FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

We strongly believe that 60 minutes should be the minimum flight time for a helicopter tour of Kauai. Our 60-65 minute tour offers superior viewing, more opportunity for photography and video, and better value than those flown for only 45-50 minutes. It may not seem like much time on the ground but when you’re in the air, every minute counts. The extra 5, 10, or 15 minutes that we spend over Kauai’s verdant valleys, water-carved canyons, and the sculpted Na Pali Coast allow our pilots to go slower, fly lower, and spend more time at these tour highlights. It takes a minimum of 1 minute to make a full turn (safely and slowly) in a helicopter, which our pilots often do while hovering over scenic areas, to allow passengers on both sides of the helicopter opportunities for unobstructed viewing and to capture great photos/videos. Plus when broken down to cost-per-minute the value of our 60 minute tour is often more affordable than those only flown for 45-50 minutes.

We encourage all passengers to wear comfortable casual clothing and laced or strapped shoes. For the Doors-On AStar tour, we highly recommend wearing black or dark colors to reduce the glare from the windows for better photos. For the Door-Off MD500 Tour, we ask you to please bring a light jacket (preferably waterproof) and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants, as it can be much cooler once in flight.

Children of all ages are permitted to fly on our Doors-On AStar Tour as long as they are accompanied by an adult. You must provide your own DOT approved infant/child/booster seat as detailed by current transportation/vehicle restrictions, if applicable. If your child is under 35lbs they are required to wear a full infant life preserver, which we will provide. For our Doors-Off MD500 Tour, your child must be at least 10 years of age and must be accompanied by an adult. If you would like to fly on our doors-off tour and your child is not old enough yet, we recommend asking your hotel if they offer any babysitting or daycare services.

With safety being our number one priority, we will only fly if current conditions allow for a safe and smooth flight. On top of that, if we feel the weather is such that it is not worth your time and money for a tour, we will not fly. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to fly due to weather is decided by our pilots, not the customer. Keep in mind that weather patterns vary from hour to hour on Kauai so we are constantly monitoring between and during tours. Each tour is unique and the exact path flown will vary depending on the weather. However, we don’t want a little rain to frighten you. Keep in mind that the fantastic waterfalls and rainbows for which Kauai is famous will become more abundant soon after rain.

You may cancel your flight with no obligations by notifying us at least 48 hours before your tour is scheduled to depart. “No-shows” and reservations canceled within the 48-hour period before the scheduled flight time are subject to full charges.

There really is no right or wrong answer to this one. It is purely a matter of opinion and perspective. Due to Kauai’s frequent weather changes, it is hard to predict exactly what you will experience on your flight. So, we ask you to simply book when is most convenient for your itinerary. We do recommend booking your tour toward the beginning of your vacation so that if the weather does not cooperate we have more opportunities to reschedule you.

Because safety is our first priority, we must arrange seating to optimize the weight and balance of the aircraft. However, if you do have a seat preference you have the opportunity to let the staff know upon booking. We will try our best to honor those requests but please keep in mind, we cannot guarantee any seat requests. 

For some passengers, Motion Sickness is a real thing.  If you are especially prone to motion sickness, we do recommend taking a precautionary anti-motion sickness medication for ease of mind.  Some passengers report taking Bonine the night before and again 45-minutes before their flight alleviated their motion sickness.  Some passengers use Relief Bands and report great success in countering nausea from many sources. We can assure you that our pilots are highly skilled and will maintain the optimal flight path to ensure a ride that is as smooth and steady possible.

As we fly clockwise around the island some highlights you may see include…

• Nawiliwili Harbor and the Menehune Fishpond
• Kipu Kai and the Tunnel of Trees
• Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls) in Hanapepe Valley
• Olokele Canyon
• Waimea Canyon – the Grand Canyon of the Pacific
• Na Pali’s spectacular sea cliffs and valleys
• The North Shore beaches from Ke’e to Hanalei
• The Beautiful Bay and Valley of Hanalei
• Mt. Waialeale – The heart of Kauai’s ancient volcano
• Picturesque Wailua Falls
• and more!

Our pilots will do their best to show you all Kaua’i has to offer but we cannot guarantee all highlights since flight paths are weather dependant.

There are many things to consider when deciding to book an air tour of Kauai, so we’ve broken down several of the advantages that helicopter tours have over airplane tours below.

