A helicopter tour of Oahu is a fantastic way to get your bearings if you’ve just arrived in Hawaii or a grand finale to your vacation.
During your air tour, you’ll be mesmerized by Oahu’s beautiful beaches, mountains, waterfalls, valleys, and landmarks, such as Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.
Oahu is so stunning that Hollywood has filmed numerous movies and TV series here, including Pearl Harbor, Jurassic Park, The Lost World, George of the Jungle, Pirates of the Caribbean III, and Lost, among others.
This article covers everything you must know before booking your helicopter tour of Oahu.
Top helicopter tours in Oahu
# Popular open-door helicopter tour over Oahu
# Unseen sights of Oahu Island
# Path to Pali Passage helicopter tourIt’s highly recommended to book your helicopter tour in advance. With limited seating available, these tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Open-door helicopter tour over Oahu
Fly aboard an open-door helicopter over Oahu for unobstructed views of the island on this 50-minute tour.
You’ll see Oahu’s lush valleys, mountains, and waterfalls.
Feel the wind in your hair as you soar over sights like Pearl Harbor, Honolulu Harbor, Hanauma Bay, Halona Blowhole, Waikiki Beach, and the Arizona Memorial.
At the end of your tour, you can purchase a video of your flight if you’d like.
You also have the option to choose between first-class seats and regular seats for your Oahu helicopter tour.
Note: You must be 12 or older to sit next to an open door.
Tour operator: Magnum Helicopters
Timings: 8.30 am to 4 pm
Meeting point: 130 Iolana Pl, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA. Get Directions
Cost of the tour (7+ years)
Regular Seats: US$350 per person
First Class Seats: US$390 per person
Ready for your first helicopter tour? We’ve got tips on how to make it unforgettable, what to wear, and answers to all your FAQs!
Unseen sights of the Oahu island
This 45-minute scenic helicopter ride over Oahu is ideal for a special occasion or a romantic moment.
You can choose between a ‘doors on’ or ‘doors off’ flight when booking the tour.
Get bird’s eye views of famous Oahu sights like Sacred Falls, Diamond Head, Maunalua Bay, the Ko’olau Mountains, Ka’a’awa Valley, Pearl Harbor, and more.
The breathtaking experience concludes with emotional moments over the iconic Pearl Harbor site before you head back to the airport.
If you’re looking for an exceptional experience and budget is not a concern, opt for a private tour with just your group in the chopper.
Tour operator: Rainbow Helicopters
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Meeting point: 155 Kapalulu Pl #197, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA. Get Directions
Limitations: Passengers must weigh at least 80 lbs (36 kgs) to fly with the door off in the Robinson R44 helicopter and at least 100 lbs (45 kgs) for the Airbus Astar helicopter.
Cost of the tour (2+ years)
Doors OFF/ ON Private Tour: US$548 per person
Doors OFF/ ON Tour: US$365 per person
Rainbow Helicopters also offers a 60-minute long heli tour called the Royal Crown of Oahu.
Path to Pali passage – the mountains tour
During this 30-minute helicopter tour, you’ll explore Oahu’s stunning peaks, including Diamond Head, Mt. Olomana, and Nu’uanu Pali.
Enjoy fascinating views of the island’s white-sand beaches, coral reefs, rainforests, and volcanic cliffs. These sights will be etched in your memory forever.
Before circling back to Honolulu International Airport, you’ll take in spectacular views of the famous USS Arizona Monument.
Tour operator: Rainbow Helicopters
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Meeting point: 155 Kapalulu Pl #197, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA. Get Directions
Limitations: Passengers must weigh at least 80 lbs (36 kgs) to fly with the door off in the Robinson R44 helicopter and at least 100 lbs (45 kgs) for the Airbus Astar helicopter.
Cost of the tour (2+ years)
Doors OFF/ ON Private Tour: US$473 per person
Doors OFF/ ON Tour: US$315 per person
City-by-the-sea tour
During this short 20-minute helicopter tour over a section of Oahu Island, you’ll see Honolulu city skyline, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Punch Bowl Crater, and Pearl Harbor.
We recommend the doors-off option to get the best possible photos from your guaranteed window seat.
Tour operator: Rainbow Helicopters
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Meeting point: 155 Kapalulu Pl #197, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA. Get Directions
Limitations: Passengers must weigh at least 80 lbs (36 kgs) to fly with the door off in the Robinson R44 helicopter and at least 100 lbs (45 kgs) for the Airbus Astar helicopter.
