The 7 Best Hawaii Helicopter Tours Reviewed (by Island) 

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Whether it’s your first trip to Hawaii or your tenth, you probably have a bucket list of must-see and do activities. Check off that bucket list item with one of these seven best Hawaii helicopter tours.

One of the most popular activities in Hawaii is a helicopter tour. Not only do you get to see the gorgeous islands from a bird’s-eye view, but you also get to see places that are inaccessible by car or on foot. But it can be difficult to know which Hawaii helicopter tour is the best and safest!

From choosing the best route, helicopter flight comfort, and safety, we’ve compiled our list of the best helicopter tours in Hawaii. 

Hawaii helicopter tours — and helicopter tours in general — are not without their risks. As of 2026, 51 people have been killed in helicopter crashes in Hawaii since 2000.

Hawai’i has the worst helicopter sightseeing safety record in the nation, according to NTSB data. Hawaii’s accident total in that period exceeds Nevada, Alaska, and New York, all of which also have high volumes of helicopter sightseeing traffic. 

I don’t say this to scare you, but to make sure you know how important it is to thoroughly research the companies and their fleets, and to know that if they do cancel due to weather, it’s for your safety.

Best Hawaii Helicopter Tours: Here is what to book!
– Maui: This tour is doors-off and is the best adventure tour on Maui as it visits the tallest seacliffs in the world.
– Oahu: Save 5% with code HVG on the safest helicopter tour company on Oahu. Plus, we love their tour offerings. Click Here to Learn More!
– Kauai: Land at the base of Jurassic Falls with Island Helicopters, or keep it simple with this doors-off tour.
– Big Island: Due to safety records, we are not comfortable recommending a helicopter tour on the Island of Hawai’i.
– If an airplane tour seems more your speed, check out the best Hawaii Airplane Tours

Hawaii Helicopter Tour FAQs:

Which Hawaiian Island is Best for Helicopter Tours?

While all of the islands offer spectacular sights from the air, Kauai has the most dramatic helicopter views. Because so much of the island is inaccessible by car, you’ll get to see close up some beautiful spots you’d have difficulty seeing otherwise, like parts of Waimea Canyon, the Napali Coast, and Wai’ale’ale Crater. 

But if you can’t make it to Kauai, all of the islands offer something a little different in terms of tours, which we cover in our island-by-island review of the best helicopter tours. 

How Much Does a Helicopter Tour Cost in Hawaii?

A helicopter tour starts at $245 for a 45-minute tour. Most tours average $400. This is easily the most expensive tour option in Hawai’i. Unlike a luau, I’ve been hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t enjoy the experience for the price point.

On some tours, you can pay extra ($100+) for a front-row seat or be relegated to the back or middle, where they typically pack in passengers four to a seat.

Is a Hawaii Helicopter Tour Worth It?

While this is an expensive activity, it’s one that people enthusiastically recommend.

Our newsletter subscriber, Anthony H., raved about his experience on a tour with Air Maui.

“Overall, I would highly recommend a helicopter tour at least once to see Maui from above and get to go into some of the valleys that can only be seen from a helicopter.  The valleys were so verdant and show no sign of human influence or touch, which was just awesome!”

“My wife and I both felt it was well worth the cost and would love to do it again but even on a longer flight… so time to save our pennies.  Haha!”

Anthony H.

Hawaii helicopter companies often offer unique experiences to make it even more memorable: fly with the doors off, land in remote locations, or hire a private charter for a wedding proposal. 

The allure of a helicopter tour (besides feeling like you’re Magnum PI), is seeing Moloka’i sea cliffs (the largest in the world), Kauai’s Jurassic Park waterfall and Na Pali Coast, Kilauea erupting, Maui’s rugged West Coast, secluded valleys, and other beautiful and exclusive locales from above.

The Hawaii helicopter tours we recommend below will take you to the spots worth seeing from above. 

Why Do So Many Accidents Happen in Hawaii?

Hawai’i’s variable maritime weather, rugged terrain, and busy, tourist-oriented airspace have often been cited as factors contributing to the high rate of accidents.

Kaua’i has the highest record of fatalities.

The allure of flying over the Na Pali Coast means up to 30 helicopters from nine companies are in operation, and at its peak, there can be over 80 air tour landings per day at Līhuʻe Airport.

Kauaʻi’s spectacular scenery puts it at the epicenter of Hawaiʻi’s air tour industry, and Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation data show that air tours on the Garden Island make up 40% of the air tour traffic in the state.

There is no easily accessible rating system that passengers can consult showing the safety record of a particular air tour operator.  

Other than looking for current media reports, the FAA’s Rotorcraft Accident Dashboard and the United States Helicopter Safety Team issue monthly updates on helicopter crashes that offer some context for Hawaii visitors.

Given the track record of the industry, Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry “can and should advise visitors that tour helicopters and small operations are hazardous and are completely objected to by local residents,” U.S. Rep. Ed Case said in a statement this week. 

But helicopter tours in Hawaii are also integral to the state’s economy, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami said at a post-disaster press conference.

