Looking for an unforgettable adventure in paradise? An Oahu helicopter tour is an absolute must-do. And for the ultimate thrill, dare to go “doors off!”
Imagine witnessing the solemn beauty of the USS Arizona, clearly visible beneath the memorial’s surface.
Picture the awe-inspiring moment when Diamond Head looms large, revealing its majestic presence up close.
Envision gazing down at the seamless transition of aqua, teal, and cerulean blue, a mesmerizing ocean vista.
It wasn’t just one thing; it was the entirety of the experience, every single moment.
A 60-minute helicopter tour over Oahu is an utterly captivating experience, from the initial lift-off to the gentle descent.
Discover the Magic of an Oahu Helicopter Tour
During a recent trip to Oahu, while covering the vibrant 14th Annual Spam Jam (generously sponsored by the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort), I carved out some personal exploration time. One day, I strolled from the hotel towards the iconic Diamond Head, contemplating a surfing lesson but never quite finding the right moment. It was the helpful concierge at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort who suggested an unforgettable experience: a helicopter tour over the island.
In my four decades of life, I had never experienced the thrill of a helicopter ride. Hard to believe, right? This Oahu helicopter tour presented the perfect opportunity! I was incredibly excited, and the decision was swift: booked and confirmed.
The following morning, I savored a delicious Portuguese sausage and fried rice breakfast at Duke’s renowned buffet before heading out to meet the complimentary shuttle. This shuttle collected guests from various hotels, transporting us to Novictor Helicopters, located approximately 30 minutes from the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.
I opted for the 60-minute Royal Crown of Oahu Day Tour, and I chose to go “doors OFF.” Yes, that means precisely what you think: no doors, and the open air surrounding you throughout the entire flight. A “doors ON” tour is also available for those who might feel apprehensive about the open-air experience. However, from personal experience, I can confidently say that if you desire the best, most unobstructed photographs and videos, and an unparalleled experience, choose the “doors off” option. You absolutely will not regret it!
Following a thorough safety briefing, we proceeded to the helicopters and settled in, ready for take-off. Each helicopter accommodates three passengers, so I was joined by a delightful couple from Australia.
I was fortunate enough to secure the coveted “shotgun” seat! Aside from the pilot’s seat, it’s arguably the best vantage point. It was then that I discovered that the woman seated behind me harbored a significant fear of heights. I thought to myself, “Well, this should make for a truly interesting flight!”
Our pilot, Fred, embodied the quintessential Hawaiian helicopter pilot: tanned, fit, and incredibly laid-back. Perhaps a little too laid-back for the woman with a fear of heights… We were each provided with headphones to wear during the flight, allowing us to easily communicate with one another or ask Fred questions, as the helicopter’s noise level can be quite significant.
Take-off was surprisingly smooth, and I glanced down several times to confirm that we had indeed left the ground. Once we reached a sufficient altitude to cruise, however, the ride became noticeably bumpier.
Our Oahu helicopter tour commenced with a flight over the city. I especially appreciate these shots because many who haven’t visited Oahu are unaware of its dense population and the cosmopolitan nature of Honolulu. These are the tallest structures permitted on any of the Hawaiian Islands, and due to the harbor’s limited capacity, I was informed that only one cruise ship is typically docked at a time.
We then circled around to Waikiki, where Fred highlighted prominent landmarks and shared historical insights along the way.
Breathtaking. I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the entire trip. How could I not? Just look at these views!
We approached Diamond Head, an already impressive sight from the ground, but even more astonishing from an aerial perspective.
We flew past Hanauma Bay and over multi-million dollar mansions perched on perfectly sculpted cliffs that plunged into the ocean.
Fred pointed out various locations where popular movies and television shows were filmed, as well as the military practice base, complete with an entire fake community of building shells. It was incredibly fascinating!
To witness the transformation of the landscape from city to beach to suburb to cliffs to mountains, and to observe how it all converges into the most stunning ocean – a spectacle far surpassing any artistic representation – is an experience so profound that words and pictures can never fully capture its breathtaking essence.
