Mauna Loa Helicopter Private Tour - Oahu Full Experience Doors On & Off Flights

Take off from Honolulu airport and soar over Waikiki's stunning coastline on an Oahu helicopter ride where the bustling city seamlessly meets the white sand beaches. Then fly along the leeward coast to get a stunning view of Diamond Head and Makapuu Point Lighthouse. Hover over Kailua Beach, Mokoli’i island, Kaneohe Bay’s crystal-clear waters, Sacred Falls, the famous North Shore, Banzai Pipeline, and Waimea Bay’s legendary waves. Lastly, your pilot will slowly fly over Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona, captivating a mix of historic urban vibrance and coastal tranquility. Don’t miss out and book your sightseeing tour from the skies today!

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

• Guaranteed window seats - Enjoy a window seat onboard with either doors on or doors off, perfect for taking photos and gaining a whole new perspective of Oahu’s iconic landmarks. Mauna Loa Helicopters guarantee to showcase spectacular scenery and breathtaking views that are not obtainable by car sightseeing or hiking.
• Best value- You get the same price whether you choose the doors-on or doors-off option. The aircraft accommodates more weight than other models, plus there are lockers before your flight to store your extra belongings.
• Safety record - Mauna Loa has been operating since 2006 with trained professionals and local experts who are also flight instructors and EMS pilots. They perform safety checks and briefing each time before departure.
• Multiple departure times - Choose what time you want to see the Honolulu from up above in the morning or afternoon, between 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM. The skies paint a different scenery each time of the day.
• Guided tour and communication with the pilot - You can push a button during the flight in between the commentary if you have more questions about your destination.

What is the difference between the packages?

Both options offer an exceptional viewing experience, as each window seat has wide windows extending from the top of your head to your waist. The choice to fly with or without doors depends on your priorities and comfort level.

Doors-ON Flight Experience

• Aircraft: R44
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Maximum of 3 passengers
• Guaranteed window seats
• Commentary by an experienced pilot
• Accommodates children ages 7 years old and above
• In a closed aircraft, you are shielded from wind exposure and you will be able to enjoy the music and narration clearly. It offers a more serene and captivating experience as you take in the breathtaking scenery through the large windows.

Doors-OFF Flight Experience

• Aircraft: R44
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Maximum of 3 passengers
• Guaranteed window seats
• Commentary by an experienced pilot
• Accommodates children ages 12 years old and above
• Best for passengers looking for the perfect photo opportunities
• The doors-off flight is a more adventurous experience and you will not get the glare from the windows in your pictures. The floor-to-ceiling openings allow you to look straight down to the ocean and mountains. Because the helicopter is open to the elements, you will be exposed to wind and cooler temperatures.

Local expert tips

• Please check in 40 minutes prior to your flight time. Each passenger’s exact weight includes shoes, all clothing, and personal belongings including camera equipment and purses.
• What to wear: On a doors-on flight, please wear dark outer layers to minimize reflection in the windows when you take photos. For doors-off flights, please wear a windproof jacket or any warm outer layer that has zippers. Avoid wind-susceptible clothing such as dresses and hooded items. In the winter, please wear long pants. Eyeglasses are also permissible on the flight.
• Best time of the day to fly: Typically, the morning conditions are more favorable than in the afternoon for the best viewing experience.
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer offer the best climate for an aerial tour as Hawaii has plenty of sunshine at this time.

Aircraft information

R44 is a 4-seated helicopter with a large curved tail that minimizes flyover noise, giving unobstructed views for passengers, either doors-off or doors-on.

Seating arrangement

Oahu flights are flown with the Doors-Off in an R44 helicopter. Every seat is a window seat and children ages 7 to 11 years old need to sit next to a closed door, while kids who are 12 years or older may sit next to an open door.

The pilots are skillful in selecting a flight path that affords passengers on both sides of the aircraft the same amazing views.

For your safety, the tour does not permit lap seating. Each passenger, including your child, must be secured with a regular-sized seatbelt in his or her individual seat.

Restrictions

• Total weight restriction per person cannot exceed 275lbs and the total weight group cannot exceed 650lbs. All passengers plus carry-on items will be weighed at check-in.
• You may bring your personal belongings on the aircraft as long as they are lightweight and can be stored under the seat.
• For doors-off flights, cameras and all other gadgets must be secured to a wrist strap or neck strap. Cell phones are permitted for picture-taking but must be set to airplane mode. Earrings should be taken off for maximum comfort while wearing headsets.

How to get there?

The tour departs from Honolulu Heliport, 134 Nakolo Place along Lagoon Drive which is a few minutes away from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and about 25 to 30 minutes from Oahu.

If you’re driving, take Ala Wai Boulevard and McCully St. to I-H-1 W. Follow I-H-1 W to HI-92 W/N Nimitz highway and take Exit 18 from I-H-1 W. Follow HI-92 W/N Nimitz highway and Lagoon Drive to your destination. There are parking spots nearby for your convenience.