Your comprehensive guide to the best helicopter tours Oahu has to offer – including Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and Honolulu helicopter tours. Explore popular scenic and private Hawaii helicopter tours, and compare top traveller-rated Oahu helicopter rides and private charters w/ prices, flight routes, guest reviews, tips, discounts and operator direct booking.
Ultimate guide to Oahu helicopter tours.
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Updated: March 2023Bobby Watanabe
01. Popular Oahu tours
A unique side of Oahu awaits when you take to the sky to discover the sights you have yet to see in this Honolulu helicopter tour.
SIGHTS
- Waikiki Beaches
- Diamond Head
- Hanauma Bay
- Makapu’u Lighthouse
- Windward Coast
- Lanikai Beach
- Chinaman’s Hat
- Ka’a’awa Valley
- Sacred Falls
- Dole Pineapple Plantation
- Pearl Harbor
- USS Arizona Memorial
★★★★★
“Awesome flight, from the start at the office to the flight, everything was great. the ground crew were professional at every step and Kyle, our pilot was wonderful. He pointed out so many areas along the flightpath that we would not have noticed. The trip was worth every penny and we will definitely do it again.”
Tony Marvez • Jan 2023
Free Cancellation
110+ 5 Star reviews
Imagine soaring over a beautiful Hawaiian beach with the love of your life in a private helicopter. Love is already in the air when you’re soaring over Hawaii with your sweetheart on a private Oahu helicopter charter. It becomes an experience of a lifetime when you ask “Will you marry me?” over one of the most romantic and beautiful places on earth!
SUGGESTED PROPOSAL SIGHTS
- Iconic coastlines
- Sacred falls
★★★★★
“This trip was awesome and My now fiancé can’t stop talking about it. Staff was wonderful and Ensured everything was perfect for the moment. Definitely recommend!”
Lou A. • May 2022
Free Cancellation
Up to 3 Guests
Great skies reveal legendary landscapes, rainbows, sapphire waters, and world-famous attractions born of Hawaii’s amazing empire on this royal ring Oahu helicopter tour. Experience the best helicopter ride Waikiki has to offer!
SIGHTS
- Waikiki Skyline
- Surf Beaches
- Diamond Head
- Makapu’u Lighthouse
- Windward Coast
- Lanikai Beach
- Ko’olau Mountains
- Kaneohe Bay
- Chinaman’s Hat
- Ka’a’awa Valley
- Sacred Falls
- North Shore
- Banzai Pipeline
- Waimea Bay
- Dole Pineapple Plantation
- Pearl Harbor
- USS Arizona Memorial
- Turtle Bay Resort
- Kea Boat Harbor
★★★★★
“This was a wonderful experience! We did the hour long doors off tour and loved it. The whole team was great and our pilot JoJo was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”
Allison Dart • Feb 2023
Free Cancellation
246+ 5-star reviews
Wow your significant other with an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind private helicopter charter that includes an exclusive landing, tucked away in a private valley with ocean views.
SIGHTS
- Honolulu Harbor
- Aloha Tower
- Waikiki Beaches
- Diamond Head
- Hanauma Bay
- Makapu’u Lighthouse
- Windward Coast
- Lanikai Beach
- Chinaman’s Hat
- Kualoa Ranch
- Ka’a’awa Valley
- Sacred Falls
- Dole Pineapple Plantation
- Pearl Harbor
- USS Arizona Memorial
★★★★★
“Absolutely magical. Friendly staff and an expert pilot/photographer combo made for an incredible proposal. Thanks a tonne to the team at Rainbow!”
Free Cancellation
Up to 3 Guests
Incredible mountains, the Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head crater as you’ve never seen them before in this breathtaking Oahu helicopter tour.
SIGHTS
- Honolulu Harbor
- Aloha Tower
- Diamond Head
- Maunalua Bay
- Hanauma Bay
- Makapu’u Lighthouse
- Lanikai Beach
- Ko’olau Mountains
- Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
- Pearl Harbor
- USS Arizona Memorial
★★★★★
“”Mardi le 4 octobre, nous avons fait un tour d’hélicoptère avec Joey de Rainbow helicopter, ce fut vraiment une expérience magnifique malgré les quelques nuages (Normand a voyagé la porte ouverte… ho la la) . Les vues sur Honolulu, les plages , la mer et les montagnes sont absolument fantastiques. Merci pour votre professionnalisme et votre accueil chaleureux . Aloha “”
Jacinthe Deschenes • Oct 2022
Free Cancellation
47+ 5-star reviews
See Hawaii in style in this private Oahu helicopter charter with an exclusive landing and luxury picnic.
SIGHTS
- Honolulu Harbor
- Aloha Tower
- Waikiki Beaches
- Diamond Head
- Hanauma Bay
- Makapu’u Lighthouse
- Windward Coast
- Lanikai Beach
- Chinaman’s Hat
- Kualoa Ranch
- Ka’a’awa Valley
- Sacred Falls
- Dole Pineapple Plantation
- Pearl Harbor
- USS Arizona Memorial
★★★★★
“One of the best two hours I’ve ever spent in Hawaii! Unbelievable views, excellent service – the experience of a lifetime!”
Free Cancellation
Up to 3 Guests
02. The experience
Experience Oahu like never before from above.
In Oahu, Hawaii, helicopter tours are a well-liked tourist activity because they provide a distinctive viewpoint of the island’s natural beauty, history, and landmarks. Oahu is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, lush tropical forests, and volcanic scenery, making it the ideal vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts and environment lovers. The opportunity to soar above the island and take in the spectacular views of the landscape offered by helicopter excursions makes for an amazing adventure.
