Explore Oahu’s stunning landscapes from a thrilling bird’s-eye view with the 60-minute helicopter tour departing from Honolulu. At $440 per person, this aerial adventure showcases the island’s iconic landmarks, including Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Guests can choose between doors on or off for a more exhilarating experience, guided by a live English-speaking pilot. With wheelchair accessibility and private group options, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Hawaii’s natural wonders. But what truly sets this tour apart might surprise you.
Key Points
- This 60-minute aerial tour departs from Honolulu and showcases Oahu’s top landmarks, including Diamond Head, Makapu’u Point, and Pearl Harbor.
- Pricing for the tour starts at $440 per person, with options for doors on or off during the flight.
- The tour offers live English-speaking guided commentary and is wheelchair accessible, with private group options available.
- Guests must adhere to weight restrictions, and intoxicated passengers will be refused service with a full charge applied.
- Proper attire, such as a jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes, is required, and full-fare seats are needed for children aged 2 and over.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Oahu Helicopter Tour from Rainbow Oahu Helicopter Tours offers a 60-minute aerial adventure from Honolulu, priced from $440.00 per person.
Guests can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund. The tour features a live English-speaking guide and is wheelchair accessible. Private group options are available.
The tour departs from the Rainbow Oahu Helicopter Tours location in Waikiki and promises stunning views of landmarks like Diamond Head, Makapu’u Point, and Pearl Harbor.
Safety restrictions apply, and guests will need to arrive 60 minutes early for check-in and a safety briefing.
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Itinerary and Highlights
Starting from the Rainbow Oahu Helicopter Tours location in Waikiki, this aerial adventure takes guests on a journey to witness some of Oahu’s most iconic landmarks and natural wonders.
The 60-minute tour showcases:
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Diamond Head’s majestic volcanic crater
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The dramatic cliffs of Makapu’u Point
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The lush Koʻolau Range
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The turquoise waters of Kaneohe Bay and the North Shore
Along the way, passengers will catch glimpses of Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, the Banzai Pipeline, and the Dole Plantation.
This unforgettable experience provides a bird’s-eye view of Oahu’s stunning natural beauty and landmarks.
Tour Features
Customers have the choice of whether to experience the tour with doors on or off. The live guided commentary provides informative details throughout the flight.
For cell phone storage, straps and cases are provided. Tipping the pilot is optional.
The doors-off experience has weight restrictions, with passengers needing to weigh at least 80 lbs for the Robinson R44 helicopter and 100 lbs for the Airbus Astar. Weight and balance fees apply for guests over 260 lbs.
Safety and Restrictions
While this tour offers an exhilarating aerial experience, it’s not suitable for everyone.
Passengers must adhere to certain safety restrictions:
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Individuals who’ve dived within 24 hours prior aren’t permitted.
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Guests over 260 lbs (118 kg) aren’t allowed.
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For the doors-off option, passengers must weigh at least 80 lbs (36 kg) for the Robinson R44 helicopter or 100 lbs (45 kg) for the Airbus Astar.
Weight and balance fees apply for guests over 260 lbs.
These guidelines ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
Adhering to these restrictions is crucial for an enjoyable and memorable helicopter tour over Oahu.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Experience
The Oahu Helicopter Tour boasts an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating based on 322 customer reviews, attesting to the exceptional experience it provides.
Passengers consistently praise the pilots’ professionalism and deep knowledge, which enhance the tour’s educational value. Many first-time flyers note the tour as a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Reviewers also appreciate recommendations for further exploration of Oahu’s attractions. With ample customer photos available, prospective guests can get a preview of the stunning aerial views and thrilling ride.
Important Information
Passengers must arrive 60 minutes before the scheduled tour for check-in and a safety briefing at the Castle & Cooke Aviation building at Honolulu International Airport.
Proper attire is required, including a jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Passengers should also bring a hair tie to manage their hair during the flight.
The tour company has a strict intoxication policy – service will be refused to intoxicated passengers, and the full charge will still apply.
Children aged 2 and over require a full-fare seat.
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What to bring: Jacket, long pants, hair tie, closed-toe shoes
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Intoxication policy: Service refused to intoxicated passengers, full charge applies
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Meeting point: Castle & Cooke Aviation building at Honolulu International Airport
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Full-fare seat required for children aged 2 years and over
Booking and Availability
Booking the Oahu Helicopter Tour can be done directly through the tour operator’s website or by calling their reservation line. Availability is limited, so it’s best to book well in advance, especially for popular dates and times.
The tour runs daily, weather permitting, with multiple departure times offered throughout the day. Guests are advised to arrive at the meeting point at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and the safety briefing.
Payment is required at the time of booking, and a valid photo ID must be presented upon arrival.
Getting to the Meeting Point
Although the meeting point for the Oahu Helicopter Tour is located at the Castle & Cooke Aviation building at Honolulu International Airport, guests can conveniently access the site via various transportation options.
Visitors have the choice to:
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Take a taxi or rideshare service directly to the airport
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Use the city bus system with a stop near the airport
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Park at the airport and walk to the Castle & Cooke Aviation building
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Arrange for hotel shuttle or other private transportation to the meeting point
Arriving 60 minutes before the scheduled tour allows ample time for check-in and the required safety briefing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Water on the Tour?
Passengers are allowed to bring their own snacks and water on the helicopter tour. However, consuming messy or hot drinks during the flight is discouraged to avoid spills or discomfort for other passengers.
Is There a Weight Limit for the Helicopter?
Yes, there is a weight limit for the helicopter tour. Passengers over 260 lbs (118 kg) will incur weight and balance fees. Plus, the doors-off experience has specific weight requirements of at least 80 lbs (36 kg) or 100 lbs (45 kg), depending on the helicopter model.
How Safe Is the Helicopter Tour Compared to Other Options?
The helicopter tour is generally quite safe, with pilots praised for their professionalism and knowledge. However, there are some weight restrictions, and the doors-off option has additional safety requirements. Overall, it’s a well-reviewed and memorable experience when conducted properly.
Can I Take Photos During the Flight?
Yes, passengers can take photos during the flight. The tour provides straps and cases to secure cell phones, ensuring they remain safe and accessible for capturing the stunning aerial views.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour has no minimum age requirement, but children under 2 years old do not require a full-fare seat. Passengers of all ages are welcome to join the helicopter tour, as long as they meet the weight and safety restrictions.
The Sum Up
This 60-minute helicopter tour offers an unparalleled aerial adventure over Oahu’s breathtaking sights. With the option of doors on or off, guests can customize their experience and capture stunning views of iconic landmarks like Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the North Shore. Wheelchair accessibility and private group options make this tour accessible to all. Overall, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of Hawaii from the sky.
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