kauai helicopter tour from oahu

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JACK HARTER HELICOPTERS

Kauai helicopter tours dedicated to safety and quality since 1962.

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Kauai Doors-Off Helicopter Tour (MD500E)

Capture epic moments and embrace the thrill of a doors-off helicopter around Kaua’i on our full hour tour. Fly over waterfalls, canyons, cliffs, beaches, and more. Book online today!

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Kauai Doors-On Helicopter Tour (AStar)

Experience comfort and luxury on our doors-on Kaua’i helicopter tour! Explore the island from our six-passenger AStar, designed for providing a smooth and safe ride with all the luxuries. Book online!

Jack Harter is the Originator of Helicopter Tours on Kauai

Kauai’s best helicopter tours.

You don’t have to take our word for it, Jack Harter Helicopters has been voted Best Helicopter Tour of Kauai, year after year.

Jack Harter Helicopters is proudly a local family owned and operated small business, with three generations all working together.

We stand apart from other tour operators on the island, a distinction rooted in our rich history and unwavering commitment to enhancing our community. See our history page for more info.

Jack Harter giving Frank Sinatra a tour of Kauai

PRIVATE KAUAI HELICOPTER CHARTERS

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking a photography charter, or need assistance with utility work, Jack Harter Helicopters is the premier choice for all Kauai helicopter charters.

We offer a wide range of helicopter charter services on Kauai including wedding proposals, flower drops, aerial photography/videography, external load transportation, location scouting, off-airport transportation, emergency services, and more!

At Jack Harter Helicopters, our team is comprised of highly skilled and experienced pilots you can rely on for unparalleled and exceptional service. We are the only operator on Kauai offering charter services in two different aircrafts – the MD500E and the AStar. NASA, National Geographic, and the State of Hawaii are just a few of our repeat charter clients that trust us to get the job done right.

With over 60 years of expertise , we assure you that we are the epitome of reliability and excellence, providing unrivaled helicopter tours of Kauai that prioritize safety and guarantee exceptional customer service.

PRIVATE HELICOPTER CHARTERS

Don’t take our word for it – get the jack harter helicopters experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

We did the doors off Kauai helicopter tour. We have previously done a helicopter ride with a different company on Kauai and Jack Harter is definitely above the rest in terms of customer service and friendliness. We had Stephanie as our pilot and she was great. We felt very safe the entire time and she made sure to point out many spots to look out for as we passed over them. Yes it is pricey but this is some of the best money to be spent on Kauai and one of the few ways that you can see the entire island.

This was our first helicopter experience and we did the doors off tour. It was hands down the most beautiful experience ever. It was a bit cloudy/rainy but we got to see some amazing rainbows and great waterfalls. Our pilot was Preston, he was super friendly and made us feel very safe and comfortable. He was very knowledgeable about the island and answered all of our questions. I highly recommend this!

AMAZING experience - even as someone who is afraid of heights, the doors-off helicopter ride was a major highlight of our trip! Worth every penny. Such a unique and up-close way to see the island. We had to reschedule our original flight due to bad weather -- which we really appreciated their commitment to safety and also to making sure we got to see everything! -- and the day we rescheduled for was PERFECT weather and visibility. So I recommend taking their advice to book the flight for early in your trip so you have time to reschedule if needed!

These guys are pros and deliver an extraordinary experience. Check in was organized and gracious. All the staff are friendly and informative. Safety procedures will make you confident in the journey. Our pilot, Preston, was great at narrating the scenery as well as warning us of any upcoming turbulence. The entire flight was smooth with little turbulence and jaw dropping views. Can't recommend highly enough!!

We rode with Eli doing the full island tour (1h). It was a doors on flight with 2 other guests though the helicopter seated 6 so we had lots of room and great views. Eli was an incredible guide, did a great job of entertaining us and giving us history of the island, as well as being very calming to one of the passengers who was quite nervous about flying. 10/10 experience. I am glad we chose to schedule early in our trip because we ended up having to reschedule to 2 days later. Well worth the wait. Also just as an aside, being that there was a mist/sprinkling on and off during our tour, as it often seem to be according to the staff, I’m really glad we chose doors on!

Even though a doors off helicopter ride could sound scary and overwhelming, we are so glad we chose this company. From start to finish, they made the whole experience so seamless. Most importantly we felt safe throughout the entire process!!! We loved our pilot Max and the safety instructors were fun and hilarious! This experience was 10/10 and we will definitely tell our family and friends!!! Thanks for making this such a beautiful memory for us.

From the staff answering the phones, inside the office, the shuttle lady to the pilot this place was hands down the most professional well staffed helicopter tour I have EVER been on. Our pilot was very safe, knowledgeable and personable with us. We had an excellent time with the doors off tour and highly recommended it. I will be back with my kids next year. Thank you!

As Recommended by The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook

How to choose a helicopter tour in Kaua‘i

Mar 25, 2022 • 5 min read

Waipo‘o and other Kaua‘i’s waterfalls astound when seen from the air © Edmund Lowe Photography / Getty Images

Seeing Kauaʻi from the air is a thrilling and singular experience that may just define your trip to the Garden Island.

While expensive, it’s the only way to see much of the island, the majority of which is privately owned. Helicopter tours are by far the most popular option: while planes can fly no lower than 1000–1500ft, helicopters are allowed to fly as low as 500ft and can hover, too. The tours are popular with honeymooners – and with everyone who loves the romance of nature.

Here’s our guide to the best plane tours and helicopter tours in Kauaʻi.

How much is a helicopter tour? 

The most popular way to see Kauaʻi from the air is to take a helicopter ride. Most helicopter tour companies depart from the airport in Lihuʻe ; trips generally last 60 to 90 minutes, and start at around $229. Tip: make reservations online ahead of time to save a bit of money. 

How to choose a helicopter tour

It’s worth doing some careful research before choosing an operator. You’ll have to decide what kind of aircraft and tour you want (some land in neat places), and whether you want the doors on or off (some passengers like the visibility, others don’t like the exposure to wind and possibly rain). 

Doors-off helicopters are the way to go if you are an avid photographer (and don't suffer from vertigo). But expect conditions that are noisy and windy – and maybe just a little bit scary. Keep in mind that on a six-seater helicopter, two people may be stuck in the middle. While you can request a window seat, it’s the captain has discretion to move people around for weight balance. 

You also get to choose from big-window, little-window and bubble helicopters (the last like the ones seen on M*A*S*H ). The big differences will always be visibility and noise. More-modern helicopters are quieter and generally have big windows. You always wear headphones so you can talk with fellow passengers with a lower din, but even a slight reduction in sound can make your trip more pleasant. Then again, some of the older, louder helicopters have a sweet, retro,  Magnum P.I. –esque vibe that makes for a thrilling ride. 

Make sure to check your operator’s weather policy before booking. Rain delays do happen, and tour routes will vary depending on rain and winds. Cancellations or postponements by operators may happen on short notice. Consider booking early during your stay, so you can reschedule for later if need be. 

To check any tour company’s comprehensive safety record, consult the National Transportation Safety Board accident database .

Safety and apparel recommendations

Ideally, strap everything down (hats, phones, cameras, etc.). It can get a little cold, so bring a jacket and long pants, plus decent shoes in case your tour includes a landing. 

Always approach a helicopter from the front (never the back). The captain will generally indicate which side you should board. Put your head down, and hold onto your hat, just like they do in the movies – then relax and look outward as you listen to ongoing narration from the knowledgeable pilots. You can feel free to tip them afterward, but it’s not required.

Where do helicopter tours go?

From Lihuʻe, expect to see the Nawiliwili Harbor and the Menehune Fishpond, Kipu Kai and the Tunnel of Trees, Manawaiopuna Falls in Hanapepe Valley, Olokele Canyon, Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast , North Shore beaches like Keʻe and Hanalei , and Mt Waiʻaleʻale. While the rips up impossibly steep canyons are an adrenaline junkie’s dream, it’s really the close proximity to waterfalls – many of which can only be seen from the air – that makes these trips amazing. 

The tours generally follow pretty standardized routes, but you can talk with your pilot to customize your tour experience, especially if it’s just you and your family or sweetheart taking the flight. This means getting closer to (or further away from) the ground, making more acrobatic banking turns or going with a more easy-breezy approach – however way you wish to fly. 

For a really unique trip, consider a tour with Niʻihau Helicopters ($465 per person), which flies over much of Niʻihau island (avoiding the population center of Puʻuwai), then ends with snorkeling off one of the island’s beaches. Lunch, snacks and drinks are included (with a five-person minimum required).

Best helicopter operators in Kaua‘i

• Island Helicopters offers a landing on top of Manawaiopuna Falls, more commonly known as Jurassic Falls.
• Mauna Loa Helicopters is noteworthy for the chance to fly with no doors...freaky but fun.
• Jack Harter Helicopters lets you take a flight with one of the pioneers of flight tourism on the island.
• Blue Hawaiian Helicopters flies high-end choppers that are said to be less noisy.
• Safari Helicopters offers an ecotour with a 40-minute stop at a wildlife refuge.

