Mauna Loa Helicopter Private Tours - Honolulu South Shore Doors On & Off Flights

Soar above Oahu’s south shore for 20 minutes on a private doors-on or doors-off helicopter tour to see historic and natural landmarks in the bustling capital city of Honolulu. Ascend into the skies from the Honolulu heliport and begin your journey along Diamond Head Crater while overlooking Hawaii’s most populated island. Then fly towards Koko Head and Hanauma Bay, before moving on to the sandy beaches and rocky cliffs alongside the iconic Makapuu Lighthouse. You will even see Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, as well as the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific. Book your tour today to experience the fusion of urban vibrance next to calming oceans!

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

• Private tour - With space for up to four people, every flight is private for just you and your group. This makes it a wonderful option for couples and small groups of family and friends.
• 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.
• Best value - You get the same price whether you choose to have the doors on or off.
• Afternoon tour - Choose what time you want to see Oahu’s south shore from the skies between 1:15PM to 3:45PM, giving you plenty of time to explore other places on the island in the morning.
• Guided tour & communication with the pilot - You can push a button during the flight in between the commentary if you have more questions about your destination.
• Safety record - Mauna Loa has been operating since 2006 with trained professionals and local experts who are also flight instructors or EMS pilots. They perform safety checks and briefing each time before departure.

What is the difference between the packages?

Doors-ON Flight Experience In a closed aircraft, you are shielded from wind exposure where you can enjoy the music and narration clearly. You have the comfort of an air-conditioned experience and appreciate the scenery through large windows. Children ages 7 years old and above can participate.

Doors-OFF Flight Experience A floor-to-ceiling opening gives you unobstructed views, cooler temperatures, and wind exposure in an adventurous experience, perfect for taking high-quality photos without the glare from the windows. Children ages 12 years old and above are welcome to join the tour.

Local expert tips

• Please check in 40 minutes prior to your flight time to ensure ample time for the safety briefing, and this will allow you time to store any belongings in the provided lockers.
• 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.
• Guests who choose the doors-off option need to secure long hair into a ponytail or bun and avoid wearing skirts or flowing outfits. Eyeglasses are also permissible on the flight, but earrings should be removed for maximum comfort while wearing headsets. Any loose items like cameras need to have a sturdy strap.
• While this tour often sells out, guests are always welcome to check on any last-minute availability.
• Although the helicopter pilot chooses flight paths that ensure a smooth ride, if you're prone to motion sickness, please take preventative medicine 1 hour prior to departure.

Aircraft information

R44 is a 4-seated helicopter with a large curved tail that minimizes flyover noise, giving unobstructed views for passengers whether they choose to have the helicopter doors-on or doors off.

Seating arrangement

Oahu flights are privately flown with the Doors-Off in an R44 helicopter. All flights have no middle seats, giving you the best private viewing experience throughout the tour. One passenger sits right next to the pilot at the front of the aircraft and window seats are in the back for your family and friends. Whichever side you are seated on, your pilot will ensure you get all the best views possible.

How to get there?

The tour departs from Honolulu Heliport, which is a few minutes away from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and about 25 to 30 minutes from Honolulu and Ko Olina. There are complimentary parking spots nearby for your convenience.