“As long as our island is beautiful and mankind is born with curiosity,” Mayor Kawakami said, “people are going to want to experience this.”

What are the Common Hawaii Helicopter Tour Complaints?

But that’s not to say it’s all positive from helicopter tour attendees. Hawaii has a bad track record with helicopter safety, and 51 people have died in helicopter crashes since 2000.

And there are other common complaints to consider before booking. 

Common drawbacks of helicopter tours are the following: 

• Poor visibility from their seat (usually back or middle seats)
• Canceled flights due to weather
• Canceled flights due to the minimum seating threshold not being met

So whether it’s a worthwhile experience for you comes down to whether you pick a great tour and your expectations around cancellations. 

Tips for Picking the Best Hawaii Helicopter Tour

Using the criteria below in our research, we selected what we believe are the best helicopter tours on each island. These were our criteria, which you may want to consider when picking the right tour for you. 

• Safety records include no crashes or injuries. We know past performance can’t predict future results, but some tour operators we don’t recommend have safety records we’re not comfortable with. Do your research to make sure you feel comfortable with the safety track record of the helicopter tour you are booking. 
• Tour operators change their names after accidents. It can be difficult to research crash data as companies will change their names after a fatal crash. We do our best to track the company names across NTSB data.
• Good value for the price: A helicopter tour is expensive, so we looked for ones that added value. Things like having excellent visibility from all seats, a private charter experience, or allowing you to go doors-off. 
• Best tour experience: The flights offered are beautiful parts of the island to explore, and the seating is comfortable

The Best Hawaii Helicopter Tours

When we decided to recommend helicopter tours, our first criterion was safety. We researched helicopter companies’ safety records, FAA fines and penalties, and FAA certifications. 

Best Maui Helicopter Tours

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Maverick Helicopters 

Founded in 1995, Maverick Helicopters is a large, professionally run aviation-based tourism company. With tours in Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Maui, Maverick boasts the largest and youngest fleet of Eco-Star helicopters in the world. 

Tours

Maverick has three tours to choose from:

• Road to Hana and Waterfall Experience: The 75-minute tour includes a touchdown in East Maui (Hana). It features two 20-minute flights plus a 30-minute landing in Hana to walk around and see a bit of the tropical terrain by foot. 
• Molokai Voyage: Fly from Maui over to neighbor island Molokai to get a view of some of the world’s tallest sea cliffs and some of Hawaii’s tallest waterfalls on this 55-minute tour.
• Maui 3-Island Tour: See the sights over Maui, Lanai, and Molokai on a 65-minute flight

Why we like it

One of the most common complaints you’ll hear from a helicopter tour is bad visibility (middle and back seats can get stuck with a bad view). Maverick Helicopters flies an Eco-Star helicopter, which features theater-raised seats in the back. 

Departure location: Kahului, Maui
Price: $309 – $439
Length: 55 min – 75 min, depending on the tour

Air Maui

If you’re looking for variety, you are covered with Air Maui. With a large number of options of tours, including doors-off, landings, and two island tours, you can find a tour that fits your interests. 

Tours

• Doors off West Maui and Molokai: Experience West Maui and Molokai with the doors off on this 45-minute tour. 
• Hana & Haleakala: Fly over two of the most beautiful locations on Maui with this 45-minute tour. 
• West Maui & Molokai Special: 45-minute condensed tour of these two islands
• Complete Island: This 60-minute tour is their most popular flight and takes you all over the island

Why we like it

We take rave reviews from our community very seriously. So when someone emails about a tour and lets us know it was well worth the money, we take notice. Plus, a stellar safety record, a large variety of tour options, and the option to purchase front-row seats make this one we are excited to share. 

Departure location: Kahului
Price: start at $252
Length: 45 min – 75 min

Check out more of what makes Maui special and other things to see in our full Maui guide. 

Best Oahu Helicopter Tours

Honolulu Helicopter – 5% off with promo code HVG

Find a tour to fit your budget and style with Honolulu Helicopter Tours. They offer private tours ranging from 18 minutes to 60 minutes, making the flying experience accessible at different price points. And you have the option for doors on or doors off, so your experience is very customized. 

Save 5% off your helicopter tour with promo code HVG at checkout. Book directly with Honolulu Helicopter Tours here or see below for more information.

We provide a full review and more information on booking in our recommended Activities: Honolulu Helicopter Tours.

Tours available

• 18-minute tour: Get a view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and downtown Honolulu on this quick flight. 
• 30-minute tour: Head a bit further on a 30-minute tour and experience the sights of the 18-minute tour as well as the south shore. 
• 60-minute tour: Get a nearly complete tour of Oahu with this trip, which includes flying over the beautiful Kaneohe Bay and the Ka’a’awa Valley. 

Why we like it

The unique flights (and flight times) make for a fun experience at different price points and having a private flight is a special experience. Note that if you don’t have a full helicopter, you’ll be charged 50% of the price of the open seats (seats up to 3 people). That price is reflected when you book. 

