Top Hawaii Helicopter Tours

Hawaii helicopter tours are an extra-special way to see the beautiful islands from above. Past customers rate these tours among the highest:

• Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter Tour
• PRIVATE Kauai DOORS OFF Helicopter Tour & NO MIDDLE SEATS
• Entire Kauai Air Tour - ALL WINDOW SEATS
• Oahu: 60 Min Royal Crown Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On
• West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour

Hawaii helicopter rides are worth it. Yes, a helicopter tour could be among the pricier excursions you take on your trip to Hawaii, but it will likely be the one you don’t stop talking about when you get home. The views of waterfalls, volcanoes, and rugged coast are stunning—seeing them is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Helicopter rides in Hawaii range in price anywhere from US$220 per person in a shared helicopter to US$2,000 for your group’s exclusive aircraft use. Price will also vary depending on whether transportation to the helipad from your hotel is included. Most helicopter tours are of one island, but some pricier options include tours of two neighboring islands.

Helicopter rides typically range from 18–60 minutes of flight time. Shorter flights include time flying above one island’s coastline, while longer ones might take you inland to a volcano or valley waterfall. Prices vary accordingly, so there’s a helicopter ride for all time frames and budgets.

Each Hawaiian island has unique landscapes and natural attractions to admire from the air. The “best” island for a helicopter ride is probably the island you’re vacationing on. Check out Kauai’s lush scenery made famous in Jurassic Park, Oahu’s Honolulu coastline, steep waterfalls on Maui, or volcanoes on the Big Island—you may even see glowing lava of an active volcano.

Hawaii helicopter pilots not only safely navigate the skies above the islands, but they also narrate your air tour with entertaining commentary. Tipping your pilot isn’t required, but it’s certainly appreciated if their good service has enhanced your vacation. Consider tipping them US$10–$20 per person, depending on the tour length.

Yes, you’ll be touring with a licensed pilot who flies over Hawaii almost daily and follows strict FAA standards to ensure safety and peace of mind. Helicopter tours only take off when weather conditions are optimal, and include a pre-flight safety briefing so you’ll know exactly what to expect while in the air.

Keep your budget in check by choosing shorter, shared helicopter tours that offer the same wow-worthy views at the lower end of the price range. Doors-off and doors-on options such as the Kauai: Heart of the Island Doors-Off Helicopter Tour and the 18 Minutes Shared Helicopter Tour in Honolulu offer 18 minutes in the air for under US$250 per person.

Consider your priorities to choose the helicopter tour that best fits your travel style and budget. Avid photographers and seasoned passengers are drawn to longer, doors-off tours that focus on the most spectacular scenery, while families and nervous fliers can opt for a shorter, doors-on flight to cover the main landmarks. Shared flights are easy on the wallet, but private experiences offer more flexibility and guaranteed window seats.

Wear dark clothing to minimize window reflections in your photos. If you’re taking a doors-off tour, secure loose items and dress in layers—it gets windy and cool at higher altitudes. Arrive early for check-in and a safety briefing. Let the captain or staff know if you’re prone to motion sickness so they can seat you accordingly.

Yes, children can ride helicopters in Hawaii, and many tours welcome kids of all ages. Infants under 2 years old typically fly for free on a parent’s lap, while older children will need their own seat. Age and weight requirements may vary by operator, so be sure to check the tour details before booking.

Helicopter tours require calm, clear skies to take off, so you’ll be offered an alternate date or a refund if your flight is canceled due to high winds or low visibility. Check your tour’s cancellation policy before booking so you know what to expect, and reserve your scenic flight at the start of your trip to make it easy to reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Photographers prefer doors-off tours, which offer unobstructed views without window glare for clear shots from the sky. These flights get blustery, so dress in layers and keep all personal items secured against the gusts of wind. Families and less confident passengers often prefer the peace of mind of doors-on tours, sacrificing wide-angle views for a quieter ride.