One of the most exciting excursions we did in Hawaii was a helicopter tour. The MD500 doors-off tour was an exhilarating experience. Way out of my comfort zone, but so glad I did it. It was absolutely breathtaking. It is one of the only ways to get views of some of the islands numerous gorgeous waterfalls and the north coast, not accessible by roads.

The MD 500 is a 5 passenger helicopter. The pilot and 2 passengers sit in the front and 2 passengers in the rear seat. You are strapped in with harness seat belts. You also have life jackets around your waist, since you fly over water. You have headsets on to be able to talk to the pilot and your fellow passengers. Your cellphone will be zip tied to a wrist strap so you will not drop it out of the helicopter. For the doors- off tour you must wear laced or strapped on shoes and no head gear is allowed. I also highly suggest wearing long pants, long sleeves and a jacket. It was colder than we thought, with the doors off and the mist from the waterfalls in the canyons. I would recommend that women with long hair tie it back as well. The wind whips through the cabin of the helicopter with the doors off.

Our pilot was Josh and he was very knowledgable about the island and was very reassuring during the flight. The helicopter does hit some wind and air pockets and will drop a bit. I had a death grip on my husbands leg most of the time and I am surprised he does not have scars from this trip!! I am prone to motion sickness and was a bit worried about that, but I did ok. I think I was so focused on taking in all of the amazing views. The helicopter is equipped with motion sickness bags and one of the passengers in the front did need to access it. Josh flew down into the canyons and got very close to the waterfalls and the surrounding rock formations. It really felt like you were so close you could touch the rock. When the helicopter turns you are looking straight down out of the door, which is a little frightening, but the harness keeps you securely in your seat.

We booked our tour with Jack Harter tours and we were not disappointed. Jack Harter Helicopters is located by the Lihue Airport. The doors-off tour is a 60-65 minute tour and is a bit pricey, but well worth it! An unforgettable adventure!

helicopters-kauai.com 888-245-2001 or 808-245-3774