1. Spectacular Up-Close Views: Helicopter tours provide a more intimate and immersive experience compared to airplane tours. With their ability to fly at lower altitudes (500’ vs 1500’) and hover over specific areas of interest, helicopters offer breathtaking views of Kauai’s stunning landscapes, including rugged mountains, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and pristine coastlines. The ability to get closer to the scenery allows for more detailed observations and excellent photo opportunities.
2. Access to Remote Locations: Kauai’s natural beauty includes hidden gems and secluded areas that are inaccessible by road, trail, or even airplanes. Helicopters have the maneuverability that can take you into narrow valleys of the Nā Pali Coast, through the Waimea Canyon (vs over), and into the crater of Mount Waiʻaleʻale, providing a unique perspective and the chance to explore these pristine areas that few people get to see up close.
3. Thrilling and Unique Experience: Most people have been in a plane before, but being in a helicopter is unlike any other tourism activity or experience. Whether you’re seeking a bit of an adrenaline rush or a unique adventure, we have multiple tour options that will be sure to please. The maneuverability and agility of helicopters allow for thrilling moments like flying over waterfalls, soaring through valleys, and hovering above dramatic cliffs. These exhilarating sensations can create unforgettable memories and add an extra level of excitement to your trip.

We are proud to be the only helicopter tour operator on Kauai that offers two different aircrafts for tours, the MD500 and the Airbus AStar.

Our Doors-off MD500 Tours are flown in a MD500 E. This aircraft is known for its exceptional performance, versatility, and reliability, which makes it a preferred choice for many pilots and operators. It is a very powerful and high-performance helicopter equipped with a robust turbine engine, especially when compared to the piston engine of a R44. The MD500’s power-to-weight ratio allows for quick acceleration, efficient climbing, and the ability to operate at high altitudes and in hot environments. The helicopter’s impressive performance capabilities enable it to deliver a smooth and exhilarating flying experience. The MD500 also has a reputation for reliability and safety. Its robust construction, advanced systems, and proven track record contribute to its dependable performance. The helicopter is equipped with various safety features, including redundant systems and advanced avionics, which enhance pilot situational awareness and ensure a safe flying experience.

Our Doors-on AStar tour is flown in the Airbus (formerly Eurocopter) AS350B2, commonly known as the AStar helicopter. The AStar is the most widely used and the most popular tour helicopter in the world. These helicopters are known for their focus on safety, reliability, and performance. They are equipped with a powerful Arriel 2D turboshaft engine that delivers excellent power-to-weight ratio and high-speed capabilities. The helicopter’s performance allows for efficient climbing, superior maneuverability, and stable hover capabilities, making it well-suited for demanding operational environments. It’s been referred to as the luxury suburban of the helicopter world featuring a spacious cabin design and plush seats, offering enhanced comfort and a capacity of 6 passengers. Our AStar is equipped with custom floor-to-ceiling windows which not only offer excellent visibility for viewing and photography, but contribute to overall safety. We have also upgraded our AStar with top-of-the-line noise-canceling headsets.

Our AStar was custom built with modifications made specifically for flying tours on Kauai. Aside from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the most important modification was moving the pilot’s seat from the right hand side of the aircraft to the left hand side. Check out the next FAQ for why this is important.

All of our helicopters have the pilot on the left-hand side of the aircraft. This not only enhances the customers’ experience, but increases everyones safety on board. Generally, all helicopter tours on Kauai, regardless of company, are flown in a clockwise direction around the island. Having the pilot on the left side of the helicopter allows more passengers to be on the side of the helicopter facing towards the island’s coastlines and mountains. For safety reasons, having the pilot on the left side of the aircraft keeps the pilot’s controls further away from passengers therefore avoiding any accidental contact with the controls. It also allows more room and comfort for the customer seated next to the pilot.

We are certified to fly under the FAA’s part 135 regulations. This matters because operators conducting flights under part 135 must hold a specific FAA certificate known as an “Air Carrier Certificate” or “Operating Certificate.” This certification involves meeting stringent requirements related to pilot qualifications and training, aircraft maintenance, safety protocols, and operational procedures. These requirements are much more stringent than those of part 91 operators. Also, part 135 regulations include specific provisions to protect passenger rights and safety that part 91 do not. These include requirements for pre-flight safety briefings, passenger manifests, emergency procedures, and inspection programs designed to ensure the safe transportation of passengers. We choose to fly under part 135 because we prioritize safety and hold ourselves to the highest standards.

