Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopters

The Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopters offer an exhilarating aerial adventure over Kauai’s stunning landscapes. With a trained firefighting pilot at the helm, guests can enjoy a nearly one-hour flight showcasing breathtaking canyons, cliffs, and waterfalls. The unique doors-off experience provides unobstructed views and personalized attention, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an unforgettable exploration of Hawaii’s natural beauty from the sky. However, there are a few important details to consider before booking this thrilling journey.

Key Points

• The experience offers a 4-passenger doors-off helicopter tour over Kauai’s scenic landscapes, including canyons, cliffs, and waterfalls.
• The helicopter is piloted by a trained firefighting pilot, ensuring safety and expertise.
• The maximum weight limit per passenger is 240 lbs, with a total weight limit of 745 lbs for parties of 4.
• The experience is not wheelchair accessible, but minimal assistance is required for entry and exit.
• The tour starts at $369 per person and has a generous cancellation policy, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 1,400 reviews.

Overview and Experience

The Hughes 500 is a 4-passenger doors-off helicopter adventure that takes guests on an intimate aerial exploration of Kauai’s stunning landscapes.

Flown by a trained firefighting pilot, the experience lasts nearly an hour, showcasing lush canyons, towering cliffs, and famous waterfalls like Manawaiopuna Falls from Jurassic Park.

The aircraft accommodates a maximum of 4 guests, allowing for personalized attention. Passengers wear two-way communication headsets and are seated strategically for optimal views.

Weight restrictions apply, and the minimum age is 10 years old.

Travelers praise the exhilarating vistas and knowledgeable pilots, making this a must-do activity on the island.

Inclusions and Restrictions

Included in the Hughes 500 helicopter tour are the 4-passenger doors-off aircraft, two-way communication headsets, and all fees and taxes.

However, there are some restrictions to be aware of. The total weight per passenger is limited to 240 lbs, with a maximum combined weight of 745 lbs for parties of 4. The minimum age requirement is 10 years old, and the experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Passengers are allowed to bring cameras, but they must be tethered. Plus, no scuba diving is permitted within 24 hours of the departure time.

Pricing and Booking

Starting from $369.00 per person, the Hughes 500 helicopter tour offers a competitive pricing structure.

Customers have the flexibility to reserve their spot now and pay later. The cancellation policy is generous, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 1,400 reviews, the tour provides excellent value. Ninety-eight percent of travelers recommend the experience, praising the exhilarating views, knowledgeable pilots, and unique doors-off format.

Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Hughes 500 helicopter tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 1,400 reviews. 98% of travelers recommend the experience, highlighting the exhilarating views, knowledgeable pilots, and the unique doors-off experience.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.9/5
Traveler Recommendations	98%
Positive Feedback	Exhilarating views, knowledgeable pilots, unique doors-off experience
Total Reviews	1,413

The positive customer feedback underscores the incredible value of this doors-off helicopter tour over Kauai’s stunning landscapes.

Pilot Assignments

The pilot and passenger seating assignments for the Hughes 500 helicopter tour are as follows: the left-front seat is occupied by the pilot, the front-center seat is Passenger 1 in the window seat, the front-right seat is Passenger 2 in the window seat, the left-rear seat is Passenger 3 in the window seat, and the right-rear seat is Passenger 4 in the window seat.

This strategic arrangement ensures the pilot has full visibility and control, while the passengers enjoy unobstructed panoramic views during the doors-off flight over the stunning landscapes of Kauai.

The seating layout maximizes the experience for all participants.

Comfort Tips

Dressing warmly is crucial for the doors-off helicopter tour, as the cooler temperatures at altitude can be quite brisk.

To ensure maximum comfort, consider the following tips:

• Wear layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed
• Choose wind-resistant and moisture-wicking fabrics to protect against the elements
• Bring a warm hat, gloves, and socks to keep extremities cozy
• Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for the best stability and support
• Pack a small backpack or personal item to store extra layers during the flight

These simple preparations will help you fully immerse in the exhilarating doors-off experience and enjoy the stunning aerial views.

Meeting Point and Check-in

Where is the meeting point located for the Hughes 500 helicopter tour?

The meeting point is at Airborne Aviation, 3651 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA.

Guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled flight time. This allows time for check-in procedures and ensures a prompt departure.

During check-in, guests will be briefed on safety protocols and provided with two-way communication headsets.

Prompt arrival is crucial as the helicopters depart on time to maintain the tour’s tight schedule. Guests should plan their transportation to the meeting point accordingly to avoid any delays.

Accessibility and Camera Policy

The Hughes 500 helicopter tour is not wheelchair accessible. However, the experience offers other considerations for guests.

• Passengers must be able to climb in and out of the aircraft with minimal assistance.

• Camera use is permitted but must be tethered to prevent it from flying out during the flight.

• Scuba divers are advised to avoid the tour within 24 hours of their last dive to prevent decompression sickness.

• Weight restrictions apply, with a maximum of 240 lbs per passenger and a combined party weight of 745 lbs.

• The tour is recommended for those aged 10 and above, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Cameras or Smartphones?

Guests are allowed to bring their own cameras and smartphones on the flight, but they must be tethered for safety reasons. This ensures the equipment remains secure during the doors-off helicopter experience.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Height Requirement?

There is no minimum or maximum height requirement for this activity. However, passengers must be able to safely enter and exit the helicopter. Weight restrictions apply, with a maximum combined weight of 745 lbs for parties of 4.

Do I Need to Have Any Prior Experience With Helicopters?

No prior helicopter experience is required for this activity. The knowledgeable pilot will provide all necessary instructions and safety briefings to ensure a safe and enjoyable doors-off helicopter flight over the stunning Kauai landscape.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring Onboard?

There are some restrictions on what passengers can bring onboard the doors-off helicopter experience. Cameras are allowed but must be tethered, and scuba diving is prohibited within 24 hours of the flight. Otherwise, passengers can bring small personal items.

Can I Choose My Own Seat Arrangement or Is It Assigned?

The seat arrangement is assigned based on the helicopter’s configuration. Passengers are seated in a specific order, with the pilot in the left-front position. This seat assignment helps ensure balance and safety during the flight.

The Sum Up

The Hughes 500 4-passenger doors-off helicopter tour offers an exhilarating and unobstructed aerial adventure over Kauai’s stunning landscapes. Guests can enjoy a nearly one-hour flight showcasing breathtaking canyons, cliffs, and waterfalls with personalized attention from a trained firefighting pilot. This thrilling journey is ideal for those seeking an unforgettable exploration of Hawaii’s natural beauty from the sky.