Exploring Oahu by helicopter offers a perspective most visitors never get. With its dramatic coastline, lush valleys, and world-famous landmarks, the island is a natural for aerial sightseeing. What makes Oahu particularly special for helicopter tours is the diversity of scenery packed into a relatively small area—think of flying over Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and the North Shore’s legendary surf breaks all in one trip. Unlike a simple lookout from land, flying above the island immerses you in the scale and beauty of Hawaii’s landscapes—a truly unforgettable experience.
The variety of options is impressive, too. Whether you prefer a quick 18-minute jaunt over Waikiki or a full hour of private sightseeing, there’s a tour to suit your interest and budget. Some tours, like the Oahu Helicopter with Doors On or Off, give you the thrill of flying with or without open doors, adding a dash of adventure. Others focus on specific regions, like the North Shore or the volcanoes of the Big Island. No matter your choice, these flights are a fantastic way to see the island’s most impressive sights from a new angle.
Quick Overview
This list of the best helicopter tours in Oahu covers a wide range: from short 18-minute rides over Waikiki to private hour-long flights showing all the major landmarks. Some options, like the 60-minute private tour, are ideal for couples or small groups wanting a personalized experience. Meanwhile, the 18-minute shared tour offers a quick but memorable overview perfect for first-timers. Other options, such as the Complete Island tour, highlight the most iconic sights in a single flight, making them a good choice for those short on time but wanting a comprehensive view. For the more adventurous, the Doors Off tours add a sense of freedom and excitement.
Now, let’s look at each of these top tours in detail to help you decide which one fits your plans.
1. Oahu: Helicopter Tour with Doors On or Off
At number 1, this 45-minute helicopter tour is renowned for its flexibility and stunning views. You can choose doors on or off, which really enhances the thrill—flying with doors off lets you feel the wind and get even better photographs. The tour covers Hawaii’s iconic landmarks like Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki Beach, with aerial views of Sacred Falls and Chinaman’s Hat. The pilot will guide you over lush coastlines, forested mountains, and historic sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial.
This tour has a stellar 4.9/5 rating from 191 reviews. Travelers praise the gorgeous scenery, friendly pilots like Nikki, and the flexibility of the open-door experience. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a comprehensive, visually stunning tour, willing to spend around $390 per person. The main downside is the price—it’s a splurge, but reviews confirm it’s worth every penny for the unforgettable views and the option to fly doors off.
Bottom Line: A top choice for those wanting a full, immersive aerial experience with the option of open doors, excellent for photos and thrill-seekers.
2. Private 60 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Honolulu
For a completely personalized experience, this private 60-minute tour hits all the highlights. You’ll fly just with your group, which means more space and tailored commentary. The tour departs from a convenient location and covers Oahu’s most famous sights—from Pearl Harbor and USS Missouri to Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the Makapu’u Lighthouse. The full hour in the air allows for a relaxed, detailed exploration of the island’s beauty.
Guided by a pilot who uses a cell phone lanyard for safety, you’ll see attractions like Honolulu Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and Rabbit Island. Passengers say pilot Stefan was “an excellent pilot,” and the reviews highlight the amazing views and the sense of exclusivity. At $509 per person, it’s a significant investment, but the intimate environment and comprehensive itinerary make it a priceless experience. It’s best suited for those who want a luxury, private tour with plenty of time to ask questions.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups seeking a private, in-depth sightseeing experience, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
3. Oahu: Path to Pali 30-Minute Doors On or Off Helicopter Tour
This shorter, 30-minute flight is perfect if you want a quick taste of Oahu’s top sights. It covers Waikiki, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and the Nu’uanu Pali cliffs—a dramatic viewpoint, and also includes Pearl Harbor. The doors on or off option gives a different perspective—flying doors off offers more thrill and photo opportunities.
Rated 4.9/5 with 95 reviews, passengers especially appreciate pilots like Tobey, who share fun facts and detailed explanations. With a price of $340, it offers a great balance of time and value, giving you an iconic overview without committing to a longer flight. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick but comprehensive view of the island’s most recognizable scenery.
Bottom Line: A convenient, well-rated choice for those wanting an efficient yet memorable helicopter tour.
