Oahu Helicopter Tour: Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor & North Shore

See All of Oahu in One Hour From the Air

You fly in a small helicopter with a certified pilot and noise-cancelling headsets, seeing Diamond Head, Kane'ohe Bay's sandbar, the North Shore's famous reefs, Pearl Harbor's memorials, and the Leeward Coast's mountains and beaches in 60 minutes. Check-in is one hour before departure; tours may shift due to weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Fly over USS Arizona Memorial
• Pass Pearl Harbor National Memorial
• View Waikiki surf beach
• See Diamond Head volcanic cone
• Fly above Hanauma Bay marine preserve
• Pass Lanikai Beach white sand
• View Kailua town and beaches
• Admire Kāneʻohe Bay and Heeia Pond
• Fly over Kualoa Ranch nature reserve
• See 1,100ft forbidden waterfall
• View North Shore surf coast
• Pass ancient shield volcano remains
• Admire Nanakuli Forest Reserve and beach park
• Fly over Ko 'Olina resort area

The Experience

You've just landed on Oahu. Your hotel is booked, your bags are somewhere, and you've got a window of time before the rest of your trip starts. A 60-minute helicopter tour of Oahu covers the whole island in a way that no drive or boat ever could — you're up there seeing Diamond Head's volcanic crater, the turquoise sandbar at Kane'ohe Bay, the cliffs that look like they're straight out of Jurassic Park, and Pearl Harbor all in one flight. The tour is limited to six people maximum, so it's not a cattle-car experience; you get a window seat and a two-way headset to talk with the pilot, who's a State of Hawaii certified guide.

The route starts over Waikiki and moves east toward Diamond Head, then swings around to Hanauma Bay — a marine preserve tucked inside a volcanic cone where the water shifts between deep blue and pale turquoise depending on the reef below. From there you cross to the windward side and Kane'ohe Bay, where a massive sandbar creates colors you don't see anywhere else. Kualoa Ranch spreads out below (you'll recognize it from movies), and then the North Shore comes into view with its famous reef formations that create the waves surfers travel the world to ride. The western side of the island — the Leeward Coast — shows you the 4,000-foot Wai'anae range, Makaha Beach where big wave surfing started, and Ko'Olina resort. And then there's Pearl Harbor: the USS Arizona Memorial marking where 1,102 sailors and Marines rest, the USS Missouri where the surrender was signed, and the nine historic sites that make up the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. It's heavy, and seeing it from above adds a perspective that matters.

Check-in is an hour before your flight time — that's when you get weighed (the helicopter needs to balance), go through a safety briefing, and get settled into your seat. Bring dark clothing so you don't reflect in the windows, and leave the big camera and selfie stick at the hotel; the headsets and the window are all you need. Tours can shift around depending on wind and weather, so there's some flexibility built in. You can't dive within 24 hours of flying, and if you weigh over 240 pounds, you'll need to book an adjacent empty seat (it's half price) to keep the aircraft balanced. After you land, there are optional video and photo packages you can buy, but those aren't included — bring a credit card if you want them.

What’s included

• 60-minute guided helicopter tour of Oahu.
• two-way communication headsets with Bose aviation-grade noise-cancelling technology.
• State of Hawaii certified pilot guide.
• all fees and taxes.
• views of Diamond Head, Kane'ohe Bay, Kualoa Ranch, the North Shore, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, Hanauma Bay, Lanikai Beach, and the Leeward Coast.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters - Oahu

Is this one for you?Right for travelers with limited time who want to see the whole island without driving or planning multiple stops — the helicopter covers all the major landmarks and both sides of Oahu in a single hour, and the small group size means you get a window seat and direct communication with the pilot.

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Top questions

What's included in the tour?

The helicopter flight, two-way communication headsets with Bose noise-cancelling technology, a State of Hawaii certified pilot guide, and all fees and taxes. Video and photo packages are optional and sold separately.

How many people fly together?

Maximum six passengers per flight, so it stays small and personal.

When do I need to arrive?

Check-in is one hour before your scheduled departure time. Late arrivals may not be accepted and are non-refundable.

What if I weigh over 240 pounds?

You'll need to book an adjacent empty seat to balance the aircraft. That seat costs half the regular tour price and should be arranged after you book.

Can I bring a camera?

Large cameras and extending selfie sticks aren't permitted on the helicopter. You can bring a small camera or phone, and optional photo packages are available for purchase after landing.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours may shift or vary depending on wind and weather conditions. The operator will work with you to reschedule if needed.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. The heliport, helicopter, and all areas are wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair lift is available at the base to assist with boarding.

Can I fly if I've been diving?

No. You must wait at least 24 hours after diving before taking the helicopter tour.