Touring Honolulu by helicopter delivers spectacular value and jaw-dropping views you simply can’t get any other way. Several excellent options stand out: The quick 15-minute Royal Crown tour efficiently covers key sights, while the thrilling doors-off 50-minute Magnum experience lets you feel the wind while soaring over Pearl Harbor. I especially love the Complete Island Tour – it’s worth the splurge for its comprehensive 65-minute route and consistently excellent safety record (FAA Diamond Award winner). For history buffs, combining a Pearl Harbor visit with a helicopter flight makes perfect sense. Let’s look at the best helicopter tours Honolulu has to offer.
Key Points
- The Royal Crown of Oahu Helicopter Tour offers 15-minute aerial views of iconic Oahu landmarks, with doors-on or doors-off options and a high traveler recommendation.
- The Magnum P.I. Doors-Off Helicopter Tour provides a 50-55 minute adventure over Oahu, featuring views of Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, and Pearl Harbor, in an iconic Hughes 500D helicopter.
- The Path to Pali Passage Helicopter Tour is a 30-minute tour with stunning vistas of Oahu’s landscapes, including Diamond Head, Mt. Olomana, and the USS Arizona Memorial.
- The Complete Oahu Island Helicopter Tour is a 65-minute comprehensive exploration of the island, offering aerial views of Pearl Harbor, Nuuanu Rainforest, and Sacred Falls.
- The Pearl Harbor Battleship & Helicopter Tour combines a visit to the Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri with a 45-minute helicopter ride over Pearl Harbor and downtown Honolulu.
Royal Crown of Oahu – 15 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On
The Royal Crown of Oahu – 15 Min Helicopter Tour offers passengers a thrilling aerial adventure over Oahu’s iconic landmarks.
Rated 4.8 out of 638 reviews, this tour is recommended by 95% of travelers. Departing from Honolulu International Airport, the helicopter will soar over Diamond Head, Sacred Falls, Dole Plantation, and Pearl Harbor.
Passengers can choose between doors-on or doors-off options, with multiple departure times available. The total weight limit per passenger is 280 lbs, and the maximum group size is 15 travelers.
Featuring stunning views of the Leeward and Windward Coasts, this tour provides an unforgettable experience.
Inclusive of parking fees, phone strap, and gratuities, the tour is priced from €400.26 per person.
Read our full review: Royal Crown of Oahu – 15 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On Review
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Oahu: Magnum PI Doors-Off Helicopter Tour
For an exhilarating aerial adventure, passengers can opt for the Oahu: Magnum P.I. Doors-Off Helicopter Tour.
This 50-55 minute excursion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Magnum P.I. hangar facility while soaring over Oahu’s stunning landscapes in an iconic Hughes 500D helicopter.
The tour features aerial views of Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, Sacred Falls, and Pearl Harbor, all captured on a 4-camera video system.
With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour provides an intimate experience.
Safety protocols include weight considerations and age restrictions.
Based on 22 glowing reviews, this tour is a must-do for Magnum P.I. fans and aerial enthusiasts alike.
Read our full review: Oahu: Magnum PI Doors-Off Helicopter Tour Review
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Path to Pali Passage – 30 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On
Travelers seeking a bird’s-eye view of Oahu’s breathtaking landscapes can embark on the 30-minute Path to Pali Passage helicopter tour. The experience features awe-inspiring vistas of Diamond Head, Mt. Olomana, Nuuanu Pali, beaches, coral reefs, rainforests, and volcanic cliffs, culminating in a view of the USS Arizona Memorial.
With a 5.0-star average rating from 92 reviews, the tour is recommended by 98% of travelers. Passengers can choose between doors-on or doors-off flights, with the latter offering an enhanced experience.
Safety protocols include weight restrictions and required attire. The tour departs from Rainbow Helicopters at Honolulu International Airport, ensuring a convenient starting point for this unforgettable aerial adventure.
Read our full review: Path to Pali Passage – 30 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On Review
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From Honolulu: Complete Oahu Island Helicopter Tour
Honolulu visitors seeking a comprehensive aerial exploration of Oahu can embark on the Complete Oahu Island Helicopter Tour, a 65-minute odyssey that showcases the island’s most iconic landmarks.
Priced at $455 per person, this FAA Diamond Award-winning tour takes guests over Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, the lush Nuuanu Rainforest, and the towering Sacred Falls.
Soaring above Diamond Head, Kaneohe Bay, the Dole Plantation, and the North Shore, passengers can capture stunning aerial photos while creating unforgettable memories.
With a maximum group size of 6 and wheelchair accessibility, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Oahu’s natural beauty from the sky.
Read our full review: From Honolulu: Complete Oahu Island Helicopter Tour Review
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Oahu: Pearl Harbor Battleship & Helicopter Tour
Visitors to Oahu can combine a visit to the iconic Pearl Harbor sites with a breathtaking helicopter tour that showcases the island’s natural wonders.
The Oahu: Pearl Harbor Battleship & Helicopter Tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a visit to the Arizona Memorial and a tour of the Battleship Missouri.
The 45-minute helicopter ride provides stunning aerial views of Pearl Harbor, the National Cemetery of the Pacific, downtown Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond Head.
With a duration of 10 hours and a group size limited to 6 participants, this tour provides a personalized and immersive way to explore Oahu’s history and natural beauty.
The tour is priced at $489.99 per person and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Read our full review: Oahu: Pearl Harbor Battleship & Helicopter Tour Review
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From Oahu: Kauai Movie Tour & Helicopter Adventure
For those seeking a more comprehensive Oahu experience, the From Oahu: Kauai Movie Tour & Helicopter Adventure offers an immersive journey. Priced from $806.28 per person, this 13.5-hour tour includes round-trip inter-island flights, a 45-minute helicopter ride, and a sightseeing tour with live commentary.
Guests will explore over 15 movie locations, reenact famous scenes, and enjoy lunch in Hanalei Town. While the tour receives mixed reviews, with complaints about poor organization and weather-related cancellations, it provides an opportunity to discover Kauai’s natural wonders and cinematic history.
Travelers should consider booking flights and helicopter tours separately for better clarity and organization.
Read our full review: From Oahu: Kauai Movie Tour & Helicopter Adventure Review
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Sum Up
The best helicopter flights and tours in Honolulu offer a range of options to suit different interests and budgets. From short 15-minute tours to comprehensive island-wide adventures, these experiences provide a unique aerial perspective of Oahu’s stunning landscapes. Whether you prefer doors-on or doors-off flights, there’s a helicopter tour that can cater to your preferences and create an unforgettable sightseeing experience.