45 Minute Isle Sights Unseen Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On

Exploring Oahu’s natural wonders and historic sites from a bird’s-eye view is an unforgettable experience. The 45-Minute Isle Sights Unseen Helicopter Tour offers a unique opportunity to soar above iconic landmarks like Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Whether we choose the exhilarating ‘doors off’ option or the more enclosed ‘doors on’ ride, this aerial adventure promises stunning vistas and insightful commentary from the pilot. Before deciding, let’s take a closer look at what this tour has to offer and how we can make the most of it.

This experience made our article of Honolulu’s 9 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours.

Key Points

• The 45-minute helicopter tour offers scenic views of Oahu’s iconic landmarks, including Sacred Falls, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor.
• Passengers can choose between ‘doors on’ or ‘doors off’ flight options, depending on their desired level of immersion and experience.
• Safety measures are in place, such as weight restrictions, closed-toe shoes, and hair ties required for ‘doors off’ flights.
• The tour is an ideal choice for special occasions or romantic moments, providing an unforgettable exploration of Oahu’s natural beauty.
• The tour departs from Rainbow Helicopters in Honolulu and includes convenient parking and a coordinated check-in process.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The 45-minute scenic helicopter ride over Oahu offers a bird’s eye view of the island’s iconic landmarks, including the Sacred Falls, Diamond Head, Maunalua Bay, Koolau Mountains, Kaaawa Valley, Pearl Harbor, and the USS Arizona Memorial.

You can choose between ‘doors on’ or ‘doors off’ flights, making for a thrilling experience.

This tour is perfect for special occasions or romantic moments, providing unparalleled perspectives of Oahu’s natural beauty and historic sites.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this helicopter tour promises an unforgettable way to explore the island from above.

Meeting and Logistics

To begin your helicopter tour experience, we’ll meet at the Rainbow Helicopters location at 155 Kapalulu Pl #197 in Honolulu.

Convenient parking is available across the street. Once you’ve checked in, we’ll coordinate your selected departure time and escort you to the helipad.

The 45-minute flight will end back at our meeting point. This tour offers flexibility, with options for ‘doors on’ or ‘doors off’ flights.

Remember to wear appropriate attire, as we’ll be soaring above Oahu’s stunning landscapes and waterways.

Flight Experience

Once aboard, you can choose between the ‘doors on’ or ‘doors off’ flight options.

The exhilarating flight path includes:

• Soaring over the bustling Honolulu Harbor
• Gliding past the iconic Diamond Head
• Sweeping across the tranquil Mānalua Bay
• Hovering above the picturesque Hanauma Bay
• Skimming the dramatic cliffs of Makapu’u

Throughout the journey, your pilot will provide informative commentary, pointing out key landmarks and natural wonders.

Safety is paramount, with all passengers required to meet weight restrictions.

Prepare for an unforgettable aerial adventure and views that will leave you awestruck.

Choosing ‘Doors On’ or ‘Doors Off’

How do we choose between the ‘doors on’ or ‘doors off’ flight options?

The ‘doors on’ flight gives us a more enclosed, stable experience, but the ‘doors off’ option offers an unobstructed, exhilarating view.

For the ‘doors off’ flight, we’ll need to wear jackets, closed-toe shoes, and have our hair tied back for safety.

While the weight limit is higher for the ‘doors on’ flight, both have reasonable restrictions.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to our desired level of immersion in the experience – whether we want a more contained ride or an open-air adventure.

Either way, the views will be breathtaking.

Weight Restrictions and Safety Measures

Although weight restrictions are in place for this helicopter tour, they’re reasonable and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers. The minimum weight is 80 lbs for the Robinson R44 and 100 lbs for the Airbus Astar. This helps maintain proper weight and balance for the aircraft.

Guests 24 months and older must purchase a full fare seat, while infants can sit on laps. For ‘doors off’ flights, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and hair ties are required.

Additionally:

• Safety is the top priority
• Weight limits protect you and the aircraft
• Dress appropriately for an open-door experience
• Intoxicated passengers will be refused service
• Maximum group size is 15 travelers

Recommended Attire for ‘Doors Off’ Flights

What should you wear for the ‘doors off’ helicopter flights? For maximum comfort and safety, we recommend wearing a jacket, closed-toe shoes, and long pants.

The open-air flight can get quite breezy, so layering up is essential. Hair ties are also a must to keep your locks from whipping around during the ride.

Infants and Children

When it comes to bringing little ones along for the helicopter tour, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Infants must sit on a lap, and guests 24 months and older must purchase a full fare seat. There’s a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, so be sure to book early.

Consider the following:

• The stunning aerial views may be too intense for some young children.
• Maintaining safety and comfort is our top priority.
• An exhilarating experience for the whole family.
• Check weight restrictions before booking.
• Speak with our team if you have any special needs.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The 435 reviews of this helicopter tour boast a remarkable 4.8 rating, with 96% of travelers enthusiastically recommending the experience.

Passengers praise the pilots’ expertise and the breathtaking, panoramic views of Oahu’s landmarks. Many mention spotting wildlife during the flight and highlight the informative commentary from the pilots.

Reviewers consistently describe the tour as a "must-do" and a "bucket list" item, emphasizing the safety measures and the overall memorable experience.

Whether you choose ‘doors on’ or ‘doors off’, this helicopter tour promises an unforgettable adventure with stunning aerial perspectives of the island’s natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring a Camera or Phone on the Helicopter Tour?

Yes, you can definitely bring your camera or phone along on the helicopter tour. Just make sure to secure them properly so they don’t slip out during the flight. We want you to capture all those stunning aerial views!

What Are the Payment Options for the Helicopter Tour?

We can pay for the helicopter tour using a variety of options, including credit/debit cards, cash, and online booking. The tour operator accepts all major credit cards for secure and convenient payment. Let us know if you have any other questions!

Is There Any Cancellation or Rescheduling Policy for the Tour?

We understand plans can change. The tour operator offers flexible rescheduling and cancellation policies, allowing you to adjust your reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time without penalty.

Do I Need to Sign Any Waiver or Liability Release Form?

We recommend reviewing and signing any liability release forms the tour operator requires prior to the flight. This helps ensure your safety and protect the company in case of unforeseen incidents during the helicopter tour.

Can I Request a Specific Pilot or Helicopter Type for the Tour?

We understand you may have a preference for a specific pilot or helicopter type. While we’ll do our best to accommodate your requests, they can’t be guaranteed as availability may vary. Just let us know your preferences, and we’ll work to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

The Sum Up

Soaring over Oahu’s stunning landscapes on the Isle Sights Unseen Helicopter Tour is an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose the thrilling ‘doors off’ or the more enclosed ‘doors on’ option, you’ll be treated to breathtaking aerial views of iconic landmarks. With informative commentary and safety measures in place, this tour promises an exhilarating and unique perspective of Oahu’s natural wonders and historic sites.