Helicopter flights not only show out the natural beauty but also well-known sites like Pearl Harbor and the renowned Diamond Head. Oahu helicopter tours are a well-liked and sought-after activity for visitors to the island due to the range of excursions offered, including both affordable and luxurious options. Combining stunning aerial views, fascinating historical landmarks, and Hawaii’s natural wonders is an amazing experience and not to be missed in your visit to Oahu.
15+
Helicopter adventures
597
Square miles to explore
03. Sightseeing
Oahu's attractions and landmarks best seen by air.
Diamond Head, a volcanic crater that rises over 760 feet above sea level and provides breathtaking views of the island’s south shore, is one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks. Another well-liked vacation spot is Pearl Harbor, a significant World War II location that houses the Pacific Aviation Museum, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Battleship Missouri Memorial. A helicopter tour of Oahu can also showcase the picturesque Waikiki Beach, which is famous for its golden sands, clear blue waters, and lively atmosphere.
Other popular sights include the lush Ko’olau Mountains, the cascading Sacred Falls, and the serene Hanauma Bay, known for its fantastic snorkeling opportunities. With so many sights to see, a helicopter tour is a great way to experience the the natural beauty and historical significance of Oahu.
04. Tour comparison
Compare Oahu helicopter tours
05. Helicopter Companies
Oahu helicopter tour operators
06. Helicopter types
Common Oahu sightseeing helicopters
07. Things to know
FAQ
What clothing should I wear?
Your choice of clothing depends on whether you book a doors on or doors off helicopter tour. For a doors on tour, the temperature aboard the helicopter is very comfortable during flights-t-shirts and shorts are just fine. However, if you choose a doors-off tour, your flight will be windy and cold so jackets and/or sweatshirts are required and long pants are recommended. Closed toed shoes are also required for doors-off tours. Please note that hats are not allowed on board your flight. Your hat might blow off your head and fly up into the rotors and that is very unsafe. You may leave any hats in the office during our flight. Lastly, for anyone with long hair a hair tie is required to put up your hair so you don’t get what we call “helicopter hair,” which is not fun afterwards!
What should I bring?
Make sure to bring your Photo ID!
Make sure to bring your cell phone (most companies provide lanyards for them)
Any cameras must have straps
Light jacket
What is the best time of day for a helicopter tour of Oahu?
Welcome to paradise! Hawaii enjoys beautiful weather mornings, afternoons, and evenings. So the real question is, “When do you want to fly?” Of course, pilots do keep their eye constantly on the weather reports to make sure your helicopter flight is the best possible experience. The best time to fly is generally from 8am – 11am. Mid-morning flights provide nice light for sightseeing and photography as well as best scenic visibility for Oahu helicopter tours.
Is photography allowed?
Not only is photography allowed, it’s encouraged! You’ll see Hawaii like you’ve never seen it before!
Will I see everything listed on the tour?
Flying in a helicopter is not as simple as watching a movie. Once in a while there’s poor visibility, strong winds, or other weather that may prevent flights from taking their normal route. Operators will do generally their best to cover the listed landmarks.
Doors On & Doors Off, what's the difference?
Doors-on tours are more comfortable and you can easily hear music and narration. You’ll enjoy window seating with unobstructed views from the top of your head to your waist. Doors-off helicopter tours are available by request and are a little more exciting. Please note that they are windy and colder so you will have to wear warmer clothes. Doors off-tours also provide a better photographic experience as you will enjoy unobstructed floor-to-ceiling views. While doors off tours are very popular and a blast, they are not for everyone. Please only choose doors off if you are up for an adventure experience! If not, we recommend sticking with the doors on. Lastly please note that when booking a doors off experience, your seat may or may not be directly adjacent to an open door. Learn more about Doors-Off helicopter tours.
Should i take medecine for motion sickness?
Flights are generally very smooth; this is not a theme park helicopter ride! So many people who presume they may have an issue feel just fine during the tour. However, if you are prone to motion sickness you might want to take a motion sickness pill just as a precaution.
Are young children allowed on helicopter flights?
Yes, children 24 months and under do well on helicopter flights. Some operators even have baby headsets for them to wear. Please be aware that FAA regulations require a full-fare seat for children 24 months and over. Children 24 months and under are often welcome to sit on the lap of a responsible adult at no charge.
Do you tip helicopter pilots in Hawaii?
Do You Tip the Helicopter Pilot? You can! I had a great pilot and opted to tip $20. I would suggest anywhere from $10-20 minimum if you had a great journey!
08. Discounts
Save on select flights
The discounts available may update daily and often there are big discounts for advance bookings. We’ve written a detailed article of ways to get Oahu helicopter tour discounts and coupons here. Here are some possible discounts you may be able to take advantage of:
Advance bookings. Lots of companies offer discounts on advance bookings. An advance booking can be made up to a year in advance and usually allows you to get cheaper prices on your flight.
Group bookings. Another way to save money is by booking a tour with a group of people, either family or friends or both! You’ll find that many companies offer special rates for groups who want to go on these tours together, so it’s definitely worth asking about this when you’re planning your trip to Oahu!
Last minute booking discount codes are also popular among tourists looking for ways around paying full price for their flights, since they often include last-minute deals which might not otherwise be available unless someone else cancels their reservation at the last minute after all (so don’t worry too much if something goes wrong!)
Discounts during holiday seasons like Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve tend not only reduce prices but also provide better availability than usual–especially among smaller operators who don’t always have planes booked solid from start till end every single day throughout their operating hours (which means less waiting around time between flights).