Absolutely, and we encourage you to talk to your pilot. Once on board and before takeoff is a great time to say hello and familiarize yourself with our headset (turn up or down volume) and mic functions. During your tour, our pilots will offer you a unique and personalized live narration with a variety of information about Kauai, ranging from geography to history to culture. They have extensive knowledge of their home here on Kauai and are happy to share it with you. We just ask that you please don’t interrupt the pilot while they are speaking and be considerate of other passengers on board. Also, if your pilot doesn’t answer you right away, don’t take it personally, they may be talking to the Tower, Air Traffic Control or other pilots nearby.

Tips are not required nor expected but are very appreciated. If you didn’t get the chance to tip your pilot while in our office, we have included links to their venmo accounts under their pilot bios, which can be found HERE.

Public Tour Policies

Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your flight with no obligations by notifying us at least 48 hours before your tour is scheduled to depart. “No-shows” and reservations canceled within the 48-hour period before the scheduled flight time are subject to FULL charges. In case of an emergency or illness, within the 48 hour period, refunds may be issued with a valid doctor’s note and are subject to managerial discretion.

Weather Policy: Safety is Jack Harter Helicopter’s number one priority, we will only fly if current conditions allow for a safe and smooth flight. All weather related decisions are of the sole discretion of the pilot in command. If your pilot believes the weather is either unsafe or such that it is not worth your time and money for a tour, we will not fly. Keep in mind that weather patterns vary from hour to hour on Kauai so we are constantly monitoring between and during tours. Each tour is unique and the exact path flown will vary depending on the weather.

Please do not let a little rain or your phone’s weather app frighten you, it is often inaccurate. Kauai is famous for it’s epic waterfalls and rainbows, which become most abundant soon after rain.

Weight & Balance Policy: Our weight limit in place for an individual is 250 lbs AND 400 lbs for a couple. Weight limits include all clothing, shoes, and carry-on items. If your party exceeds these restrictions, we require the purchase of an additional seat to fly. The reason why our weight limit is different for couples is to ensure that they can be on the same flight. The weight and balance of a helicopter are crucial to its ability to fly, so we appreciate your understanding of strictly enforcing this policy. In order to comply with FAA regulations, we will discretely weigh every passenger upon checking in. Please ensure weights given are accurate. If verified weights increase upon check-in and we are unable to produce a safe weight and balance, we will be obligated to remove one passenger from the flight. This passenger will still be responsible for full payment of the seat reserved.

Seating Policy: Due to FAA regulations, seats are assigned by verified weights. Weight restrictions are established in order to comply with the Aircraft Manufacturer’s weight and balance limitations. If you are not on a chartered flight or private tour, please know that you will be flying with other passengers, as we fly a full flight. There are 4 passengers on our Doors-Off tours and 6 passengers on our Doors On tours. Seat requests are allowed but they are NOT GUARANTEED.

Tour Confirmation Policy: When booking a public tour, the flight is NOT confirmed or guaranteed. The tour is not confirmed until ALL seats on the tour are sold. If your flight is unconfirmed our staff will contact you directly via email and/or telephone at least two days in advance to discuss options. Within 48 hours of the flight time, our staff will reach out to reconfirm your tour.

Safety Policy: We do not allow any hats, beanies, GoPro head mounts, scarfs, turbans, or other headgear for any of our tours. These items pose a risk to everyone’s safety when boarding, flying, and deboarding. We do not allow passengers on our tours that appear to be intoxicated with alcohol or on any other illegal substances. This is to the sole discretion of our manager on duty. If you do not comply with our safety policy, you will not be allowed to fly and will be responsible for full payment of the seat reserved.

The following apply to our Doors-Off tour ONLY: Absolutely no loose items or clothing are permitted. Shoes must be secured to your feet with straps, laces, etc. Flip flops (slippers) or slide on shoes of any kind are not permitted. We do not allow any carry-on items such as backpacks/purses, magnetic gimbals, iPads, or selfie/GoPro sticks longer than 12″. Phones and cameras must be secured to your body with a neck or wrist strap. If you do not have a wrist strap for your phone, we will lend you one upon check-in.