The 4 Best Waikiki Helicopter Tours

Hey there, fellow sky-gazers and thrill-seekers!

I’ll be honest with you: I didn’t realize what I was missing out on until my boyfriend and I took our first helicopter tour over Waikiki. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer! Just when I thought Oahu couldn’t get any more beautiful, seeing it from above took my breath away—and now we can’t visit a new place without taking to the skies.

But don’t worry; I’ve done all the legwork for you. After countless hours of research and plenty of personal experience, I’ve put together a list of the top helicopter tours in Waikiki that will help you see this paradise from an entirely new perspective.

Warning: You might find yourself permanently hooked on aerial sightseeing after one of these tours—don’t say I didn’t warn you!

So buckle up, dear readers. We’re about to embark on a high-flying adventure that’ll give even the most seasoned travelers among us something to write home about. Let’s soar through stunning views and unforgettable memories together!

What Will I Learn? show

Waikiki Sunset Tour

Sunset views from Waikiki’s shoreline are unmissable, and Rainbow Helicopters offers the perfect aerial trip to see them. You can choose to have doors on or off in this tour, which includes a 50-minute round trip setting off near sunset. 

You’ll have to reach the tour company’s pickup spot in Kapahulu, receive an introduction from the pilot, then set off from Waikiki beach as the shoreline shimmers in jewelled shades from the setting sun. Other beautiful landmarks the helicopter rides by are the Diamond Head monument, Hanauma Bay, the Makapu’u Lighthouse, Lanikai Beach, and the USS Arizona Memorial. 

My boyfriend and I loved taking this helicopter ride, as the sight of Oahu’s gorgeous landmarks was made even better by the fading lights and changing colours of the sunset. Plus, we had the doors off, which helped us see the sights clearly, but the tour was beautiful even with the doors on. 

Don’t miss the breathtaking views from the Waikiki Sunset Tour on your next trip, as it’ll be the highlight of your vacation.

  • The pilot provides great information about the passing landscapes. 
  • The tour includes round trip hotel transport or port dropoff. 
  • The tour has accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers. 

City by the Sea Tour

A metropolis like Waikiki deserves to be seen in all its crowded glory from above, so why not take a helicopter tour going over the city’s major hubs? With your choice to keep doors on or off, this tour provides a quick, 20-minute ride above the sprawling Honolulu and Waikiki area, with stunning beach views and skyscrapers. 

In this terrific trip by Rainbow Helicopters, you’ll be soaring over Oahu’s South shore, the shops in Ala Moana Center, and moving towards Waikiki beach, largely dominated by colourful surfboards in its waters, and beachgoers lounging on its shores. Next, you’ll raise a shaka to hikers on the Diamond Head volcano as the helicopter flies at eye level with the crater. 

Finally, witness the Punchbowl Crater, the US National Cemetery, and Pearl Harbor before returning the opposite way. 

Although it’s one of the shorter trips, my boyfriend and I enjoyed the quick yet stunning view of Waikiki. 

  • Keeping one side of the doors open and one side closed is perfect for enjoying the views.
  • The tour guarantees window seats to each passenger. 
  • Passengers can choose their departure time.

Private Helicopter Charter over Oahu

Those looking to enjoy a secluded helicopter ride with their loved ones shouldn’t miss this tour, which you can book for a private group and enjoy roomier seating, plus each passenger facing the island. The 60-minute tour is a true VIP experience, for which you can request doors off and feel the rushing wind throughout the ride.

The Mauna Loa Helicopters arrange this tour, which starts at Honolulu Airport and gives stellar views of the Waikiki coastline in passing, as well as the breathtaking Kailua Beach and Kaneohe Bay, and then flies above the historic Dole Pineapple Plantation. 

You’ll enjoy this tour’s relaxed timing and feel, with unobtrusive views of the Oahu landscape and insightful commentary from your pilot. We loved this trip, and the well-trained staff made us feel comfortable for the ride ahead.

Don’t miss this trip if you want to experience a five-star Waikiki helicopter tour, as it’s one of the best. 

  • The helicopter is spacious and allows passengers plenty of room.
  • The tour goes over the valley where the Jurassic Park movies were filmed.
  • You can request doors-on for a party with younger children.

Open-Door Helicopter Tour over Oahu 

Thrill seekers will love taking this helicopter tour which goes over the most scenic parts of Oahu, with all the adventure of flying without doors. You can also choose to get an upgrade for a more intimate ride with fewer passengers. 

Arranged by Magnum Helicopters, the tour includes a short introductory video before the trip and a terrific staff that prepares you for the thrilling ride ahead. You’ll be flying over the Honolulu Harbor and nearby monuments, Waikiki’s lively streets and beach, to as far as Waimanalo Beach and Chinaman’s Hat. 

The best part is the view above the waters; Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and the coral formations of Kaneohe Bay, which resemble carpets of shimmering blue-green hues from above. 

This helicopter ride was worth the adventure and those searching for hidden views of Oahu should try it. 

  • The pilot is friendly and keeps passengers entertained throughout. 
  • They provide photographs and a video of your tour at the end.
  • The tour is great for younger children as well. 

Conclusions

The Oahu shoreline offers some of the most stunning coastal and tropical views in the world, with gorgeous Waikiki at its center. So if you’re on the island and looking for unmatched views of this tropical paradise, don’t go looking for separate land or water tours. 

Instead, book a helicopter tour over Oahu, which promises breathtaking views of the entire island. In addition, you can take a sunset tour over Waikiki Beach, a short roundtrip of the Honolulu and Waikiki cityscape, and open-door tours going over the expansive shoreline. 

So make your next trip a memorable one with a Waikiki helicopter tour!

Last Updated on March 28, 2023 by Brigitte