Fixed-wing scenic flights

When you can take a helicopter right to the cone of Mt Waiʻaleʻale and hover there to your heart’s content, there seems to be little point in choosing a fixed-wing aircraft to tour Kauaʻi. There is one exception, however: a tour in an open-cockpit biplane, which flies so slowly it may as well be hovering.

The combination of the romance of early aviation, the sensation of the wind and roaring engine, and the emerald tropical island sliding below – not to mention sitting so close to your cabin-mate you may as well be in an embrace – makes this many a honeymooner’s first choice. 

In fact, if it were up to passengers, biplanes would probably be as popular as helicopters on Kauaʻi, but there’s currently only one company that offers these scenic flights: AirVentures Hawaii , based in Lihuʻe. The tour leaves from Lihuʻe Airport and takes you north past the Wailua River and Kilauea Lighthouse . From there, you travel up the lush Hanalei Valley, continuing over the ridge to see cascading waterfalls and 4000ft cliffs. The flight then continues north past Hanalei to the Na Pali Coast, soaring past waterfalls and canyon drops through Waimea Canyon, and back to the South Shore, where you might just spot your hotel. The company even lets you keep the cool throwback hat and goggles as a souvenir of your only-in-Kauaʻi adventure.

You might also like: 10 essential hiking trails on Kauaʻi for exploring the Garden Island How to visit Hawaii without totally destroying it How to choose the best Hawaiian island for your trip

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KAUAI HELICOPTER AND GROUND TOUR

(from oahu with air ticket).

Helicopter Tour Highlights

• Hanapepe Valley
• Mana Waiapuna
• Jurassic Park Falls
• Olokele Canyon
• Waimea Canyon
• Spectacular hidden waterfalls
• Sculptural scenic views of Na Pali Coast
• Bali Hai Cliffs
• Pristine blue waters of Hanalei Bay
• Princeville Resort Town
• Mount Waialeale is at elevation 5,000

Ground Tour Highlights

• Hanapepe Lookout
• CaptainCook’s Statue
• Fort Elizabeth
• Waimea Town
• Kauai Coffee
• Spouting Horn

Note:  If you want your infant to have a separate seat on the flight, please choose Infant Seat option.

Tour Information

• Tour Highlights
• 5:30am – 6:00am pickup from Waikiki Hotels
• 7:00am – 7:30am fly over to Kauai
• 8:00 – 8:30 am check in for helicopter.
• 8:30 am helicopter tour starts
• 9:30 am helicopter ends
• 9:30 am meet Dynamic Tour guide for Ground Tour
• Please see tour highlights
• 6:30 pm  flight back to Oahu
• For pickup meet in front of  baggage claim 11
• Approximately 45 to 50 minute helicopter adventure over the Kauai.
• Tour narration by pilots who are State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guides
• Passport is needed for foreign citizens.
• U.S. Government Issued photo ID (for U.S. residents)
• Gratuity is recommended
• Tour routes and sights visited may vary according to wind and weather conditions.

Helicopter Tour Highlights :

• Hanapepe Valley :  Your journey begins with a spectacular Hanapepe Valley
• Mana Waiapuna :  commonly referred to as “Jurassic Park Falls” Mana Waiapuna Falls is where parts of the movie Jurassic Park were filmed. Remember when the helicopter landed near the falls in the beginning? Then at the end when the survivors fled the island, they departed from a helipad at the same spot.
• Olokele Canyon :  Nature lovers will get a thrill during a helicopter tour to Olokele Canyon on Kauai. The pristine canyon, which is often decorated with rainbows and always by contrasting bright red dirt and vibrant green foliage, has been kept off limits by the owner for decades until recently. The canyon is adjacent to the larger Waimea Canyon and has had its 15-minutes of fame after serving as a filming location for many scenes of Jurassic Park.
• Waimea Canyon : known as “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” where you’ll explore many hidden waterfalls. Waimea in Hawaiian for “reddish water”, a reference to the erosion of the canyon’s red soil.
• Napali Coast :  Spanning 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore, the Napali Coast is a sacred place defined by extraordinary natural beauty. These emerald-hued cliffs with razor-sharp ridges tower above the Pacific Ocean, revealing beautiful beaches and waterfalls that plummet to the lush valley floor. Whichever tour you choose, the natural splendor of the Napali Coast will leave a deep impression on your soul.
• Bali Hai Cliffs : 
• Hanalei Bay :  Largest bay on the north shore of Kauai island in Hawaii. The town of Hanalei is at the midpoint of the bay.
• Princeville Resort Town :  Princeville is a very popular resort area that lies on an ocean bluff located on Kauai’s north shore.
• Mount Waialeale :  Weather permitting, we’ll visit Mt Waialeale, the heart of the ancient volcano. This is the wettest spot on earth, with an average rainfall of 450-500 inches annually! Flying into the center of the crater with its 5000-foot walls towering above and its 3000-foot waterfalls surrounding you, is a truly awe-inspiring finish to your ECO Adventure over the Garden Isle.

Ground Tour Highlights :

• Captain Cook’s Statue

Tours for :

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Big Island Tours

Kauai Tours

Helicopter Tours

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Helicopter Tour of the Napali Coast (doors on or off!)

Take off from Lihue Airport for a one of a kind, Kauai helicopter tour. Doors-on or doors-off, you decide, but don’t miss the opportunity to see the island like never before. If you want to see the famous Napali Coast plus inaccessible waterfalls, than this is the helicopter tour for you!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Activity Overview

• Departs From: Kauai – Lihue and Kapa’a (East Coast)
• Duration: 1 hour
• Included in the price: Private tour, free parking at the airport, and all taxes and fuel surcharges

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Kauai Helicopter Tour Highlights

• Tours run all throughout the day, every day.
• Take a private helicopter tour for up to 3 guests with the doors on or off and see incredible sights of Kauai
• They also offer private airplane tours for up to 5 guests
• Children ages 7 and up are welcome on helicopter tours, all ages welcome on airplane tours

Book their most popular tour

Kauai helicopter tour details.

80% of the island of Kauai is inaccessible by foot or car, so there is so much you can only see by air or water. Ali’i Air Tours offers both private helicopter and airplane tours. There are a lot of helicopter tour companies on Kauai, but we love Ali’i Air Tours because they have a fantastic safety record. Their Private Kauai Helicopter tour is their most popular and they even have an option for professional photographers to do a Helicopter Photo Flight to capture those 1 in a million shots from the air.

Pick your own adventure with the option to have a doors on or doors off experience for your helicopter tour! They fly a Robinson R44 Helicopter and a Partenavia P68 Airplane for their tours. Both are optimal for private tours as every seat is a window seat, unlike with many other helicopter tours. The helicopter tours have age and weight restrictions for safety, but the airplane tours are open to all ages, plus children under 2 are free!

On the helicopter tours you can expect to see the Napali Coastline, Waimea Canyon, Wai’ale’ale Crater, Hanalei Valley, Alakai Swamp, Hanalei Bay, Kauai Coffee Plantation, Ke’e Beach, Lumahai Beach, Manawaiopuna Falls, and Olokele Canyon.

The airplane tours are a great option for parties of up to 5 or any parties with young children who still want to experience an air tour. You can choose to tour just Kauai, with many of the same sights as the helicopter tour, or Kauai and Niihau. Niihau is a privately owned island within the chain of Hawaiian islands and is essentially untouched by the modern outside world. It was purchased in 1864 and is invite only. There are fewer than 200 residents, no paved roads, commercial buildings, hospitals, or other modern amenities we are accustomed to. Ali’i Air tours says,

According to legend– Niihau’s modern-day owners are currently upholding a promise made to a Hawaiian king to protect the island from outsiders, preserving the history, natural beauty, and tradition of the area.

Read more about the best helicopter tours in Hawaii here .

Kauai Helicopter Tour FAQ

What is the cancellation policy.

A 48-hour cancellation or change of tour notice is required for all air tours. If for any reason you decide to cancel or change your reservation, you must notify Ali’i Air Tours 48-hours prior to the tour date/time. Cancellations, changes, or no-shows within 48-hours of the tour are not refundable and will be charged in full. Routes and flight patterns subject to change due to weather conditions.

Should your flight be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather, they will make every effort to reschedule. In the event that rescheduling is not possible, you will receive a full refund.

Do they offer transportation to the airport?

No, Ali’i air tours does not offer transportation, so it you’re without a rental car, you’ll have to catch a taxi, uber, or lyft.

What is their safety record?

They have a perfect safety record with no accidents or incidents to date (June 2023).

What should I wear for the tour?

For doors off helicopter tours they recommend brining a sweater or jacket. 

For airplane tours they recommend wearing a comfortable dark colored shirt to minimize any glare.

Should I bring a camera?

Yes, they encourage passengers to bring their cameras. They also provide phone lanyards for passengers flying in the open-door helicopters.

When should I do my tour?

They recommend doing your tour in the beginning of your stay. Reason being that if the weather is marginal you can reschedule your tour to another day, also your pilot will be giving you many unique and special places to visit during your stay which you will not want to miss out on.