One of the most memorable moments was when we flew directly into the mountains, allowing for a close-up view of Sacred Falls.
Incredibly close. So close at times that it felt as though I could reach out and touch the mountain. Of course, doing so would have resulted in a crash, so we were obviously not THAT close. However, we were close enough that the helicopter experienced more turbulence than usual. And, I’m fairly certain the woman behind me was on the verge of a full-blown panic attack in that small helicopter.
Roads once led to Sacred Falls, but they were deemed too damaging to the land. Consequently, the only way to view Sacred Falls today is from the air. I’ve seen numerous remarkable waterfalls in my life, but Sacred Falls truly surpasses them all.
We continued our flight around the North Shore, and then over the Dole Plantation. I didn’t visit the Dole Plantation on this particular trip, but I have on a previous visit and highly recommend it if it’s your first time in Oahu. Alternatively, you could opt for a more private coffee plantation tour and have the opportunity to pick a pineapple directly from the ground, as I did. 😉
As our helicopter tour neared its conclusion, we entered a more somber and reflective phase as we flew over Pearl Harbor.
There’s the USS Missouri, pictured above.
According to Fred, the flight path we took was the same route the Japanese took during the Pearl Harbor bombing. This information was a little unnerving during the flight.
I was profoundly moved by the sight of the USS Arizona beneath the water’s surface. Seeing it from the observation areas on the floating memorial (the white structure visible above) is one thing. But witnessing it from above, where you can discern the complete outline of the sunken ship and observe the trail of oil still seeping into the ocean… words fail me. Simply look at that picture.
Oahu Helicopter Tour: Essential Travel Tips
If you’re contemplating one of the many helicopter tours offered by Novictor Helicopters, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Bring your camera! Photography is highly encouraged. However, ensure your expensive camera has a secure neck strap. You can also bring your cell phone.
- Dress casually and wear comfortable athletic shoes. This isn’t the time for heels, and even flip-flops can be risky, as they could easily fall into the ocean. Opt for secure, closed-toe shoes.
- Dress in layers and wear long pants. A lightweight sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket is ideal. Even if it’s the hottest day of the year, it can get cold and windy in the sky. We even experienced a bit of rain during our flight.
- Empty your pockets before the flight, remove your hat, and be prepared to leave your purse/bag behind. The staff will review these details during the pre-flight safety check. You want to ensure that you don’t have any loose items that could fall out of the helicopter during the flight. Your valuables can be stored in a locked cabinet and returned to you after the flight.
- Bring some cash to tip your shuttle driver and your pilot.
- If you have long hair, tie it back in a ponytail or braid (or man bun, for the hipsters).
- Savor every single second of your trip. Honestly, every second – not just every minute, not just every moment, but every second – presented a new opportunity for wonder, appreciation, and pure bliss.
Why Choose Novictor Helicopters for Your Oahu Tour?
While booking this helicopter tour was an easy decision, it was further solidified after researching reviews of Novictor Helicopters online. After all, when entrusting your life to someone thousands of feet in the air, it’s reassuring to know you’re in capable hands.
I wholeheartedly recommend booking a tour with Novictor Helicopters. Their entire team is warm, welcoming, fun, and extremely knowledgeable and experienced. I felt completely safe throughout the entire experience, which allowed me to have the time of my life.
They offer day tours, sunset tours, and city lights tours, all at varying prices. I indulged in the $285 60-minute Royal Crown Tour, and I can attest that it was worth every penny. However, shorter trips are also available at different, more affordable price points.
Novictor Helicopters is located at the Castle & Cook Aviation Building at the Honolulu International Airport
155 Kapalulu Pl. Ste. 197
Honolulu, HI 96819
1-888-779-7724
1-808-492-8706
http://novictorhelicopters.com/
The 60-minute doors-off tour over all of Oahu was genuinely one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life. It instilled in me an appreciation for the island that I wouldn’t have gained solely from ground-level visits. I can revisit each moment of that tour and feel the adrenaline rush, combined with gratitude and sprinkled with pure bliss.
Have you ever experienced a helicopter tour? If so, where, and what was your experience like? Share your adventures in the comments below!
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