4. 60 Minutes SHARED Helicopter Tour in Honolulu
If you’re after a full island tour and don’t mind sharing with others, this 1-hour shared experience is a standout. It covers Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Makapu’u Point, and many other noted spots, all from the air. With the doors optional, you can choose your preferred level of exposure for photos and excitement.
Rated 5/5 from 45 reviews, travelers enjoy “unforgettable” sights and praise their pilots, like Scott and Jim, for being knowledgeable and friendly. Priced at $449, it’s a solid value for the comprehensive coverage in a single flight. This tour suits those who want a complete overview and are comfortable sharing space.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who value a full tour without private costs, and want to see as much as possible in a single hour.
5. 18 Minutes SHARED Helicopter Tour in Honolulu
For a quick, affordable introduction to Oahu’s highlights, this short 18-minute ride is hard to beat. It whisks you over Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the shoreline, with options for doors on or off. The itinerary includes flying over Honolulu Harbor, Magic Island, and the Honolulu International Airport.
Rated 5/5 from 31 reviews, visitors mention “amazing scenery” and “friendly pilots like Stefan,” making it an easy recommendation. At $239 per person, it’s an excellent choice for first-timers or those with limited time. It’s a quick, scenic snapshot perfect for a morning or afternoon activity.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, quick overview that highlights Oahu’s most famous sights with the option to fly doors off for added fun.
6. 30 Minutes PRIVATE Helicopter Tour in Honolulu
This half-hour private flight offers an intimate, customized experience over Honolulu. You’ll see Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the beaches of the South Shore, with flexible flight times. Pilot guidance ensures you get personalized narration and a chance to focus on what interests you most.
Rated 5/5 from 26 reviews, travelers love the ease of departure and the chance to fly just with your group for around $359. The private nature makes it ideal for special occasions or travelers wanting more space and flexibility.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a private, short but focused aerial tour tailored to their interests.
7. 30 Minutes SHARED Helicopter Tour in Honolulu
This tour mirrors the private version but for those comfortable sharing, with 30 minutes of aerial sightseeing. It covers the volcanic cone of Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Koko Head, offering amazing views of the shoreline and Makapu’u Lighthouse.
Rated 5/5 by 25 travelers, people commend pilot Jim’s professionalism and the excellent scenery. For $319, it delivers a full tour with plenty of photo opportunities and less expense than private options.
Bottom Line: A popular choice for travelers seeking a well-rounded, shared experience at a reasonable price.
8. Oahu: Waikiki 20-Minute Doors On / Doors Off Helicopter Tour
This short, 20-minute tour is perfect for focused sightseeing over Waikiki. You’ll fly above the city skyline, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Punchbowl Crater, with the option of flying doors off for better photo opportunities and a more exhilarating ride.
Rated 4.9/5 from 29 reviews, passengers mention “excellent pilot” and “fantastic views.” Costing $305, it’s a quick and budget-conscious way to see the most iconic landmarks without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a quick, exciting overview with the flexibility of open doors.
9. 18 Minutes PRIVATE Helicopter Tour in Honolulu
For a short private flight, this 18-minute experience is perfect for seeing Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the South Shore with doors optional. It’s a great intro for first-timers or those pressed for time but wanting a private, personalized experience.
Rated 5/5 from 19 reviews, travelers call it “wonderful,” with “exceptional pilots like Stefan” praised for their professionalism. At $269 per person, it’s an economical way to see key sights privately.
Bottom Line: Best suited for short, private, and memorable helicopter trips.
10. Complete Island Oahu Helicopter Tour
This 1 hour and 5 minutes tour offers an immersive view of Oahu’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll see Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay, with photo opportunities and an intimate small-group setting (max 6 people). It’s a comprehensive option for those who want to capture the full scope of the island’s beauty.
Rated 4.5/5 from 30 reviews, travelers mention “spectacular views” and the small-group feel as a highlight. Priced at $522.50, it’s a premium experience but offers exceptional value for a detailed and personal tour.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a full, high-quality aerial overview in a small-group setting.
