Nothing reveals Hawaii's dramatic beauty like a helicopter tour. Soar over volcanic craters, hidden waterfalls inaccessible by foot, and coastlines that look like they belong in Jurassic Park (because they were filmed there). Each island offers unique aerial perspectives you simply can't get any other way.
Which Island Has the Best Helicopter Tour?
| Island | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kauai | Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Mt. Waialeale waterfalls | Most dramatic scenery; #1 overall |
| Big Island | Active volcanoes, lava flows, diverse landscapes | Volcanic activity, unique terrain |
| Maui | Haleakala crater, West Maui waterfalls, Hana coast | Variety of landscapes |
| Oahu | Ko'olau cliffs, Sacred Falls, North Shore | Convenient from Waikiki |
Our pick: Kauai offers the most jaw-dropping helicopter tour in Hawaii. Much of the island is inaccessible by road, and the combination of Na Pali's sea cliffs, Waimea Canyon's colors, and Mt. Waialeale's hundreds of waterfalls is unmatched.
Doors-Off vs. Doors-On
Doors-Off Tours
Doors-Off Heart of the Island Kauai Tour – Jack Harter Helicopters
Jack Harter has operated in Kauai since 1962—one of the longest-running helicopter tour companies on the island. The Doors-Off format removes the door on your side entirely for unobstructed photography and a more immersive flight. Coverage includes Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon gorges, Wailua Falls, and the lush interior valleys. Weather-dependent; safety is the stated priority for cancellations. Departs from Lihue Airport.
Duration: 55–65 minutes • Operator: Jack Harter Helicopters • Departs: Lihue Airport
Check Availability →
- Unobstructed views and photos—no reflections
- More thrilling, immersive experience
- Wind and noise (you'll wear a harness)
- Not available on all operators
- Slightly higher price
Doors-On Tours
- Climate-controlled, quieter cabin
- Better for nervous flyers or children
- Photos through windows (can get reflections)
- More widely available
Recommendation: If you're comfortable and want the best photos, doors-off is worth it. For families or nervous flyers, doors-on is still spectacular.
Island-by-Island Guide
🏝️ Kauai Helicopter Tours
The gold standard of Hawaii helicopter tours. You'll see Na Pali Coast's 4,000-foot cliffs, fly into Waimea Canyon, and circle Mt. Waialeale—one of the wettest spots on Earth with waterfalls cascading from every cliff.
Private Kauai Experience – Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
Mauna Loa runs 60-minute island tours covering Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls, and Mt. Waialeale. The Private Kauai Experience keeps the group to your party only—no strangers sharing the aircraft. More hovering time at key locations since you're not managing a mixed group's interests. Worth the additional cost for special occasions. Departs from Lihue.
Duration: 60 minutes • Operator: Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours – Kauai • Departs: Lihue Airport
Check Availability →- Duration: 45-65 minutes
- Popular: Na Pali, Waimea Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls)
🌋 Big Island Helicopter Tours
The only place to see active volcanic landscapes from the air. Tours fly over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, black lava fields, and (when conditions allow) flowing lava. Also covers tropical valleys and waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast.
- Duration: 45-120 minutes
- Popular: Kilauea volcano, lava fields, Kohala waterfalls
Private Kona Coast Experience – Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
Mauna Loa flies the Kona side of the Big Island as a private charter—your party only, no strangers sharing the aircraft. The Kona coast route covers the lava fields and the coastline rather than the Hilo-side waterfalls, so pick it for the volcanic terrain and the coastal flying. Departs Kona.
Operator: Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours – Big Island • Departs: Kona
Check Availability →🌺 Maui Helicopter Tours
Circle the massive Haleakala crater, fly through valleys with hidden waterfalls, and trace the dramatic Road to Hana coastline from above. Some tours include Molokai's sea cliffs—the world's tallest.
- Duration: 45-65 minutes
- Popular: Haleakala crater, West Maui waterfalls, Hana coast
🏙️ Oahu Helicopter Tours
Convenient from Waikiki with views of the Ko'olau mountain range, Sacred Falls, and North Shore beaches. Also covers Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head from above.
- Duration: 30-60 minutes
- Popular: Ko'olau cliffs, Sacred Falls, North Shore
Tips for the Best Experience
- Book morning flights: Clearer skies before afternoon clouds build
- Wear dark clothing: Reduces window reflections for photos
- Request front seat: Best views (usually costs extra or luck of the draw)
- Take motion sickness meds: If you're prone to it
- Charge your camera: You'll want lots of photos
- Listen to the pilot: They provide fascinating narration
How Much Do Helicopter Tours Cost?
- Budget tours: $200-250 (shorter flights, doors-on)
- Standard tours: $300-400 (45-60 min, quality operators)
- Premium tours: $400-600+ (doors-off, longer flights, landing tours)
Bottom Line
A helicopter tour is a splurge—but it's often the highlight of a Hawaii trip. You'll see waterfalls, valleys, and coastlines impossible to reach any other way, with memories (and photos) that last forever.
Browse helicopter tours across all Hawaiian islands.