Cost of the tour (2+ years)
Doors OFF/ ON Private Tour: US$420 per person
Doors OFF/ ON Tour: US$280 per person
Sunset helicopter tour over Oahu
This once-in-a-lifetime sunset experience in Oahu is perfect for romantic couples and special occasions.
Watch the sun melt into the Pacific from a high vantage point, soaking up views of the Honolulu skyline, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head.
Long after your holiday, the Hawaiian sky painted in red, pink, and orange will be etched in your memory forever.
This 50-minute tour is a complete package, including pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.
Tour operator: Rainbow Helicopters
Timing: 5 pm daily
Meeting point: 155 Kapalulu Pl #197, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA. Get Directions
Limitations: Passengers must weigh at least 80 lbs (36 kgs) to fly with the door off in the Robinson R44 helicopter and at least 100 lbs (45 kgs) for the Airbus Astar helicopter.
Cost of the tour (2+ years)
Doors OFF/ ON Private Tour: US$585 per person
Doors OFF/ ON Tour: US$390 per person
Private helicopter tour with romantic landing
During this 1-hour helicopter tour, you’ll land at an exclusive spot in a stunning private valley on O’ahu’s Windward Coast.
Take off from the island’s South Shore to see a birds-eye view of the famous Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head crater.
Fly over Hanauma Bay, the Windward Coast, and Kualoa Ranch before landing in a private, lush oasis.
You and your partner will have 15 minutes at your picnic spot, complete with Wailua chocolates, a champagne toast, and leis.
Once back in the air, the chopper will take you close to the lush green forests and emerald cliffs of the Ka’a’awa Valley and Sacred Falls, Oahu’s highest waterfall.
Tour operator: Rainbow Helicopters
Timings: 9 am to 4 pm
Meeting point: 155 Kapalulu Pl #197, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA. Get Directions
Limitations: Passengers weighing over 300 lbs (163 kg or 21 stone) cannot be accommodated due to safety reasons.
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$2,440 per group (up to 3)
Book This TourIf you want to go one step further, check out the helicopter tour offering a ‘Marry Me’ Banner on the Beach.
Full-day Hawaii tours with helicopter flights
If you are in Hawaii for a short holiday, we recommend full-day tours of the islands, including a helicopter experience.
If you can manage a 16-hour itinerary, check out the Air, Helicopter, Land Volcano Adventure from Oahu.
Start by flying above Hawaii for incredible views of volcanoes, waterfalls, and tropical areas.
Then you will go on a land expedition that includes Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Richardson black and green sand beach, and Rainbow Falls.
If you prefer a shorter full-day experience, consider the 8-hour Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour.
In addition to viewing Hilo’s stunning volcanoes from a chopper, you will also visit numerous attractions on land.
Know before booking your tickets
Here are some things to keep in mind before booking your helicopter tours in Oahu.
Exclusions of the air tours
Oahu heli tours do not include hotel transfers and food and drinks unless stated otherwise.
Your ticket price also excludes gratuities.
Accessibility of the tours
Most of the helicopter rides in Oahu tours are completely accessible to guests with disabilities.
The aircraft, transportation, and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, preventing any inconvenience for the guests.
Unfortunately, the Magnum PI Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopter tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Cancellation policy
You can cancel all these helicopter tours of Oahu Island at least 24 hours before your tour date for a full refund.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee applies.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the tour’s start time.
Helicopter tours depend on good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
Restrictions strictly followed
Here are some important restrictions to keep in mind for helicopter tours in Ohau:
- Weight limits apply to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.
- Tours require a minimum and maximum number of passengers; if not, they will be canceled.
- Infants can come along but must sit on a caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
- These tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers.
- Scuba diving is not permitted within 24 hours before your flight.
- Jackets or sweatshirts, closed-toe shoes, and hair ties are required for doors off helicopter tours. Long pants are recommended.
- The operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or appear to be drunk. Such passengers will not fly but will be charged in full.
- A valid photo ID or passport is required.
- No pets are allowed except for service animals.
- Arrive at least an hour early for check-in.
- Flight times may vary based on winds, weights, and conditions.
- Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
What to expect
Related Reading
# Helicopter tours in Kauai
# Helicopter tours in Big Island
# Helicopter tours in Maui
# Helicopter tours from Honolulu
# Helicopter tours from Kona
# Helicopter tours from Lihue
# Helicopter tours in Hawaii
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