Does the ticket price include taxes and fuel surcharges?

Yes! There are no other fees.

About Ali’i Air Tours

Ali’i Air Tours is the only Hawaiian owned and operated air tour company on Kauai. They have over 32 years of flight experience in Hawaii and have a perfect safety record. Drawing from their native Hawaiian roots, they can give you a custom experience while sharing their knowledge of and respect for the land.

We are affiliate partners with Ali’i Kauai Air Tours which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here . Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!

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Doors Off Helicopter Tour Of Kauai: Complete Review

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: June 23, 2023

Categories AMERICA , HAWAII , TOURS

It had been my dream for over four years to visit Kauai. I lived on Oahu for two years and never had the chance to hop over to Kauai. This time I was not only heading over from Oahu but I was so stoked to have booked a doors-off helicopter tour of Kauai. I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited as I was before getting into that helicopter.

Table of Contents

BOOKING A HELICOPTER TOUR ON KAUAI

There are a few things to consider when you book a helicopter tour on Kauai. 

• Duration : By the time you take off and land you need 60 minutes to see the whole island. The shorter tour often doesn’t get all the way up to the Na Pali coast, which is the highlight of the tour in my opinion.
• Doors on or off:  Doors-off means you have a clearer view and less glass in the way for your camera but no other huge advantages. The disadvantage is that the wind can be freezing even on a warm day, the wind can be very strong and you are exposed to the elements such as light rain etc.
• A plane!?: One final option to throw in the mix is a tour by a light plane. They are actually pretty popular because they are half the price of the helicopter tour and you get to see the Na Pali coastline and more from the air. It’s something to consider.

Helicopter Flight:  The most popular helicopter tour on Kauai is the Kauai Island Highlight Helicopter Tour

Sightseeing Plane: The Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon Scenic Plane Flight are well under $200, which is more than half the cost of the same trip via helicopter.

Kauai Helicopter Tour

• Doors on or off
• 1 Hour Flight
• Full Island Highlights Tour

My Kauai doors-off helicopter experience

I’d seen so many photos of the Na Pali coastline and it had captured my imagination. It had enthralled me to the point that I had based an entire month of my life around Kauai and this flight was intended to be the highlight of that month. It didn’t disappoint in the slightest.

I organized the photography-specific open-door helicopter tour of Kauai so that I could capture the photos of the Kauai Coastline I had been dreaming about. On a photography-specific flight, your pilot will happily double back or fly to the exact position you need for your composition. On a general flight, you will cruise past locations once and if you don’t get the shot it’s tough luck and the tour moves on.

I was a little nervous as we stepped up into the helicopter at Lihue Airport on the island of Kauai. I hate building things up too much in my head. It’s so easy for it to be a letdown. I was hoping this flight was going to live up to my dreams throughout the last four years.

The flight began quite slowly. We were looking out over nice scenery but nothing amazing, mostly farmland. There were lots of fields and a surprising amount of forested mountains. The sheer volume of trees on Kauai is really only observable from the air.

We were just warming up! Our first real action was in Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It was here that our pilot gave us our first opportunity to throw our legs out the side of the doors off the helicopter as we looked down over massive waterfalls. The red rocks of the canyon contrasted magnificently against the immense flow from the falls as they cascaded into the pools below.

The doors off helicopter tour on Kauai warms you up. The doors off helicopter tour on Oahu shoots you straight out into Waikiki followed by Diamond Head crater and from there the trip just rolls on. Whereas on Kauai, you begin across farmland, then cruise through Waimea Canyon, all the time knowing you are heading towards one of the most epic sections of coastline in the world.

Our pilot shot us out at Awaawapuhi valley , one of the many awesome hikes on Kaua i I’d already done. Our chopper felt like a toy compared to the immense, towering ridges. We were surrounded on all sides and it seemed the only way out was up. These narrow ridges seem to swallow the helicopter whole and then all of a sudden the pilot finds the gap.

What Photography Gear do I use?

Do you want to know about the cameras, lenses, and different gear I use to capture my adventures? I’ve listed my four different cameras below but you can check out all my lenses, accessories, and favorite camera backpack in my article: MY PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHAT’S IN MY BACKPACK

• My Main Camera: Sony A7riii
• My Drone : DJI Mavic Air2S
• My 360 Camera: Insta360 X3
• Action Camera : GoPro Hero 12

The gap he came out of gave us our first look at the Na Pali coast. What a damn sight. My dreams were immediately right there before me. The scene I had imagined a million times, right there before me. Sharply cut ridges beaming golden under the sun while the Pacific Ocean stung me with its trademark, deep vibrant blue.

Our pilot spent almost 20 minutes making passes up and down the coast making sure both sides of our doors off the helicopter had good looks at the coast. He even set us up for some classic ‘feet shots’ over ‘Cathedrals’. I was happy just to take it all in but I had one shot in mind. It’s the type of shot you click and then check your camera to make sure it’s real life. The lighting wasn’t perfect but for me, this shot is a perfect moment in my life.

After the Napali Coast, we cruised back past Ke’e Beach and got lost in the land of a million waterfalls. Honestly, when I described the flight to people the next day, I told them we saw 200 waterfalls and that was probably an under-exaggeration.

When our doors off helicopter tour of Kauai, Hawaii steered back into Lihue Airport, I was lost for words. I felt overwhelmed. There was far too much epicness in an hour for one mind to handle. I don’t think there are many better places to do a doors-off helicopter tour. It’s just so diverse. Hundreds of waterfalls, one of if not the best coastline in the world, canyons, and ridges that seemingly engulf you… all within an hour.

Kauai open-door helicopter Tour Prices

Doors off helicopter tours aren’t offered by all companies and make the trip so much better. The prices range from $250-$400 per person.

Helicopter Flight:  The most popular helicopter tour on Kauai is the Kauai Island Highlight Helicopter Tour .

Best time for a doors-off helicopter tour on Kauai

The best time of year for the tour is in the summer. You are more likely to avoid the storms, which can often delay or cancel flights. In the winter the weather wreaks havoc on Kauai and storms pass through very quickly. I did my flight in winter so it is definitely possible to have a great sunny flight.

The best time of day for a doors-off helicopter tour of Kauai is either sunset, sunrise, or the early afternoon. The lighting on the Na Pali coast is really tricky. The light can be very harsh and there are so many shadows and ridges to think about. I found that obviously the soft lighting of sunrise and sunset are great but 1 pm was beautiful! I did my tour just before sunset and am pretty stoked with the lighting we had as we cruised along the Na Pali coastline! If you are deciding whether to do your doors off helicopter tour of Kauai in the morning or afternoon you will be solid either way for lighting just check the weather!

I hope you get the opportunity to get yourself inside a chopper, preferably with the doors off for that full experience of Kauai.

MY TOP HOTEL PICKS FOR KAUAI

• Kauai Shores Hotel – Luxury (but value also):  A luxury feels with the resort-style property, palm trees, and a beautiful pool area.
• Koloa Landing Resort – Luxury (high-end): LARGEST pool on all of Kauai with beautiful, natural-style landscaping.
• The Grand Hyatt Resort – Best Family Resort : Best kids’ club on the island, a 5-acre pool complex with a lazy river pool, a waterslide, and a saltwater lagoon big enough for kayaking.
• Read my full guide: You can check my favorites in my Kauai: Where to Stay Guide

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN HAWAII

When you book your Hawaii Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use  Discover Cars . They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Friday 24th of February 2023

Hello What a great read! Your pics are amazing. What company did you book your tour with?

Saturday 20th of August 2022

How did you get those feet shots out of the helicopter? Did you have to unbuckle to do that? Also your pilot was cool with you doing these types of photos?

Wednesday 26th of January 2022

Hi - what was the name of the company you used for doors off?

Helicopter tours in Kauai - prices, discounts, timings, routes

Saturday 26th of June 2021

[…] out Jackson’s experience on a door’s off helicopter in […]

15 BEST HIKES ON KAUAI, HAWAII – Circhub

Thursday 20th of May 2021

[…] Open Door Helicopter Flight Kauai: EPIC DOORS OFF HELICOPTER TOUR OF KAUAI […]

Ohana Experience Helicopter Tour

Tour Overview

• Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours – Kauai
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Tour Description

Experience the stunning natural beauty of Kauai like never before with the Ohana Experience private helicopter tour. With the Robinson R66 helicopter, you and your family and friends can enjoy a party of four on a personalized tour of the island. See the famous Manawaiopuna “Jurassic” Falls, the colorful gorges of Waimea Canyon, the captivating cliffs of the Napali Coast, and the breathtaking Mount Waialeale Crater, which is one of the wettest places on Earth and the site of Kauai’s last volcanic eruptions.

This private tour is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Kauai without the crowds. With just your party and the pilot, you can choose to fly with doors on or off, at no extra cost. The flight time is 50-60 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in all the sights and sounds of the Garden Isle.

Check-in is 40 minutes prior to the flight, so you can relax and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see Kauai from a whole new perspective with the Ohana Experience private helicopter tour.

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MAUNA LOA HELICOPTER TOURS

Your sky, your way: elevate your journey with a private hawaii helicopter tour.

