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Jack Harter Helicopters

4231 Ahukini Rd., Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766
808-245-3774
Website
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Ranked #5 of 28 activities in Lihue
Type: Tours
Owner description: Jack Harter is the Originator of Helicopter Tours on Kauai. Coming to Kauai in 1962, Jack began offering helicopter tours and charter flights with a... more » Owner description: Jack Harter is the Originator of Helicopter Tours on Kauai. Coming to Kauai in 1962, Jack began offering helicopter tours and charter flights with a focus on safety and quality. Jack's dedication to these important qualities is carried on by the company's hand-picked pilots and ground crew staff that are dedicated to continuing Jack's founding principles. The company offers scenic tours in two types of helicopters: Jack Harter Helicopters' luxurious 6-passenger Eurocopter AStar helicopter features huge floor-to-ceiling windows, BOSE noise-cancelling headsets, air-conditioning, and a cabin layout that has no physical obstructions to viewing the scenery outside. For the more adventurous, their 4-passenger Hughes 500s are flown with the doors removed. There is no luxury in the Hughes 500, but the doors-off flight is very cool! (Double meaning intended!) Be forewarned that there are weight limitations for all helicopter tours. The 2 front passneger seats in BOTH helicopter types have more restrictive weight limits, so the smallest passengers on any given tour are usually seated in the front. Please look at the company's website to view the aircraft seating diagrams. The company's 60 and 90-minute tours feature Kauai's beautiful Na Pali Coast, the spectacular Waimea Canyon, numerous waterfall-filled valleys including the Hanalei Valley, and Mt. Waialeale, one of the wettest places on earth. Each tour is flown by an experienced pilot who describes the history, geology, geography, and native ecosystems that make Kauai the scenic gem of Hawaii! Each helicopter is equipped with a 2-way intercom system that allow passengers to communicate with their pilot. Jack Harter Helicopters is the only company that still flies a full 60 minute tour. Other helicopter companies have shortened their flight times to 45 or 50 minutes. The extra 10-15 minutes of in-air time allows the pilots to make more turns during the flight. They can fly slower and lower over Kauai's spectacular shorelines, canyons and vallies. Longer flights increase the quality of the helicopter tour. Compare the dollar per minute rates when you are doing your research. You will find that quality and value are to be found at Jack Harter Helicopters. « less
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558 reviews from our community

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Top Contributor
159 reviews 159 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
89 helpful votes 89 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

The thought of riding in a doorless helicopter was a bit scary, but the training before the ride was excellent. Our pilot was experienced and confident which made all of us feel better. It was a bit tight in the front seat being between the pilot and another passenger. The outside passenger was practically hanging out the door! The views... More

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See 4 more reviews by dreamtravelreviewer for Lihue
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4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

Cannot say enough about our helicopter ride . . . it was incredible! Because so much of the island is not accessible by foot or car, this is the way to see everything there is to see on the island. We did research on which heli company to go with, and Im sooooo glad we went with Jack Harter. Jack... More

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Sydney, Australia
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4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

I had been debating (in my own mind) doing a Helicopter tour on Hawaii for the family. Needless to say this it isn't a cheap activity by any stretch - especially having to pay for 4! Having looked around I decided to do a tour on the island of Kauai with Jack Harter Helicopters. The idea of flying with the... More

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Detroit
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

I was a little nervous about going doing this tour, but it was well worth it. The views we saw from the helicopter were fantastic and pictures don't do the views justice. The pilot/guide was a former search and rescue pilot so I felt like we were in good hands. He seemed knowledgable of the area and provided a continuous... More

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Orange, California
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013 via mobile

Took the flight without doors! This was my 2nd time in a helicopter over Kauai the first the standard 6 sweater with doors and I was one of the unluck middle back seat passenger. This time no way, went with smaller 4 seater no doors, can not explain in words the difference. You feel close to the action! Wind in... More

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Denver, Colorado
Top Contributor
92 reviews 92 reviews
47 attraction reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
41 helpful votes 41 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

We took the 'doors off' helicopter trip and we loved it. The pilot (Craig) was amazing. Smoothest ride and best narration of the three helicopter trips we've done on the islands. He really flew well and inspired confidence and he did a great job pointing out things of interest to everyone in the aircraft. If you want to take pictures,... More

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See 2 more reviews by Frog4aday for Lihue
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013 via mobile

It's a bit of money to go doorless but definitely worth the money! We have the most amazing pictures and probably best way to see all of the best parts of island without having to hike!

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Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2013 via mobile

We chose the doorless helicopter ride and it was worth every penny! The views were so amazing and breathtaking! Book this early in your trip in case there is a storm and it gives you a good feel as to what beaches you might want to see when you are there. Captain Craig was a great pilot! We would fly... More

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Toronto, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2013

My fiance and I took a one-day trip to Kauai from Oahu and the helicopter ride was the first thing we did when we arrived on the island. We went with the doors-off option, and it was spectacular. 80% of this island is inaccessible by car so this was the perfect way to see all the beauty that the island... More

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Nashville, Tennessee
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

First, as you might see by my profile picture, I'm a pilot. I started out doing charters, banner towing, and sight seeing tours, so I know a little something about the aviation and aerial tour business, and that said, I'm less than impressed with Jack Harter Helicopters. My wife and I were on our honeymoon in Hawaii, finishing up with... More

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