Jack Harter Helicopters, Inc. — Attraction in Kauai

Is there a 6 Star option on here!? 7,8,9,10 Stars!!? My friend Jason flew with Jack Harter Helicopters a few years ago and highly reccomended this company to me. As a photographer/videographer. I decided to do the Doors-Off tour with my friend. We both were super impressed with Jack Harter's communication/customer service. As well as their professionalism throughout the entire experience! As well as their safety briefing and making sure we had everything needed beforehand. I hardly every leave reviews. But I need to because this place deserves the business! Before you go, it's a great idea to bring pants/light jacket on the Doors-Off Flight. They provide wrist straps for small cameras if needed. They will let you know everything you need before flying. I heard complaints on reviews about sitting on the back left seat of the helicopter. (Which is where they sat me). The seat is right behind the pilot, yes I couldn't see as much through the front, but I was able to reach my camera above and see more over Nick (our pilot). As well as see some awesome views off the left side that my friend didn't get to see as much. The right side you get to see slightly more (but I was able to see right past my friend) with the route they fly clock wise around the island, but Nick, our pilot was great about making sure we all got to see different things throughout the flight. My friend, who sat in the back right let me reach over and capture some photos, so even though some of the stuff was on the right I was able to get some awesome photos. You can request a specific seat ahead of time, not guarantee due to weights of each passenger and the way they balance out the helicopter. Somebody else I saw complained about seats being uncomfortable, I am 6 foot 2 (skinnier build) and and no issues with the seats. Comfortable enough. Their Doors-On tour has more comfortable seats on their A-Star Helicopter. If you are looking for more comfortable seats. This doors-off tour flight was really smooth. Nick, our pilot was great about pointing out certain things throughout the island. Was answering a lot of questions from one of our other passengers on the flight. It was nice because my friend and I were busy taking photos in the back and didn't use mics to talk as much. But it was great having some background conversation while we were taking photos. I guess my only complaint if I had to pick out one thing is would have loved to have more time to talk to Nick before or after the flight. I understand they have flights back to back. And ours was the last flight of the day. (3:15pm flight) But he was awesome! Truly an amazing experience! The price is a steal! Sounds expensive to some, but running a helicopter is a pricey business and this is easily the best you will find on the island of Kauai. Thank you Jack Harter Helicopters! Book now if you haven't already, or on the fence of going up with them! If you visit Kauai, Jack Harter...

This was an absolute life-changing experience and I normally pass over heliopter tours, because of the expense. I HIGHLY recommend Jack Harter for anyone and everyone! For my overview (skip to the bottom)

As mentioned above, I normally pass on helicopter tours. But, it was recommended by several friends, especially the doors off helicopter. If you are worried about price, we paid the same amount for the helicopter tour as we would for a 6-7 hour drive around town with a guide (most of which, we could drive around by ourself and see).

I booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards and got a call to confirm within the next 24 hours. The company was great and readily available through both e-mail and over the phone. When we got to the office for check-in my husband wanted to bring his gimbel device on the ride and Johnny did amazing and took the time to make sure the his phone was secured and would work the way that it needed to! As for the flight, our pilot, Eli was absolutely phenomenal! He checked in with us regularly (as we were in the back) but honestly, it was hard to say much as I was too busy taking in the scenary and being in awe. Eli also finessed giving us facts about the island and being entertaining and humerous without being over the top. As I sat behind Eli, our pilot, I also very much appreciated the way he manuevered around so that I got as equally great of a view as the other side of the helicopter (see the photos and videos I post). If you are on the fence at all to book, hesitate no more, it's 1000% worth-it!

VISIT: end of April 2021 BOOKED: through Chase Ultimate Rewards BATHROOMS: on site (at check-in) and where your car will be parked and at the air field where you will wait shortly for your shuttle to/from your helicopters STRAPS: are sized and given for free at the office (they are zip ties, so can fit around phone cases as well. DRESSING WARMLY: as the company will continue to remind you, DRESS WARMLY! I was pretty warm on the ground, but do run cold if the AC is on - I wore leggings and a medium-thick sweater and was still pretty chilly up there. My husband ALWAYS runs warm and wore shorts and a t-shirt - he claimed he was fine, but when the wind hits and starts throwing rain at you, just dress appropriately lol MOTION SICK FRIENDS: I took a non-drowy dramamine before, took my bracelets to help with nausea (in case), and popped a few ginger candies before to settle my stomach and did quite well (this DOES NOT MEAN I needed it, BUT since you can't have anything in your pockets or bring a bag, I thought it best to be prepared!) COVID PRECAUTIONS: masks required from check-in to check-out, hand sanitizer upon check-in, saw the staff cleaning...

My wife and I took the Hughes 500 doors off tour a few days ago, and as soon as it was over, we wanted to go again! Is the trip expensive? Maybe - but these helicopters are roughly little Ferrari's as far as helicopters go, and are not cheap to run. They are a bit cramped inside, no AC, windy, and you sit on a seat that isn't cushy leather and the not most comfortable. But that isn't why you take these - you ride in them because the view is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE, the ride is a COMPLETE blast, Eli (our pilot) was super knowledgeable, funny, and a very safe and competent pilot (I am a fixed wing one myself, and felt 100% safe riding with him, and would request him again if we ever are back on Kauai). I rode behind him (left rear), and my wife was right back, and did she get a bit better view - at times...yes. However, every time we were at a great location, Eli would hover and turn around so I would be able to get pictures as well. We sat where we were assigned for weight/balance purposes (safety). The staff was super helpful, friendly, made sure we were going to have a safe and enjoyable flight, and if I could give JH 10 stars, I would. Both my wife and I were a touch nervous, but the flight was really smooth (even flying in mountain terrain and canyons) and a complete blast! It was worth EVERY dollar we spent on it, and would fly with JH & Eli in a second if we have another chance. It is the way to see Kauai.

Make sure you wear some warmer clothes (pants, closed shoes, and a jacket). We had soft shell jackets & pants on, and it could get a bit cool at times, but glad we wore those. If you do shorts and t-shirt, your going to be cold! Also, use a standard to wider angle lens to take pictures - you get close to some of the great scenery, and a longer lens would make it harder to get all of the picture (just a few examples of what you see).

Thank you Eli and Jack Harter for a incredible experience that my wife and I will...