KAUA’I ❀ O’AHU ❀ BIG ISLAND

KAUA'I HELICOPTER TOURS

The garden isle.

We take you to Waimea Canyon, Mt. Waialeale, the Na Pali Coast, and breathtaking cascades of waterfalls during these Kaua’i helicopter tours. These Doors-Off adventures are a magical experience you will cherish forever.

O'AHU HELICOPTER TOURS

The gathering place.

Come visit Honolulu, Waikiki, and the fabled North Shore on our Doors-Off adventures. You’re sure to be mesmerized by Hawaii’s melting pot and some of the most beautiful beaches known to man.

HAWAI'I HELICOPTER TOURS

The big island.

The Big Island has it all, from active volcanoes and black sand beaches to lush forests and cascading waterfalls. Our Hawai’i Big Island helicopter tours are an adventure not to be missed.

Book Your Hawaii Helicopter Tour Online for the Best Prices

Enjoy the splendor of the islands by air on our private helicopter tours in Hawaii from Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours. Whether you choose the natural wonder of the Kaua’i, the famous shorelines and skyscapes of O’ahu, or the extreme grandeur of Hawai’i (The Big Island), our private helicopter tours in Hawaii are a magical experience you will cherish forever. Every tour is a private tour, and every seat is a VIP seat — guaranteed. Come take flight with us!

OUR HELICOPTER TOURS

• Map Marker Big Island
• User Ages 2+
• Hour Glass 25-30 Minutes

Private Sunset Coast Tour

Enjoy a romantic flight over the Kona coastline with an exclusive doors-off private experience during sunset. Get a birds-eye view of one of the most stunning landscapes and experience while they call it the Kona Gold Coast.

• Hour Glass 20-30 Minutes

Private Kona Coast Tour

Join this Private Kona Coast Helicopter Tour to get a birds eye view of one of the most stunning landscapes of the Big Island. See award winning beaches and learn about Hawaiian history.

• Hour Glass 100-120 Minutes

Private Big Island Heli Tour

Fly over the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea, on the Big Island. Journey along the coast, see rainforests, waterfalls, majestic valleys, Kohala Mountains, and Hilo, Hawaii’s largest city, from a helicopter!

• Hour Glass 60-75 Minutes

Private Hawaii Waterfall Tour

Fly through the seven valleys of Kohala with Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours. Get a close up view of the Big Island’s diverse climate, waterfalls, the Gold Coast, and more. Book a helicopter ride today!

• Map Marker Oahu
• User Ages 7+
• Hour Glass 1 Hour

Oahu Photo Flight

Learn to take high quality in-flight pictures of Oahu on Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours’ photo flight. Explore legendary landmarks from the air on this doors-off helicopter ride. Book your customized trip today!

Private Oahu Heli Tour

Experience Oahu’s ultimate helicopter tour in VIP luxury. Guaranteed window seats and your very own private pilot. Doors on or Doors Off option (at no extra cost). Fly over Waikiki’s white sand beaches, Jurassic Valley, Waimea Bay (home of legendary monster waves), and Pearl Harbor.

• Map Marker Kauai

Kauai Helicopter Tour

Kauai photography flight.

This private photography flight is for parties of 2-3 passengers. Enjoy a customized helicopter tour of Kauai where you fly over areas that you want to feature in your photos. Includes close up shots!

Private Kauai Heli Tour

Our Private Kauai Experience tour is for parties of 2-3 passengers. Explore the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, “Jurassic Falls”, and Mt. Waiale’ale Crater.

SEE WHAT OUR PASSENGER HAVE TO SAY

After some research we decided to choose Moana Loa for our helicopter ride. What stood out for us was that this company specifically does private doors off helicopter tours. Sam was an amazing pilot. She was knowledgeable of Kauai and all it has to offer. If you can, try to ask for Sam as your pilot! Highly recommend!!

Taking a private tour with family was perfect. It was great to see the island and the land features from the sky. Flying through lush allies was the highlight of the tour. Amy did a great job giving us the history of the island and Aulani was super helpful getting us checked in and making recommendations for where to swim.

Absolutely incredible!!! Easily one of the coolest things we’ve ever done. Highly recommend doors off it gets a little chilly but the experience is well worth it! Alain was an amazing guide with an awesome playlist as he told us about the island. At no part did I feel scared or that heart drop feeling of a rollercoaster. Such an amazing experience and highly recommend!! Thank you!!

The main office made us a little nervous and wondering if we booked a good tour. The girl checking us in was very unimpressed and seemed bored. Almost seemd displeased with us Upon arrival st the helicopter, Alain was fabulous! What an amazing flight!!! The views!! A little scarey with windows off but he was very reassuring. So beautiful and exhilarating! I can't say enough about how fabulous our pilot and Flight was!!!

Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai: Movie Adventure & Helicopter Tour

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Tour narration by a professional driver/guide
• Interisland R/T airfare (overage charges may apply)
• 45 minute helicopter tour (Blue Hawaiian Helicopters)
• Entry/Admission - Kauai
• Helicopter comfort seat surcharge (for those over 240 lbs.)
• Airline flight overage charges
• Purchase Lunch on your Own in Hanalei Town
• Option 1 Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, 300 Rodgers Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA Please meet at the airport at 5:30 AM for your interisland flight on Hawaiian Airlines and promptly check at the Hawaiian Airlines Ticket Counter or Self-Service Kiosk. Make sure to check in for all flights (round trip) and then proceed to the designated gate for departure.
• Option 2 Lihue Airport, 3901 Mokulele Loop, Lihue, HI 96766, USA Upon Arrival At Lihue Airport (LIH), our driver will pick you up between 8:10 to 8:15 AM at the BAGGAGE CLAIM area curbside to the right in the BUS loading area.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Passengers must provide date of birth and gender at the time of booking per TSA requirements
• Once reservation is made, tour is non-refundable and non-changeable
• Interisland flight times and routes are subject to change
• Special needs requests must be called in to the local supplier at least 1 week prior to tour date
• The interisland airfare may fluctuate based on flight availability. Additional fees may be required to be paid by the customer in these cases.
• Most travelers can participate
• IMPORTANT: The name you enter at the time of booking must exactly match what appears on your valid government-issued I.D. photo I.D. that you will use during travel. This is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and FAA requirement and there is no flexibility with this policy. A valid government-issued ID (passport for non-US citizens) is required on the day of travel. If a passenger is denied boarding, there will be no refund.
• Weight Restrictions: Due to FAA regulations, all passengers and bags must be weighed at check-in for the helicopter tour. Each passenger weighing over 240 pounds will be contacted and assessed a 'comfort seat' charge for an additional seat, payable directly to the tour operator. This is for the safety and comfort of all passengers. It is important to provide accurate body weight at checkout.
• If the helicopter tour is cancelled by the provider, you'll receive a refund for the helicopter portion (at a rate determined by the tour provider) and be welcomed on an extended sightseeing tour. If you choose to abort the sightseeing portion of the tour and would like to return to Honolulu earlier than your return flight is scheduled, you will be responsible for all flight change fees with the airlines. A refund for the sightseeing portion of the tour is not guaranteed. Before aborting the tour, you are required to contact the tour provider.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Hanalei Pier
• Ahukini State Recreational Pier

