Kauai open-door helicopter tour with Mauna Loa

If you've been to Kauai, you know the island is very small and can be easily explored in a few days. I was heading there for the second time and wanted to add a new experience to my itinerary.

I'm obsessed with drone shots of epic locations, but I have to admit, I am not good at flying a drone... So I decided that a helicopter tour around the island would give me a similar result.

You must know that in order to achieve high picture quality, you can't shoot through the glass. So it had to be an open-door flight.

🚁 I booked with Mauna Loa about a week in advance and reserving the time slot I needed was easy. I did feel a bit uneasy while signing the tour waver form since you literally have to sign that you understand that you can get injured or worse as a result of going on this adventure.

Here's the step-by-step process on the day of your flight:

1️⃣ Eat a good meal 1-2 hours in advance.

2️⃣Check in at the office first.

3️⃣Watch a safety video.

4️⃣Park by the helicopter take-off location at the airport.

5️⃣Meet with your pilot and discuss the route you want to take.

6️⃣Don't freak out that your seatbelt is less sufficient than you would expect from the helicopter.

7️⃣Be prepared to experience some turbulence, especially around the canyon area.

8️⃣Make sure to secure your phone and camera with additional straps.

9️⃣Take hundreds of pictures.

🎈Enjoy!