Oahu Helicopter Tour: Doors Off or On, Sacred Falls & Diamond Head

Summary

Soar above Oahu’s cliffs, waterfalls & beaches in 45 minutes

You’ll feel Oahu rush up beneath you as you fly doors-off (or on) past Diamond Head’s crater, Lanikai’s turquoise waters, and deep into Sacred Falls’ hidden valley. With a local pilot guiding each turn and views of Pearl Harbor below, this 45-minute helicopter tour is pure adrenaline mixed with quiet awe — plus your phone stays safe thanks to their trusty strap.

What’s the experience like?

I almost chickened out at the last minute — the whole “doors off” thing sounded fun until I actually saw the chopper. My hands were sweating as we buckled in, but our pilot (I think her name was Jess?) cracked a joke about pineapple hairdos and it helped. The seatbelt felt tight enough, so I just tried to breathe and not drop my phone (the strap they gave me was honestly a lifesaver). We lifted off from Honolulu and suddenly the ground just fell away — you know that weird feeling when your stomach drops but you’re also grinning like an idiot?

The first big moment was swooping over Diamond Head. I’ve hiked it before, but seeing right into the crater from above — with the sun glinting off Maunalua Bay — that’s something else. Jess pointed out Hanauma Bay’s reefs, all those shifting blues and greens, and then we zipped along the Ko’olau cliffs. Wind whipped my hair everywhere (bring a hair tie if you can), and there was this salty smell mixed with something sweet — maybe plumeria? Hard to say. At one point she banked us over Lanikai Beach and I swear I could see tiny kayaks bobbing below.

We got closer to Sacred Falls than I thought possible; it looked almost fake, like someone had painted it onto the mountainside. The valley was so green it hurt my eyes for a second. There wasn’t much talking up there except for Jess pointing out random movie locations (“Jurassic Park was filmed right down there!”) and someone behind me nervously laughing every time we hit a gust. The Dole Plantation fields looked like a patchwork quilt on the way back — all neat rows of pineapples stretching forever.

Our last pass was over Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. It got quiet for a bit — even Jess didn’t say much. Something about seeing it from up high made it feel heavier than I expected. When we landed, my legs were wobbly but in that good way where you know you’ll remember it later. Still not sure how my hair survived.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic helicopter tour of Oahu sights

• Fly over Diamond Head crater
• View Maunalua Bay and Hanauma Bay reefs
• Spot Makapu’u lighthouse and longest beach
• See Lanikai Beach and Chinaman’s Hat
• Fly into Ka'a'awa Valley and Sacred Falls
• Pass over Dole Plantation pineapple fields
• Fly by Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial

Top questions

How long is the Oahu helicopter tour?

The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Can I choose doors off or on for the helicopter ride?

Yes, you can select either doors off or doors on when booking.

What sights are included in this Oahu helicopter tour?

You’ll see Diamond Head, Maunalua Bay, Hanauma Bay, Lanikai Beach, Sacred Falls, Dole Plantation, and Pearl Harbor including the USS Arizona Memorial.

Is pickup included in this helicopter tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; parking fees are included.

Are children allowed on this flight?

Infants can ride on an adult’s lap; all passengers 24 months or older require their own seat.

What should I wear for a doors-off helicopter tour in Oahu?

You need jackets or sweatshirts, closed-toe shoes, long pants recommended, and hair ties for doors-off flights.

Is this Oahu helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are there weight restrictions for flying with doors off?

Yes; minimum weights apply depending on aircraft type: 80 lbs for Robinson R44 or 100 lbs for Airbus Astar helicopters.

What’s included

Your flight includes parking fees at departure and a secure phone strap so you can take photos safely while soaring above Oahu’s landmarks like Sacred Falls and Diamond Head—no need to worry about dropping your phone mid-flight.