Helicopter Tours in Oahu

Crossing the skies over Oahu in a helicopter is an unforgettable experience. The fluorescent green of the mountains and the turquoise of the ocean seem to merge from a distance - enjoy the best views in the Pacific!

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

5 min read

Helicopter Tours in Oahu

Flying over Oahu | ©Jacob Owens

Flying over Oahu in a helicopter and getting a bird's eye view of the island is a wonderful experience to have on your holiday, even if you have a bit of vertigo. Join this magnificent adventure and get ready to admire Hawaii's beautiful scenery from the sky - you've never seen anything like it!

1. Helicopter tours of various durations

Maunalua Bay| ©Eric Tessmer
Maunalua Bay| ©Eric Tessmer

Although Hawaii's main tourist attractions are accessible, the archipelago is made up of a number of remote islands that are also difficult to reach. Many places can only be reached by air due to the geography of the place and with Hawaii's scenic beauty, how can you miss the opportunity to see them?

Hawaii is a spectacle in itself, and even more so if its beauty can be appreciated from a helicopter flight. It's a thrilling adventure, too, because in addition to the fascinating views of Oahu, there's the adrenaline rush of flying at over 200 kilometres per hour over the Pacific and feeling the impact of the wind in your hair.

During your holiday you can choose between different lengths of helicopter tours on Oahu. Helicopter tours are often flexible so, depending on availability on your selected dates, you can choose standard or premium options and times to tailor the experience to suit your tastes or needs.

How to choose between them

Your budget will probably determine which flight you take, but trust me: even if you choose the shortest itinerary, the experience will still be unforgettable and the pilot will make sure you don't miss out on the best of the island.

The truth is that the experience of flying in a helicopter itself is brutal and regardless of the time you choose, you will be amazed by the unique sensation of flying in a helicopter, especially if you do it in Oahu, where the mountains overhang the sea itself and the turquoise blue of the ocean will give you spectacular scenery.

Compare the best helicopters on Oahu

2. Open Door Helicopter Tours

Take beautiful photos through open doors| ©Brannon Naito
Take beautiful photos through open doors| ©Brannon Naito

If you not only want to get the most out of your helicopter trip, but you are also a photography enthusiast and a thrill-seeker, I recommend that you choose the open-door helicopter tour.

The sensation of flying will be even more literal when you feel that there is no barrier between your body and the landscape and the pictures you will take will be breathtaking (literally).

If you're worried about safety, these flights are totally safe as you'll be wearing an extra seat restraint, so don't worry about that. Just make sure you charge your camera or mobile phone battery because you're going to be amazed during the journey.

Compare the best helicopters on Oahu


How much does it cost to take a helicopter tour in Oahu?

View of Honolulu from the helicopter| ©Chris Hoare
View of Honolulu from the helicopter| ©Chris Hoare

A helicopter tour on Oahu can cost between 250 and 300 euros per person approximately.

It all depends on the length of the tour, the number of tourist attractions visited, whether it is a private tour or not, the type of aircraft and whether it includes pick-up and drop-off from Waikiki hotels, among other factors.

How long are helicopter tours in Oahu?

Makapu'u Point| ©Justin Yause
Makapu'u Point| ©Justin Yause

Helicopter tours on Oahu last between 45 and 60 minutes approximately. The great thing about flying in a helicopter on Oahu is that as soon as you start soaring, you'll be treated to spectacular views, so no matter how long you choose to fly, you'll be able to take in all the main sights of the island.

For example, the Open Doors Helicopter Tour lasts around 50 minutes, giving you general views of Oahu but also allowing you to get up close to specific areas for a closer look. The great thing about booking online is that you can compare itineraries, prices and tour lengths before you choose one, so it's hard to go wrong.

However, if you think this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, go for the longer one, because even then it won't taste like much. This is one of those experiences you will never forget!

Can I take a helicopter tour with the doors open?

Top view of Halona Blowhole| ©Michael Olsen
Top view of Halona Blowhole| ©Michael Olsen

That's right! You might be a little apprehensive about flying in a helicopter without doors or with the doors open but there is nothing to be afraid of. Specifically in Hellotickets is available the 50 minutes flight in a helicopter with the doors open that will make you enjoy the most of the views of Oahu.

They are very safe as you will be fastened to your seat with harnesses and belts and, unlike the ones with closed doors, they allow you to enjoy the beautiful views unobstructed during the ride as well as taking fantastic pictures.

What will you see on a helicopter tour of Oahu?

Sacred Falls as seen from the helicopter| ©Nate Johnston
Sacred Falls as seen from the helicopter| ©Nate Johnston

Depending on the established route, you will usually visit the island's most iconic sights as you have never seen them before in a helicopter while listening to the pilot narrate the tour.

  • Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
  • The city of Honolulu and its harbour
  • Sacred Falls
  • Diamond Head
  • Maunalua Bay
  • Ka'a'awa Valley
  • Ko'olau Mountains
  • Kāne'ohe Bay
  • Waimanalo Beach
  • Kaeohe Bay
  • Halona Blowhole
  • Sandy Beach
  • Makapu'u Point and lighthouse
  • Dole Plantation
  • Lanikai Beach
  • Waimea Bay...
  • And much more!

Will I see the volcano from the helicopter tour?

Aerial view of Diamond Head| ©Cosmin Serban
Aerial view of Diamond Head| ©Cosmin Serban

Indeed, during the helicopter tour you will be able to see Diamond Head (a 232-metre volcanic crater southeast of Honolulu) and Hanauma Bay (the remains of a volcano crater that is now a popular marine sanctuary for snorkelling). Get your camera ready, because Hawaii is a land of volcanoes!

What are the best helicopter tours in Hawaii?

Lighthouse on the coast of Oahu| ©Cosmin Serban
Lighthouse on the coast of Oahu| ©Cosmin Serban

There really is no one tour worse than another. The main difference between one and the other will be the duration or whether the doors are open or closed. I recommend you to book online to compare prices, routes and duration. In Hellotickets you can also have free cancellation in case you need it.

And one last recommendation: book the tour to enjoy it during your first days on the island to make sure that if it is windy or cloudy, you can change the date and enjoy a sunny day. You will surely find the tour that best suits you!