Departure location: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Price: $165 – $309
Length: 18 – 60 minutes

Magnum Helicopter

Magnum P.I. fans will enjoy flying high above Oahu in the Hughes 500D helicopter. The friendly and professional pilots will give you a full guide with plenty of information while you enjoy seeing Oahu with the doors off. Note that if the helicopter isn’t full, they will reschedule your trip. 

Tours

• Doors-off helicopter adventure: Get the ultimate experience with a doors-off ride
• Exclusive mountain top landing: For a truly private and memorable experience, they offer a private helicopter experience, complete with a landing above Kualoa Ranch. 
• Navy Seal experience: This isn’t your typical helicopter tour. From your private helicopter, you’ll jump into the ocean and then scuba dive with a Navy Seal as your guide. 

You can view all of their tours on their website. 

Why we like it

They are clear and transparent with their seating policies. You can pay for front row seating, as long as you’re traveling in a pair and the combined weight is below 345 lbs. 

Departure location: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Price: $325+
Length: 50 minutes

Check out more things to see in our full Oahu guide. 

Best Kauai Helicopter Tours

Island Helicopters Kauai

Island Helicopters has been in business for over 40 years, sharing Kauai with visitors by air. All of their pilots live on the island and are intimately familiar with Kauai’s geography. Island Helicopters is the only company allowed to land at the base of Jurassic Falls, making for an incredible experience you quite literally can’t get anywhere else.

For everyone’s safety and comfort, they do not offer doors-off tours; you can read more about their doors-on policy in their FAQ. Something they do allow is all ages!

Tours

• Grand Skies Island Tour: Stay in the air on a 50-55 minute tour of the island including the NaPali Coast, Jurassic Falls (by air), and Hanalei Bay.
• Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure: Land at the base of Jurassic Falls in this epic 75-80 minute tour of the island. It’s the same as the air only tour + landing.
• Exclusive Personal Tour: A private tour of the island for a group of up to 6 passengers.

Call (808) 254-8588 or submit a reservation request to book.

Why we like it

Aside from the incredibly unique experience of landing at Jurassic Falls… We love Island Helicopters’ concern for the safety and comfort of their passengers. They even offer complimentary pickup from Nawiliwili Harbor for cruise ship passengers! It’s also the most affordable Kauai helicopter tour on this list, so they’re providing excellent value.

Departure Location: Lihue Airport (LIH)
Price: $250-$404+
Length: 50-80 minutes

If you’re arriving to Kauai via cruise ship, don’t miss these resources:
Hawaii Cruise Travel Guide
The Best Time to Cruise Hawaii (Clouds, Crowds, and Cost)
Hawaii Cruise Ports: Details You Need to Know

Air Kauai

Air Kauai is a sister company of our recommended Air Maui, and they operate with the same excellence as their counterpart. They also have several tours available, giving you plenty to choose from!

Tours

• Ohana Package: A 45-minute doors-on flight for up to 6 passengers. All ages are welcome and under 2 fly free.
• Doors-Off: As the name suggests, this is a 45-minute doors-off flight for those adventure seekers. Ages 10+ are welcomed on this tour.
• Private: A 1-hour flight for up to 3 passengers with the option to have the doors on or off. Since this is a private flight, you get to pick your seats.
• Exclusive: Similar to the Private tour, but in a bigger helicopter for up to 6 guests and you pay per hour rather than per person.

Why we like it

They offer guests enough variety to fit any group’s wishes, you can upgrade to a front seat, and they have a stellar safety record. We couldn’t find anything not to love!

Departure Location: Lihue Airport (LIH)
Price: $290+
Length: 45-60+ minutes

Airborne Aviation

This is one helicopter company that keeps it simple. Airborne Aviation does one tour, and they do it well!

Embark on a 50-55 minute doors-off flight with up to 4 passengers. You’ll glide over incredible waterfalls, Mt. Waialeale, and Waimea Canyon. You can upgrade to a front seat or choose to do a private tour.

Why we like it

This is another tour that comes highly recommended by one of our newsletter readers. We also like that they keep it simple. A doors-off helicopter tour is exciting enough; it often doesn’t need much else. Book this tour here!

Departure Location: Lihue Airport (LIH)
Price: $319+
Length: 50-55 minutes

Check out more of what makes Kauai special and other things to see in our full Kauai guide and our How to Visit the Na Pali Coast.

Best Big Island Helicopter Tours

We haven’t found a Big Island helicopter tour that meets our safety and enjoyment criteria. We’re still searching and will update this article if we find one. But we have plenty of other Big Island tours and activities that we love and recommend!

Nothing says staying safe like having four feet planted on the ground. See our Open Range Big Island Horseback Riding recommendation.

Check out more things to see in our full Big Island guide. 

Find the Best Tours and Activities

While a helicopter tour might be on your bucket list, we have even more activities and tours to make your vacation as memorable as possible. From sailing to snorkeling to full island tours, you can check out all of our best recommendations in our Tours & Activities section. 

We break it down by island and give you a full review of the experience. Plus, for some of them, we even share videos of our experiences, so you can see firsthand what to expect and book with confidence.