the vibrant greens contrast with the ocean’s deep blue. It’s like you are flying over a real-life Jurassic Park movie.
Breathtaking Beaches: Kauai is home to some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches, and a helicopter tour offers stunning views of these coastlines. From the crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay to the wild shores of Polihale Beach, you’ll marvel at their turquoise beauty.
The Ever-Changing Landscape: Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Kauai’s scenery is its ever-changing nature. Erosion, weather patterns, and time continuously shape the island’s landscapes. Seeing these transformations from the air provides a deep sense of the island’s dynamic beauty.
As you soar above these must-see aerial sights, you’ll quickly understand why a Kauai helicopter tour is an investment in creating memories that will last a lifetime. Each moment spent in the sky leaves you with a profound appreciation for the island’s unique and captivating beauty.
FAQ’s About Open Door Helicopter Tours Kauai
As you plan your Kauai helicopter tour, you may have several questions regarding the experience, safety, and logistics. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers to help you prepare for your adventure:
1. Are Kauai helicopter tours safe?
Yes, Kauai helicopter tours are generally safe. Tour operators adhere to strict safety regulations and routinely inspect and maintain their helicopters. The experienced pilots are well-trained to ensure passenger safety.
2. Do I need to make a reservation in advance?
Yes, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Kauai is a popular destination for helicopter tours, and availability can be limited. Booking ahead ensures you get the best date and time for your schedule.
3. What is the best time of day for a helicopter tour?
Morning flights often offer less wind, clearer skies, and better visibility, while afternoon flights may provide different lighting for photography. Sunset tours are also popular for the unique ambiance they offer.
4. How long is the typical helicopter tour in Kauai?
The duration of Kauai helicopter tours can vary, but they usually range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
5. What should I wear for a helicopter tour?
Dress comfortably and in layers. Wear closed-toe shoes secured to your foot with good traction, sunglasses with a strap, and sunscreen. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker to stay warm at higher altitudes if you’re taking an open-door tour.
6. Can I bring a camera or smartphone on the tour?
Yes. You’re encouraged to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views. Make sure you have enough storage space and a fully charged battery. A strap must secure your device during a doors-off flight.
7. Are doors-off or closed-door tours better?
The choice between open-door and closed-door tours depends on your preferences. Open-door tours provide unobstructed views and a more thrilling experience but can be windier and cooler. Closed-door tours offer a comfortable and quieter ride, ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience. Weather should be a factor in your decision because a doors off tour may be less fun in bad weather.
8. Do I need motion sickness medication?
If you’re prone to motion sickness, you may want anti-nausea medication or remedies. Always consult with your physician first. They can recommend appropriate medication or remedies to help prevent discomfort during the flight.
9. Can children go on helicopter tours in Kauai?
Most tour operators have an age and weight restriction for safety reasons. Children typically must be at least two years old and meet weight requirements to participate. Make sure to check with your chosen company for their specific policies.
10. What is included in the cost of a Kauai helicopter tour?
The cost of a Kauai helicopter tour usually includes the flight, expert pilot/guide, and, in some cases, transportation to and from your accommodation. Some helicopter tours offer additional perks, such as meals or photo packages. Be sure to research what tours provide and choose the company that best suits your needs.
11. Can I request specific seating on the helicopter?
It’s important to know that most operators assign seating based on factors like weight distribution for balance and safety. My husband and I did not get to sit together on our helicopter ride because of weight distribution. I had to sit in the front while he sat in the rear. However, you can sometimes make seating requests, and operators will do their best to accommodate your preferences. Just don’t be discouraged if you sit in the middle seat and don’t get to sit in one of the window seats you wanted. You’ll still have an amazing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the answer to the original question of whether a Kauai helicopter tour is worth the price is wholeheartedly – Yes! I know a helicopter tour may not be a budget-friendly option. Still, the unparalleled views, access to hidden gems, time efficiency, and expert guidance make it an unforgettable excursion that should be high on your bucket list. I encourage you to budget for it if you can. Ultimately, the decision is yours and should align with your priorities, budget, and the type of experience you seek on this Hawaiian island. So, if you’re ready to take your Kauai journey to new heights and witness its beauty from a unique perspective, a helicopter tour is the adventure for you!