11. From Oahu: Big Island Volcano Adventure & Helicopter
For those willing to travel farther, this full-day adventure takes you from Oahu to the Big Island, with a helicopter flight over volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You also explore Nāhuku Lava Tube, ’Akaka Falls, and more. It’s a long but immersive experience designed for volcano lovers.
Rated 4.4/5, guests emphasize the knowledge of guides like Hugh and the seeing active lava fountains. The all-inclusive price of $843 includes roundtrip flights, transportation, and visits, making it a comprehensive option for travelers targeting Hawai’i’s volcanic wonders.
Bottom Line: Best for dedicated volcano fans wanting an extensive, all-in-one day tour with helicopter views.
12. Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Active Volcanoes & Helicopter Tour
This full-day air and land tour combines Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, and a helicopter flight over Kilauea. It’s a practical way to see Hawai’i’s volcano activity and lush landscapes in one day, starting from Oahu.
Rated 4/5, travelers mention guide Anthony’s enthusiasm and the awe of seeing the volcanoes. At $878, it’s on the higher end but offers a thorough combination of land and aerial sights for volcano enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a comprehensive volcano experience, this tour offers a good balance of land and air exploration.
13. Oahu to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Hilo 1 Day Tour
This full-day combo includes flight, helicopter tour, and land visits to Kona’s landmarks, Rainbow Falls, and Liliuokalani Gardens. It’s a premium experience at $1,499.99, offering the most comprehensive view of Hawaii’s volcanoes and landscapes.
Rated 4/5, reviewers note the extensive itinerary and professional guides. It’s suitable for travelers seeking a complete, hassle-free exploration of Hawai’i’s volcanic island.
Bottom Line: For those with the time and budget, this is a luxury, all-in-one way to see the Big Island’s highlights.
14. Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai: Highlights & Movie Sites w/ Helicopter
Flying from Oahu to Kauai, this full-day tour features a helicopter ride over the Na Pali Coast, plus stops at Hanalei Bay and Waimea Canyon. The tour includes film sites from movies like Jurassic Park and The Descendants.
Rated 4/5, travelers enjoy the movie site tour and charming town of Hanalei. Priced at $699, it combines air, land, and cultural highlights for an immersive experience of Kauai’s rugged beauty.
Bottom Line: Best for movie fans and those wanting to see Kauai’s natural wonders in a single day.
15. Discover North Shore Helicopter Tour
This 30-minute flight focuses on North Shore’s surf beaches, Ko’olau Mountain Range, and the 1,100 ft. waterfall. It’s an entry-level tour that highlights iconic surf spots like Sunset Beach and Pipeline.
With no reviews yet, it’s an emerging option for viewing the North Shore’s famous waves from above. Priced at $339.90, it’s a straightforward way to check off one of Hawaii’s most legendary coastlines.
Bottom Line: Great for surf fans and those wanting to focus on the North Shore in a short flight.
How to Choose Your Helicopter Tour in Oahu
When selecting the right helicopter tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and what sights matter most. For quick snapshots, the 18-minute tours or 20-minute doors-off options are economical and exciting. Want a more personalized experience? The private tours or the full island experience deliver depth and intimacy. If you’re focused on volcanoes or the Big Island, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour will satisfy your curiosity.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours with limited availability. Consider the logistics—flying doors off adds excitement but may not suit everyone, and private options tend to be pricier but more flexible. Think about your photography needs, adrenaline level, and whether you want a group or private experience. All tours offer a chance to see the island’s stunning landscapes from a unique vantage point, making each a memorable addition to your Hawaiian adventure.
Final Thoughts
From short, budget-friendly rides to luxurious private flights, Oahu’s helicopter tours provide incredible perspectives on the island’s most famous sights. For a quick but impactful overview, the 18-minute tour and 20-minute doors-off deliver impressive views without a big time commitment. If you want to capture every detail with a private guide or fly for an hour, the private tours or full island experience are excellent choices.
For those eager to see Hawai’i’s volcanoes or Kauai’s lush landscapes, dedicated day trips combine air and land in a seamless adventure. Whatever your preference, early booking is wise to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons. These aerial experiences turn the island’s breathtaking scenery into a memory that will stay with you long after you land.