Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On – Tour Recap and Review

What to Expect on This Helicopter Experience

Hey there, Justin here. I’ve been booking helicopter tours in Hawaii for years, and I can tell you the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On is something truly special. It’s not just about seeing the sights, it’s about the feeling you get when you lift off and the entire island unfolds beneath you. Whether you choose doors on for comfort or doors off for that pure, unfiltered rush of wind and scenery, this flight delivers an experience that stays with you. There is nothing quite like hovering over jagged green mountains and turquoise reefs with nothing between you and the view.

Oahu is more than just a beautiful island, it’s a place packed with history and legend. As you fly over places like Diamond Head, known to Hawaiians as Lēʻahi, you are soaring over a landmark sacred to the native culture, once a site of ancient temples. The Kaa’awa Valley isn’t just stunning scenery, it’s also famously known as Hollywood’s “Hawaii Backlot”. This is where huge blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Godzilla, and Kong: Skull Island were filmed. Flying through it feels like you’re entering a movie set.

From the solemn history of Pearl Harbor to the legendary waves of the North Shore, this island has a story around every corner. Seeing it all from the air gives you a perspective you just can’t get from the ground. The Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On is designed to show you that full story in one incredible hour. It’s the most efficient and awe inspiring way to appreciate the scale and beauty of it all. This isn’t just a tour, it is the best way to connect with the heart of Oahu.

Here are a few of the highlights I always get excited to tell people about:

• You get to decide, fly with the doors on for a classic, comfortable ride or go doors off for the ultimate photo opportunity and an unforgettable thrill.
• The flight path is comprehensive. You’ll see everything from the iconic Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head crater to the secluded Sacred Falls and the historic USS Arizona Memorial.
• It covers all the famous spots in one go, from the world renowned surf breaks of the North Shore to the lush, dramatic cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountains.
• This is the best value for seeing so much of the island in such a short amount of time. You just can’t cover this much ground, or get these kinds of views, any other way.

Everything That’s Covered in Your Tour

I always make sure our guests know what to expect, and with the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On, we have the essentials covered. We include your parking fees, so you don’t have to worry about that when you arrive. For those incredible doors off photos, we provide a secure phone strap to make sure your device stays safe while you capture those amazing shots. Gratuities are also included, so you can just relax and enjoy the flight without any extra planning.

Sights You’ll See from the Sky

Every part of the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On itinerary is a highlight, but some of these spots have stories that make seeing them from the air even more meaningful.

We start over Waikiki Beach, and right away you’ll see the famous Diamond Head crater. In Hawaiian, it’s called Lēʻahi. Legend says it was a home to the volcano goddess Pele. It was formed by a single, explosive eruption around 300,000 years ago and later used as a military fortification. Seeing its perfect circular shape from above is just incredible.

Next, we fly over Hanauma Bay, which was formed within a volcanic tuff ring that was breached by the ocean. It was once a favorite fishing spot for Hawaiian royalty, like King Kamehameha V, and seeing the vibrant coral reefs from the air shows you exactly why it’s a protected marine life conservation district today.

As we cruise up the windward coast, you’ll see the charming Makapuu Lighthouse and the stunning Lanikai Beach. Then we pass Mokoli’i, which you might know as Chinaman’s Hat. According to Hawaiian legend, this little island is the tail of a giant mo’o, or lizard, that was slain by the goddess Hiʻiaka. It’s one of those stories that makes the landscape come alive.

The helicopter then turns into the breathtaking Kaa’awa Valley, home to the magnificent, and currently inaccessible by foot, Sacred Falls. This area is not only culturally significant in Hawaiian lore, particularly stories of the demigod Kamapuaʻa, but it has also served as the backdrop for over 200 movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park and Lost. After that, it’s up to the North Shore to see the legendary surf spots like Banzai Pipeline before flying over the Dole Plantation’s geometric pineapple fields.

To finish, we make a respectful pass over Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Seeing the sunken battleship from above is a truly moving experience. It marks the resting place for 1,102 sailors and Marines, a powerful reminder of a pivotal moment in history.

Being able to see all these distinct, incredible places in a single one hour flight is what makes the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On such an amazing value. You’re seeing history, nature, and culture all woven together.