Similar experiences

• You’ll have 2 starting options See departure details
• 1 Ahukini State Recreational Pier Stop: 10 minutes See details Pass by Lydgate State Park
• 2 Opaekaa Falls Stop: 10 minutes See details Pass by Kapaa Kalalea
• 3 Hanalei Stop: 60 minutes See details Pass by Tahiti Nui Hanalei Pier
• 4 Hanalei Valley Lookout Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 5 Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 6 Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Inspire19306741049 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Waimea Canyon Great tour! Our guide Nellie really made the trip for us with her knowledge of Hawaii folklore. Scenery was spectacular! Read more Written May 7, 2024
• pablopK2189BL 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Maravilloso!!! Koleo, The best tour guide ever!! Awesome tour, funny and very informative. Will return with others members of family!! Read more Written May 3, 2024
• Daydream56022551158 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A great adventure of the Island The tour was excellent made a lot of stops, but it didn’t give you and itinerary of all of the stops that we’re going to be taken and you know what to expect in terms of walking things like that, but it was a great tour. I’m glad we went. Read more Written May 2, 2024
• 338haleyf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Tour!! We had Rosario as our guide for the day and he was fantastic! He shared so much knowledge and history about the island, and took a lot of pride in telling us about each of the sacred spots we visited. Best way to see a lot of the best spots on the island! Read more Written May 1, 2024
• 246mitcht 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect Tour for an overview tour of the entire island. If you can only do one, highly recommend this one. Fantastic tour. Pacing was perfect, you get to see a great sampling of all the different environments that Kauai has to offer. Rosario was an excellent guide and did a flawless job of getting the customer the best experience out of the tour. Read more Written May 1, 2024
• susandK527DZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent time This trip was wonderful. We had a great time Rosario was an excellent tour guide. He made the day a fun experience. If you go to Kauai you should consider taking thus tour Read more Written April 30, 2024
• susandK527DZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Kaleo was an excellent tour guide he made the trip fun and interactive. He was very knowledgeable about the island. I would highly recommend anyone coming to Kauai to do this tour. Read more Written April 29, 2024
• kentt739 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The guides were amazing with their sharing of Hawaiian knowledge. My wife and I had a great time getting to sightsee and not worrying about driving. The guides were amazing with their sharing of Hawaiian knowledge. Read more Written April 29, 2024
• Cheryl V 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best tour Our Tour guy Resario was the BEST!!!! Very knowledgeable, punctual, & funny. Loved every moment. I’m happy to go on this tour. So much fun. Thank you for your service Read more Written April 26, 2024
• sarahtA5422XX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good way to see parts of Kauai We were on a cruise with NCL and wanted to see a bit of Kauai while in port. This was a good way to do that with some interesting movie info thrown in. Our tour guide, Kaleo, was great. We had an extended stop at Opeakaa Falls because the bus was having trouble. But Kaleo kept his cool and got us back on track as soon as he could. We got to have lunch in Hanalei on our own, which was nice change from cruise food. Read more Written April 26, 2024
• Joan D 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Waimea Canyon Is Spectacular The Waimea Canyon tour was a great day trip letting us experience much of beautiful Kauai. The Canyon was amazing and so colorful with the lush greenery. The lunch was good and hot the spot. The Kauai Coffee stop was neat. I’ve never seen coffee trees before. The coffee was delicious and much needed at the end of the day. The Fern Grotto was very pretty, but the size of the crowd on the boat used was off putting. The last stop, I think it was a Spouting Hole (?) was neat. I’ve seen them on nature shows, but not in person. Overall, it was time well spent. Read more Written April 25, 2024
• mikewN5259KE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour! Rosario was a great guide! He effectively balanced professionalism, humor, and his vast knowledge. He loves Kuai and it showed throughout the tour. He went above and beyond when my wife got sick and made sure she had what she needed to be comfortable! Read more Written April 25, 2024
• Camper65546032996 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic sight seeing excursion!! This tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Kauai Rosario our guide was professional, knowledgeable and friendly. We learned so much that day from the comfort of the coach. The inclusive lunch was generous and delicious There was time to shop and we never felt hurried the entire day Beautiful sight seeing trip and excellent price. Highly recommend. Thanks Rosario for a great day !! Read more Written April 25, 2024
• ellencQ3264UA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Excursion ever! Amazing day!! Rosario was fantastic, friendly, and very informative!! One of the best excursions ever!! Rosario made our day with his knowledge of history, humor, and local lore. Fantastic views, photo ops, and food (lunch). Read more Written April 24, 2024
• GrandTour52603687646 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour Had a nice time. Driver did a great job. Would recommend to friends. Enjoyed it very much. Lunch was nice and food waa very good Read more Written April 23, 2024

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai: Movie Adventure & Helicopter Tour provided by Polynesian Adventure

Oahu to Kauai: Helicopter & Movie Adventure Tour (K3 HELI-1D)

• Helicopter Tours
• Island Hopping Day Tours
• Kauai Island Tours
• Kauai Tours & Activities
• Oahu Helicopter Tours
• Oahu Island Hopping Tours
• Oahu Tours & Activities

Garden Island from Land & Sea Escape to another Hawaiian island for a day on this all-inclusive, island-hopping tour. Indulge on your vacation and leave the planning to us! Interisland roundtrip airfare from Oahu to Lihue on Kauai, roundtrip transportation from the Lihue Airport (LIH) and a sightseeing land tour with lunch and exciting helicopter tour is included.

An adventure for young and old, movie buffs and nature lovers! You’ll visit many famous sites on the garden isle of Kauai where Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows were filmed. Your backstage pass takes you to scenic locations with your guide while you watch clips. Have lunch on your own in beautiful Hanalei Town and visit Tahiti Nui, where the George Clooney film “The Descendants” was filmed.

We’ll take you to the heliport near Lihue Airport at 2:45 PM for the required 45 minute safety briefing. Your 45 minute helicopter flight is scheduled for 3:30 PM with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. After your helicopter flight, please make your way to the Lihue Airport for your return flight to Oahu.

Soar along the legendary Na Pali Coast on Kauai’s North Shore with sea cliffs and valleys. Fly to the Waimea Canyon known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and peer down at rainforests, meandering rivers and cascading waterfalls.

Tour Highlights:

• Opaekaa Falls (Wackiest Ship in the Army)
• Sightseeing of Kauai’s Top Locales
• Ahukini Landing (Donovan’s Reef)
• Lydgate Beach (Blue Hawaii)
• Kapaa Town (Jurassic Park)
• Kealia Overlook (King Kong)
• Kalalea Mountain (Raiders of the Lost Ark)
• Princeville (Lilo & Stitch)
• Lunch on own in Hanalei Town (The Descendants)
• Aerial Views of Hanapepe Valley
• Soar over the Waimea Canyon
• Cascading Waterfalls
• Hanalei Bay
• Mt. Waialeale
• Availability: Tuesday
• Tour Time: 5:30 AM
• Duration: 13 Hours 30 Minutes

Recommendations:

• Guests are advised to NOT bring large or heavy bags on the flight.
• For best picture-taking and views during the helicopter ride, wear darker colors to reduce window reflection.
• Covered, walking shoes are recommended.

Restrictions/Requirements:

• In order to be in compliance with FAA regulations, we require the full names of all persons on tour with air transportation. International visitors must have a valid passport to fly interisland on these tours and all U.S. citizens must have a current government ID. This name must be exactly as it appears on your valid, government-issued photo identification. Air carriers will deny boarding if the passenger name, as shown does not match name on air ticket. If a passenger is denied boarding due to non-compliance with this requirement there will be no refund.
• The guest is responsible for transportation to and from the airport on their departure island.
• There is no Polynesian Adventure representative at the airport of your departure island. Please proceed to check-in and board your flight. You will meet your tour guide at your destination. Upon arrival to the destination, please exit baggage and meet the Polynesian Adventure vehicle in the Tour Bus pick area.
• Weight Restrictions: Due to FAA regulations, all passengers and bags must be weighed at check-in for the helicopter tour. Each passenger weighing over 240 pounds will be contacted and assessed a ‘comfort seat’ charge for an additional seat, payable directly to the tour operator. This is for the safety and comfort of all passengers. It is important to provide accurate body weight at checkout.
• People who have gone scuba diving must wait 24 hours before going on this tour.
• Mobile tablet devices are not allowed as they may impede the view of others. Go-Pros are welcomed on board as hand-held devices (no accessories/attachment handles).
• Occasionally, helicopter tours are unable to operate due to weather conditions. A refund of the helicopter portion will be provided.

Location:  HONOLULU AIRPORT (DEPARTURES), Hawaiian Airlines ticket counter. Address: 300 Rodgers Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96819 Google Maps:  https://goo.gl/maps/19bU9sSmU7JjFj6e8

• Please proceed to the Hawaiian Airlines ticket counter to check in for your flight to Kauai.  Check-in at 5:00 AM at the Honolulu Airport (Hawaiian Airlines counter). The approximate return from Kauai to Oahu is about 7:00 PM.

Special Notes:

• Flight confirmation will be emailed to you approx 1 week before your departure date.
• The airlines change their flight schedules frequently and at the last minute so please ensure that you check flight status on your own.
• If you require any special accommodations due to disability, please include them under the special requirements at the time of booking. 72 hours notice required prior to the date and time of service.
• The itinerary itself and order is subject to change based on current traffic and weather conditions.

There is a NO CANCELLATION & NO REFUND on all ONE-DAY FLYAWAY Tours. No name or date changes will be honored once booking is confirmed.

Activity Company: Polynesian Adventure Tours

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Hawaii Volcano Eco-Adventure & Helicopter

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 15.5 Hours

Tour Days:  Monday – Saturday

Tour Time:  Pick-up: 7 a.m. | Return: 10:30 p.m.  (approximate times)

Duration:  15.5 hours

Departing:  From Kauai

Mt. Kilauea Helicopter Eco-Tour

This exciting Big Island tour includes a 50-minute helicopter ride and a visit to the world’s most active volcano, Mt. Kilauea. Spend the day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and take in the diverse scenery of the island of Hawaii.

Also departing from Maui and Oahu

An exclusive opportunity to explore and experience Hawaii’s only active volcano, join Hawaii Tours and Transportation on our Hawaii volcano eco-adventure and helicopter tour!

This adventure includes an aerial tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Mt. Kilauea, plus a guided ground tour of the volcano with our expert tour guide. View active lava flows that are not accessible on land, and fly over the massive summit of the volcano, plus visit the incredible sites of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The chance to discover Hawaii’s only active volcano should not be missed and the opportunity to see the volcano from two vantage points is not available anywhere else. Seats on this one-of-a-kind tour are very limited and filling fast. Book your Big Island helicopter tour today!

