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
• Entire Kauai Air Tour - ALL WINDOW SEATS
• Open-Door Helicopter Tour Over Oahu
• Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopters
• PRIVATE Kauai DOORS OFF Helicopter Tour & NO MIDDLE SEATS

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$160 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 movies, 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.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Hawaii aside from helicopter tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Snorkeling

• Ziplining

• Swim with Dolphins

• Parasailing

• Sunset Cruises

Hawaii helicopter tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• Entire Kauai Airplane Tour with All Window Seats

• 18 Minutes SHARED Helicopter Tour in Honolulu

• Private Kona Coast Helicopter Tour: All Window Seats

• 18 Minutes PRIVATE Helicopter Tour in Honolulu

• Ohana Doors-On Tour

There are a lot of Hawaii helicopter tours out there, so do your research before booking. Flight times and routes vary—some focus on volcanoes, others highlight waterfalls or coastlines. Tours may depart from locations including Kauai, Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island. Check weight restrictions, seating arrangements, and whether it’s a doors-on or doors-off experience.

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.