Kauai: Doors-Off Helicopter Tour & Na Pali Coast Full Hour

Summary

Doors-off helicopter flight over Kauai’s valleys, canyons and wild coastline

You’ll feel Kauai’s wild side as you soar doors-off above Na Pali Coast cliffs, Waimea Canyon colors, secret valleys and waterfalls with a local pilot guiding every turn. Includes pickup and a full 60-minute flight — it’s the kind of rush that lingers long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t drop your phone — or your jaw!” our pilot, Keahi, grinned as we buckled in at Lihue. I laughed but gripped my phone tighter anyway. The doors-off thing is no joke; you feel every bit of Kauai’s air rushing past. We lifted off and right away the island changed — patchwork green below, salt in the wind, and that first wide sweep over Nawiliwili Harbor. There’s this moment when you realize you’re not just seeing Kauai; you’re inside it.

I didn’t expect to chat so much with Keahi through the headset. He pointed out Menehune Fishpond and told us how his uncle used to fish there — then we banked over Hanapepe Valley and suddenly Manawaiopuna Falls was right under us, all mist and silver threads. Jurassic Park music played in my head (couldn’t help it). The air smelled almost sweet up there, like rain on hot leaves. My hands were cold from gripping the seat edge but I couldn’t stop looking everywhere at once.

Waimea Canyon really does look painted — red dirt streaks against green cliffs, then Waipo’o Falls tumbling down like someone tipped a bucket from above. The Na Pali Coast though… that’s something else. Keahi slowed down so both sides could see those cathedral cliffs up close. We even spotted wild goats clinging to impossible ledges (how?). I tried to say “Kalalau” properly; Keahi just laughed and said I had the spirit for it.

After circling Hanalei Bay and catching a glimpse of Tunnels Beach reef (the water really is that blue), we headed for Mt Waialeale’s crater — clouds hanging low, waterfalls everywhere. Last stop was Wailua Falls sparkling in the sun before we landed back at Lihue with shaky legs and way too many photos. Sometimes I still feel that wind on my face when I close my eyes, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Doors-off helicopter tour over Kauai

• Check in and verify weights
• Receive safety briefing
• Transport to hangar and board helicopter
• Take off and view Nawiliwili Harbor and Menehune Fishpond
• Fly over Tunnel of Trees in Poipu
• Fly inland to Hanapepe Valley and Manawaiopuna Falls
• Fly over Olokele Canyon
• View Waimea Canyon and its colors
• Fly over Waipo'o Falls
• Explore Na Pali Coast and Kalalau cathedrals
• Fly close to Na Pali Coast cliffs and spot wild goats
• View Ke'e Beach and Na Pali Coast Trail start
• See Tunnels Reef from the air
• Fly along North Shore beaches including Hanalei Bay
• Fly to Mt Waialeale and Weeping Wall
• View Wailua Falls before returning

Top questions

How long is the doors-off helicopter tour in Kauai?

The tour lasts a full 60-65 minutes in the air.

Which landmarks do you see on this Kauai helicopter tour?

You’ll fly over Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls, Mt Waialeale, Hanalei Bay, Makua Beach (Tunnels Beach), and more.

Is hotel pickup included for this Kauai helicopter ride?

The tour includes transportation to and from the heliport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What type of helicopter is used for this tour?

An MD500E aircraft is used for its safety features and open-door design.

Are there weight restrictions for passengers?

Yes, weight restrictions apply for safety reasons; these are checked during check-in.

Can I bring my phone or camera on the doors-off flight?

You can bring them but must use provided wrist straps for safety during flight.

Is this helicopter tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Do both sides of the helicopter get good views?

The pilot rotates at viewpoints so everyone gets great views regardless of seating.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation to the heliport in an air-conditioned vehicle, safety briefing before boarding, wrist straps for your phone or camera so you can take photos safely during flight, plus a full hour in the air with a local pilot guiding every landmark before returning to Lihue.