• Waikiki hotel pick-up only; guest must arrive at Honolulu, Lihue, or Kahului International airport 1 hour prior to flight departure.
• Flight schedule subject to change
• Need body weights for helicopter tour (passengers more than 250 lbs. are required to pay for a comfort seat directly to the helicopter company – half the price of helicopter tour portion only)
• Helicopter flight is an 8:15 a.m. check-in for 9 a.m. flight only (helicopter tours canceled due to weather are refundable)

Lunch & Dinner

• No-host lunch and dinner stops made at local restaurants.
• Stop for lunch and dinner guaranteed.

What to Bring

• Government-issued ID for flight check-in (passport for guests from outside US)
• Wear covered shoes
• Comfortable clothes (shirts are required) and a light jacket
• No swim suits
• Bring sunscreen

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• Hour Glass 13 Hours
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Visit Pearl Harbor main two historical Site and Honolulu From Maui. Experience the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, National Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu and Waikiki.

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Take an inter-island tour of discovery from Kauai to the Big Island and experience Hawaii’s volcanoes! Your tour includes round trip airfare and expert guide for the day.

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Departs from Kauai. Enjoy breathtaking views of Oahu and combine the top attractions on Oahu into a full day of sightseeing and history!

Honolulu Helicopter Tours

Services Offered

Verified by Business

Virtual Consultations

Review Highlights

“ I can't say enough about our experience today with our pilot and host, Alex , from Honolulu Helicopter Tours. ” in 12 reviews

“ Stefan was an amazing pilot with an abundance of knowledge of the island and it's history. ” in 4 reviews

“ We saw Oahu in a totally different light with history and many highlights pointed out as we traveled above the island. ” in 5 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Located in:

Daniel K Inouye International Airport - HNL

421 Palekona St

Hangar 421-137

Honolulu, HI 96819

Serving Honolulu Area

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I HAD AN ABSOLUTE BLAST!! From start to finish, my doors-off helicopter tour was an unforgettable experience! The customer service was impeccable, making booking and preparation a breeze. The team's friendliness and professionalism shone through, adding a personal touch that made the trip feel special. Soaring above breathtaking landscapes with the doors off was exhilarating and offered breathtaking views. I signed up for their 30min Island tour and I got to see the beautiful beaches, mountainsides, soar through the Pali HWY, a few waterfalls, and more. I can't spoil all of the fun... I guess you will have to go check them out to see what else is included :)))) I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a thrilling and well-coordinated adventure in the skies! Make sure to check out their TikTok & Instagram for more experiences. @honoluluheli

Before Takeoff!!

Took a few fun photos after the tour to remember the memories.

By far the best experience and a must when in Hawaii! Thank you Alex and team for such an amazing time!

Breath taking views.

Wow! What a great adventure this was! My wife and I were looking for a new adventure during our visit to Honolulu and found Honolulu Helicopter Tours on Google. (We'd never been on a helicopter tour anywhere before) I called the phone number to check on pricing and availability. The booking process was super easy and convenient. We booked the hour-long tour around the island. Yes, it looked expensive; however, after doing the tour, I have to say it was WORTH EVERY PENNY! Ryan was our pilot and he did a great job during the flight of pointing things out and answering questions. We were in the air for a full hour and saw a lot of exciting things. During the pre-flight briefing Ryan went over what we were going to do, what to do if we have a problem, and what to expect (turbulence). We did have some turbulence, but our pilot did an awesome job handling it! All in all, I have to say the team at Honolulu Helicopter Tours does a great job! I recommend you check these guys out if you're looking for a helicopter tour around Honolulu!

See all photos from Michael A. for Honolulu Helicopter Tours

Among all that has been an amazing Oahu trip filled with beauty and adventure, our 60-minute Honolulu Helicopter Tour with Alex was the ultimate highlight. We had done a doors-off helicopter tour in Kauai before, but this one was so much better. Alex was the best pilot/tour guide we could ask for and the all the interaction we had with the crew leading up to our flight was friendly and professional. Honolulu Helicopter Tours has a family vibe to it and we definitely loved that. Our 4:30 departure gave us amazing views filled with golden light and the doors off was ideal for photography. Alex was amazing with our 13 year-old son who wants to be a pilot and this trip couldn't have been more inspiring for him. We wish we could give them more than five stars.

Honolulu Helicopter Tours over Waikiki Beach.

Honolulu Helicopter Tours with our pilot Alex near the north shore of Oahu at sunset.

What can I say, best experience ever! This was our first time riding on a helicopter and Stefan was amazing. We did the 30 min and although it was perfect, I didn't want to to end. He showed us all of the places all over and good places to hike and all. All around, it was a perfect experience and we will be back to do it again! Thank you all so much!

See all photos from Jeff H. for Honolulu Helicopter Tours

Our pilot Stefan was amazing! Answered all our questions and was super friendly. The ride was very smooth and the sights were beautiful! Highly recommend flying doors off for the whole experience.

We had an amazing helicopter flight! Alex was our pilot and he did a great job flying and also explaining everything to us. I'm a realtor in Honolulu and took my clients for a flight over their newly bought condo and along Oahu's south shore and back over the Pali. The ride was very smooth and the views were amazing. My clients absolutely loved it! I've been on multiple helicopter rides before with other companies but this was by far my best flight ever! I can highly recommend the 30 minute flight with Honolulu Helicopter Tours and I'd suggest to take the tour with "doors off" for an even better experience!

See all photos from Heidi B. for Honolulu Helicopter Tours

Amazing. Highly recommend. Alex was our pilot, he was wonderful. They have a hanger pup that was cute too. Hanger pups dad was cute as well, lol.

Our pilot Alex.

Cynthia, Rochelle, and T about to have an adventure.

This was an amazing tour. Everyone was helpful and friendly from the time we called to book the flight, through the overview and the flight. Alex made sure we had time to see the entire island and shared so many interesting facts and history of the island. Pearl Harbor was amazing from the air and was so happy we could view that. We did the private tour so it was just me and my husband and I and I feel like that made it even more personal. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting the island. The only way to really see everything.

Great experience, the pilot (Alex) was very knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend

46 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Diamond Head Cruises

4.5 miles away from Honolulu Helicopter Tours

Haley C. said "Highly recommended. The crew was great. Boat was great. We saw turtles and fish. Even an octopus. The seas were a tad rough and the crew made us feel safe by watching for us the entire time. I'm an avid snorkeler up north and I also…" read more

in Boat Charters, Snorkeling, Whale Watching Tours

Tony Le Limo

6.9 miles away from Honolulu Helicopter Tours

Limo for all occasions Good deal, Good ride Small business Locally owned and operated 808-741-1682 read more

in Tours, Airport Shuttles, Limos

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USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Whether it’s the majestic layers of the Grand Canyon, flashing neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, or beautiful rainforests and beaches of Hawaii, top destinations across the United States often look even better from the air. An expert panel has nominated these 20 companies for offering the best helicopter tours in the Untied States. Which helicopter tour company would you most like to take flight with? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, May 27 at noon ET. The 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 5. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules . 

Whether it’s the majestic layers of the Grand Canyon, flashing neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, or beautiful rainforests and beaches of Hawaii, top destinations across the United States often look even better from the...   Read More

Best Helicopter Tour Nominees

Photo courtesy of Thomas Doering / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Air Kauai Helicopter Tours

Lihue, Hawaii

With doors on or doors off, Air Kauai Helicopter Tours offers unobstructed 180-degree views of some of the most scenic spots in Kauai. Even better, pilots provide a wealth of information on Kauai's landscape, geology, and history.

Photo courtesy of 1001Love / E+ Getty Images

Alaska Helicopter Tours

Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska Helicopter Tours offers breathtaking aerial views of glaciers, wildlife, and the mountainous terrain of "The Last Frontier." You'll see some of Alaska's remote areas, untouchable by other forms of transportation, as well as learn more about Alaska's rich culture and history from pilots/guides who possess great knowledge of the area.

Photo courtesy of christiannafzger / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Alaska Shore Excursions

Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty that is Alaska's mountainous and glacial terrain with Alaska Shore Excursions. They'll chart an unforgettable adventure for you in your choice of Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and several other locations across the state. You can even pair a helicopter tour with a dog-sledding adventure.

Photo courtesy of Atomic Helicopters - Guest photographer

Atomic Helicopters

Seattle, Washington

With tours highlighting the spectacular beauty of King County, Atomic Helicopters offers some of the finest Seattle skyline views in all the city. While a classic city tour is perfect for getting an incredible view of the Space Needle, nature lovers should be sure to book a flight along the Cascade Mountains.

Photo courtesy of BHH

Black Hills Helicopters

Keystone, South Dakota

Passengers aboard a Black Hills Helicopters flight get to see two of the world’s largest sculptures — Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse — from a new perspective. These flights also show off the unique geology of South Dakota’s Black Hills.

Photo courtesy of Charm Aviation

Charm Aviation

New York City, New York

See New York City’s iconic landmarks from the air in one of Charm’s helicopters. Enjoy a romantic flight for two or take the entire family to appreciate this experience of the city from the best possible vantage point.

Photo courtesy of zoranm // Getty Images

Chattanooga Helicopter Tours

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga Helicopter Tours has been offering top-tier skyline viewing since February 2021. For a quick jaunt above the city, a Downtown Tour is the perfect choice, but for a more in-depth overview of the surrounding Appalachian beauty, be sure to book the Lookout Mountain Tour.

Photo courtesy of SWKrullImaging // Getty Images

Colorado Vertical

Canon City, Colorado

Colorado Vertical provides helicopter tours for the Royal Gorge and Pikes Peak regions in Colorado. Experience Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Cripple Creek, and more from the air. Guests will enjoy incredible views of three mountain ranges from flights of 9,500 or 11,000 feet above sea level.

Photo courtesy of Fly Key West Helicopters

Fly-KeyWest Helicopter Tours

Key West, Florida

With numerous flights ranging from 10 to 60 minutes, Fly-KeyWest Helicopter Tours offers guests the most exciting way to experience this famous Florida city and its environs. View the city’s most well-known and historical landmarks and get a bird’s-eye view of sea life and sunken boats. Or take a relaxing flight over backcountry lands and see dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays in their natural habitat. For a romantic experience for two, book the scenic sunset flight, complete with complimentary champagne. 

Photo courtesy of Guidance Air

Guidance Air

Sedona, Arizona

Among the most popular outdoor activities in Sedona is a helicopter flight above the magnificent red rock formations. Guidance Air offers scenic flights to natural landmarks like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, as well as special tours to the Grand Canyon.

Photo courtesy of Starcevic // Getty Images

Helicopter Tour Boston

Norwood, Massachusetts

For a truly impressive perspective on the Bay State coastline, a flight with Helicopter Tour Boston is tough to beat. Whether you opt for a sunset tour, a cruise along the Harbor Islands, or a thrilling doors-off adventure, you’re in for a truly memorable experience along the eastern edge of New England.

Photo courtesy of Island Helicopters Kauai

Island Helicopters Kauai

There are few things more scenic than seeing the world from a helicopter, and the splendor of Kauai provides an ideal backdrop. Experienced pilots with Island Helicopters share facts about Kauai as you enjoy a bird's-eye view of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, coastlines, and famous landmarks.

Photo courtesy of 400tmax / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Magnum Helicopters

Honolulu, Hawaii

Magnum Helicopters offers doors-off tours over the island of Oahu. Every seat has an excellent view, and every passenger enjoys two-way communication with the pilot. From the air, you’ll be able to spot downtown Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and Kaawa Valley.

Photo courtesy of Andrea Izzotti / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours

Kauai, Oahu, and Big Island

Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours shows off the Hawaiian Islands with scenic flights over Kauai (Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast), Oahu (Waikiki and the famous North Shore), and the Big Island (active volcanoes and cascading waterfalls).

Photo courtesy of Maverick Helicopters

Maverick Helicopters

Multiple locations

Maverick Helicopters operates in Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Hawaii, offering a wide range of experiences. See the sparkling lights of the Strip or Mother Nature’s masterpiece at the Grand Canyon, or hover above the Hana Rainforest of Maui.

Photo courtesy of Isaac Brekken

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

Las Vegas, Nevada

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours has been flying visitors to the Grand Canyon since 1965. The fleet includes oversized windows for better views, and the company enjoys access to exclusive landing sites on Hualapai and Navajo Nation lands.

Photo courtesy of DrMaestro / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours

Niagara Falls, New York

If experiencing Niagara Falls and the Horseshoe Falls from the sky is on your bucket list, look no further than Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours. This memorable journey sits you above one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and touts itself as a "limousine to the sky."

Photo courtesy of helivideo / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Safari Helicopters

Big Island and Kauai

Catch stunning aerial views of some of the most awe-inspiring spots on Kauai or the Big Island with Safari Helicopters. With state-of-the-art helicopters and well-trained pilots, the company prides itself on exceptional customer service and creating unforgettable memories while flying above the canyons, waterfalls, and volcanoes of Hawaii.  

Photo courtesy of Wirestock / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Temsco Helicopters

Temsco Helicopters provides helicopter tours of Alaska from Juneau, Skagway, and Denali. Guests can enjoy the beauty of remote waterfalls and glaciers from the air, then land and experience guided glacier walks and dog sledding. 

Photo courtesy of Vertical Ventures Aviation

Vertical Ventures Aviation

Whitefield, New Hampshire

The staggering natural beauty of the Granite State is on full display with Vertical Ventures Aviation, an aerial tour company that showcases some of New England's most stunning mountain ranges. On a one-hour Spectacular Tour, guests can bask in the splendor of Franconia Notch, while the half-hour Executive Tour is perfect for gaining some new perspective on New Hampshire's iconic White Mountains.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Rob Taylor is the author of  The Road Trip Survival...   Read More

Rob Taylor is the author of  The Road Trip Survival Guide  (being released May 25, 2021) and  the founder of 2TravelDads , the original LGBT Family Travel blog. Focusing on ecotourism and education, 2TravelDads inspires LGBT families (and traditional families also) to go beyond their usual getaways and use travel to learn about and be part of a bigger world. 2TravelDads blazes the way for other two-dad and two-mom families to travel to previously overlooked destinations or places we as gay people would normally avoid. We share the struggles we've faced and the surprising gems and welcomes we've had along the way. Traveling as a family is one thing, traveling as an LGBT family is completely something else.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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The Heart of Hawaii

Experience the magic of Oahu’s most historical sights and breathtaking views on a guided aerial tour with Hawaii’s most honored helicopter tour company.

Honolulu Heliport (808) 831-8800 99 Kaulele Pl Honolulu, HI 96819 View Map

Turtle Bay Resort Heliport 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy Kahuku, HI 96731 View Map

Oahu is full of so much surprising beauty, the only way to experience it all is from the air! In this one amazing tour, you'll see the phenomenal scenery of this Island's hidden rainforests, lush valleys, and stunning historic sights. You'll glide over the vivid turquoise coral reefs of W...

On this 65-minute Complete Island tour of Oahu, you’ll experience all the spectacular sights that make Oahu so unique. You’ll take off from Honolulu airport and fly above the the powerful historic sights of Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. Then, just beyond the modern metropolis o...

Embark on an unforgettable adventure departing from the prestigious Turtle Bay Resort, where luxury meets the beauty of Hawaii's North Shore.

Experience the unique and memorable adventure of soaring above Oahu's North Shore. Witness iconic beaches like Pipeline, Sunset, Shark's Cove, and Waimea Bay, the site of the big wave contest “The Eddie” which honors legendary waterman Eddie Aikau. Then, marvel at the Ko'olau Mountain...

Choose to charter a helicopter for yourself or your group and we will help you custom design your own itinerary.

An island rich in history and tradition

An exceptional range of Oahu helicopter tours

Oahu is the embodiment of the Aloha spirit. Often referred to as the “Heart of Hawaii,” the island of Oahu is rich in history, rooted in ancient traditions and full of stunning natural beauty. It is this eclectic fusion of culture, city life, and nature that draws more than 4.8 million visitors each year.

With so much to experience, the range of helicopter tours in Oahu is truly astonishing. From the legendary sights of Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor to the deep valleys of Nuuanu Pali, the cascading waterfalls of Mount Olomana and the lush rainforest of Nuuanu Valley, you’ll experience all the island has to offer on your next Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour.

Explore Oahu

Want a glimpse from the sky? Get an aerial look at all of the incredible sights you’ll see aboard the best Oahu helicopter tour.

A Pilot's Story

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The Gorgeous Hawaiian Landmark Fans Of Jurassic Park Will Recognize

It may have been over 30 years since the first "Jurassic Park" movie came out, and it became a cultural phenomenon and a franchise that now includes six movies. In the iconic scene where paleontologist Alan Grant (played by Sam Neill), paleobotanist Ellie Sattler (played by Laura Dern), and mathematician Ian Malcolm (played by Jeff Goldblum) arrive at the fictional Isla Nublar for the first time, they land in front of a stunning waterfall. While this film was groundbreaking for its use of special effects, this waterfall is very much real and one of the "Jurassic Park" filming locations you can actually visit . It's the 400-foot-tall Manawaiopuna Falls — which means "deep water" in Hawaiian — in Hanapepe Valley on Kauai.

The characters in "Jurassic Park" saw Manawaiopuna Falls via helicopter, and that is the only way that you can see it, too — the falls are on private land, and they aren't accessible via trail or road. While there are a couple of different helicopter tour operators on Kauai, only Island Helicopters have permission to land at Manawaiopuna Falls. Just flying over the waterfalls is, by itself, a pretty cool experience, but landing there is next level, bucket list kind of travel .

Travelers love landing at Manawaiopuna Falls

If you're really looking to live out your own "Jurassic Park" fantasies — minus the angry T. rexes and raptors, of course — book the " Jurassic Falls " helicopter tour with Island Helicopters; they even play the theme song from the movie as you fly in. Even if you're not a fan of the movies, a Hawaii helicopter tour plus a chance to hike next to a massive, remote waterfall — it's definitely worth adding to the list of  the best things to do in Kauai .

The tour lasts 75-80 minutes, which includes about 25 minutes on the ground at the falls. One Yelp reviewer described it as, "Definitely an experience of a lifetime!" And one Tripadvisor reviewer said, "I cannot recommend the Jurassic Falls tour enough. This was easily the highlight of our time on Kauai and just gave us the full experience of the island."

The experience is, admittedly, on the pricier side — it costs $404 while the cost of their " Grand Skies " tour which takes you by the falls but without the landing is $250. But the extra $150 seemed to have been justified for plenty of customers; one person wrote on Tripadvisor , "The waterfall landing is completely worth the extra $, it is just amazing — something you will not understand until you experience [it] yourself!"

Manawaiopuna Falls is one of a number of Jurassic Park sites on Kauai

If a trip to Manawaiopuna Falls is a can't miss for you on your trip to Hawaii, try and schedule it early in your trip. That way if it gets canceled because of weather, you have a better chance of getting it rescheduled before your vacation is over. You should also plan to wear black or dark clothing to help reduce the reflection in the helicopter windows as you take pictures of the island.

Beyond seeing Manawaiopuna Falls on the "Jurassic Falls" flight, they also fly you over much of the island, including the Na Pali Coast in northwest Kauai, which has also been used as a filming location for "Jurassic Park" movies. Other "Jurassic Park" sites on Kauai include Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue, which was used in "Jurassic Park: The Lost World" and Allerton Garden, a botanical garden used as a set for "Jurassic Park" and "The Lost World: Jurassic Park." Beyond Kauai, Kualoa Ranch on Oahu is another must-visit for "Jurassic Park" lovers .

Recommended

20 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii with Kids in 2024

W ith so many fun things to do in Hawaii with kids, the Aloha State is one of the best destinations for a family-friendly vacation. Each of the Hawaiian islands  is unique and offers an abundance of kid-friendly activities and accommodations for the best family vacation. Not sure which Hawaiian island to visit? Check out our list of things to do in Hawaii on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island (Big Island).

Oahu is typically the easiest Hawaiian island to reach and the most affordable for family travel. It also has some of Hawaii’s best beaches for families. Rent a car to drive around the island and experience the many fun things to see and do on Oahu.

Hula lesson in Waikiki. Photo credit: Mimi Slawoff

1. Visit Honolulu’s Many Kid-Friendly Attractions

Honolulu is a bustling city with many family-friendly oceanfront resorts and attractions like the Honolulu Zoo , Waikiki Aquarium , Bishop Museum and Pearl Harbor . Plus, famous Waikiki Beach is one of the best places to learn to surf and paddle board.

2. Learn About Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is the site of WWII’s 1941 bombing attack and home to the USS Arizona Memorial . Tickets for the 75-minute USS Arizona Memorial program are free. However, there’s a limited number available each day.

The program includes a short video (with actual attack footage) and a round-trip boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, located above the remains of the sunken ship. The ship is the final resting place for more than 1,000 men.

Since Pearl Harbor is one of Oahu’s top attractions, it’s strongly recommended that visitors make advanced reservations online at www.recreation.gov .

3. Hike on Diamond Head

There aren’t many places in the world where you can walk along a trail to the edge of a 300,000-year-old crater, but Diamond Head is one of them. A hiking trail leads to the summit for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu.

SheBuysTravel Tip : To beat the heat and crowds, you should get an early start for this popular hike.

4. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay National Preserve

Located on the side of Koko Head, Hanauma Bay is about a 30-minute drive from Honolulu. With beautiful blue waters, Hanauma Bay is a great place to snorkel and see its 400 species of tropical fish and abundance of green sea turtles.

5. Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center features six island villages representing Hawai‘i, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji and Aotearoa (New Zealand). At this Polynesian-themed park and living museum, you can learn about various traditions through interactive and hands-on activities. For example, learn to throw a wooden spear, paddle a canoe and cook like a Polynesian.

The center also has family-friendly luaus with a variety of traditional food like lomilomi salmon, chicken long rice and kalua pork. Note that no alcohol is served at this luau.

6. Book Exciting Adventures at Kualoa Ranch

The family-owned Kualoa Ranch offers many different types of tours sure to thrill adults and kids of all ages. Adventures include horseback riding, jungle expeditions, beach outings and visits to Hawaiian fish ponds.

7. Watch Surfers on the North Shore

The North Shore is the rustic and laid-back side of the island with legendary surf beaches and food trucks serving fresh fish tacos, shrimp and more. Take a surf lesson at Hans Hedemann Surf School or just watch the pros. Laniakea Beach is one of the best spots to see sea turtles sunbathing.

8. Eat Shave Ice in Haleiwa

This little surf town is home to boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find Matsumoto Shave Ice – one of the best places to enjoy the snow cone-style treat.

FIND PLACES TO STAY NEAR OAHU

Father and son surfing together along the Kaanapali beaches in Maui. Photo credit: Deb Steenhagen

Maui is a popular island for many reasons. It’s a developed island with stunning natural attractions. Kaanapali Beach is a resort area on the western shore of Maui and is home to a variety of beachfront hotels , great family-friendly restaurants , lots of free things to do with kids  and beautiful sunsets.

9. Take a snorkel cruise to Molokini Crater

Enjoy a catamaran cruise to one of the best snorkel and scuba spots in Hawaii – Molokini Crater . The crescent-shaped crater is home to thousands of tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles and other marine life. You can also take a whale watching boat tour to the area.

10. Visit the Maui Ocean Center

Kids of all ages will be impressed with the Maui Ocean Center ’s many exhibits. It features a 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit with a 240-degree view acrylic tunnel, outdoor tide pools, turtle lagoon, living reef and daily presentations.

11. Spend a day on Haleakala

A dormant volcano, Haleakala sits at 10,023 feet above sea level. Catch a sunrise or sunset from the summit. Daytime views are also stunning. Note that it can be chilly at the top, so bring sweaters for everyone.

Don’t rush off the mountain without visiting two unique farms. At the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, you can walk through lavender fields. Nearby, the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm produces award-winning cheeses. On the kid-friendly tours, you’ll feed goats and sample cheese.

12. Drive on the Road to Hana

Pack the car with snacks and drinks for an incredible road trip. Get an early start to beat the crowds on this popular drive. The drive is just 52 miles long. But with 620 curves and 59 narrow bridges, it can take a few hours. Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, black sand beaches and the charming town of Hana.

Pack essentials for land and ocean activities when visiting Hawaii. Photo credit: Mimi Slawoff

Kauai’s mountains and valleys are lush and green, flowing with waterfalls and rivers that are ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking. Other places to visit include Waimea Canyon, Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay.

13. Horseback Riding at Princeville Ranch

Located on Kauai’s North Shore, Princeville Ranch is one of Hawaii’s oldest cattle ranches. Horseback riding lessons are available for ages 4 and older.

14. Book Ziplining and Mountain Tubing Tours

Kauai Backcountry Adventures  offers the best family activities for an adrenaline rush. On the mountain tubing tours you’ll float down an old sugar plantation irrigation system, through open canals and through several tunnels hand-dug circa 1870.

In addition, the company offers a seven-line Zipline course through a lush forest.

15. Sail Along Napali Coast

The Napali coast spans 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore. Guided snorkel cruises are an excellent way to see the stunning Napali Coast’s cliffs, sea caves and waterfalls.

My son practiced his snorkel skills in the pool prior to our snorkel adventure on the Big Island. Photo credit: Keri Baugh

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

Hawaii Island, also called the Big Island of Hawaii, has an array of diverse outdoor adventures suitable for the whole family. In fact, because the island has 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones, you’ll also experience a variety of terrain and weather. Explore beaches, waterfalls, cultural sites and coffee farms on the Big Island, which is home to two active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Many of the large Hawaii Island resorts, such as the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast , offer hula lessons, canoeing and other Hawaiian cultural experiences for their guests.

16. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo

Stop by the visitor center for park news and activities before exploring this unique park that has hiking trails, steam vents, lava tubes and a rainforest. Older kids will especially enjoy trekking through the rainforest to the crater floor pocked with steam vents.

Akaka Falls, Big Island. Photo credit: Mimi Slawoff

17. Visit Akaka Falls State Park

Located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, Akaka Falls State Park is the site of two waterfalls on one short hike. Follow a footpath through a rainforest to see the 100-foot Kahuna Falls and the towering Akaka Falls . This is a lovely outing for kids of all ages.

SheBuysTravel Tip: There are a few picnic tables by the parking lot.

Hilo Farmers Market. Photo credit: Mimi Slawoff

18. Shop at the Hilo Farmers Market

The Hilo Farmers Market  features over 200 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, Big Island food products, tropical flowers and handmade craft items. It’s a great place to shop for picnic items to bring to the beach or back to your hotel.

19. Snorkel in Sunny Kona

The sunny Kona district is great for beach activities like snorkeling , paddle boarding and spotting dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). One of Kona’s most unique adventures is the nighttime manta ray boat tour. It’s a magical experience to float on top of the water in a calm bay, with bright lights attracting the rays who swirl inches below.

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