Photo Gallery: Best Helicopter Tour Views from Oahu

Need-to-Know Info Before You Fly

I always want my guests to feel prepared and safe, so here are a few important details for the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On. For safety and comfort, there’s a maximum weight limit of 280 lbs per passenger. If you’re between 260 and 279 lbs, there’s a fee for extra space, and anyone 280 lbs or more will need to purchase an additional seat. This ensures the helicopter is balanced and everyone has a comfortable flight.

If you’re choosing the doors off option, which I highly recommend for the thrill, you’ll need to wear closed toe shoes and a jacket, and it’s a good idea to tie back long hair. There are also weight minimums for doors off flights to ensure everyone is secure in their seat, 80 lbs for the smaller R44 helicopter and 100 lbs for the Astar. It’s also good to know that even on a doors off tour, not every seat is directly next to an open door, but the views are fantastic from every seat. And just a friendly reminder, for everyone’s safety, we can’t allow anyone who is intoxicated to fly, and the flight would be charged in full. We’re also happy to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and families with little ones, though any child 24 months or older needs their own seat.

Booking Flexibility & Refund Policy

I know that travel plans can change, so we keep our cancellation policy simple and stress free. You can get a full refund as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On.

Weather is a big factor in Hawaii, and it can be unpredictable. Oahu has two main seasons, a dry season from May to October and a wetter season from November to April. Morning flights often have the clearest and calmest conditions, as clouds can sometimes build up over the mountains in the afternoon. Strong winds or heavy rain can cause delays or cancellations, but safety is always our top priority. From my experience, the spring and fall months, like April, May, September, and October, often offer a great balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. If your tour is affected by weather, we will always work with you to reschedule for the next best time.

Insider Tips from Justin

After your flight, you’ll be buzzing with energy. If you’re looking for a great place to eat nearby, you can’t go wrong with the local food trucks. Head up to the North Shore for some famous garlic shrimp from Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, it’s a classic for a reason. Another tip, if you’re flying in the afternoon, plan to stay on the windward side to catch the sunset from a spot like Lanikai Beach. It’s the perfect end to an amazing day.

To make your Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On even better, I recommend bringing a couple of things. A good pair of Polarized Sunglasses (VIEW ON AMAZON) are a game changer for cutting down the glare off the ocean, letting you see the reefs more clearly. It is also smart to bring a Lightweight Windbreaker Jacket (VIEW ON AMAZON). Even on a warm day, it can get chilly up there, especially with the doors off, so having an extra layer will keep you comfortable.

The Best Times to Book

I get asked this all the time, and honestly, there is no bad time to take the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On. However, for the best experience, I usually recommend a morning flight. The lighting is typically fantastic for photos, the air is smoother, and there’s less chance of clouds building up over the Ko’olau mountains.

Seasonally, Oahu is great year round. The winter months from November to April bring stronger swells to the North Shore, which is incredible to see from the air, but this is also the rainier season. The summer months are generally drier and warmer. For that perfect balance of great weather and fewer crowds, I find that spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal times to book your flight.

Why This Helicopter Tour Gets Incredible Reviews

It’s always great to hear from guests after their flight on the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On. People are consistently blown away by the gorgeous views and call it a wonderful, amazing experience. A common theme is how excellent and knowledgeable the pilots are. We have some native Hawaiian pilots who share personal stories about the island, which adds such a special, authentic touch to the journey. They really go the extra mile, pointing out landmarks, offering local tips, and even circling back to make sure everyone gets that perfect photo.

When you look at what you get, the value is clear.

• Rating: 4.8 out of 715 reviews shows a consistent level of quality and enjoyment. People genuinely love this flight.
• Price: From $440.00 per person, you are getting an hour long flight that covers the entire island. When you consider the cost and time it would take to see all these places from the ground, the value of the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On is unbeatable. The reviews reflect that people feel it is worth every penny for the lifelong memories they create.

Book Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On before it’s too late!

The Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On really is the most incredible way to experience the full beauty and diversity of this island. In just one hour, you’ll see everything from iconic landmarks and world famous beaches to hidden valleys and sacred waterfalls, all from a perspective that will take your breath away. It is an experience you will never forget.

You can view helicopter reviews for this tour, see more photos, and check available dates by clicking the button below. I highly encourage you to book as soon as you know your travel dates. These tours are very popular and fill up fast, with many people booking six months in advance to secure their spot. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity.

Helicopter Tour FAQ’s

Question: Is this okay for kids?

Answer: Absolutely, the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On is a fantastic experience for families. Just remember that all passengers 24 months and older must have their own seat, and there are weight minimums for the doors off option.

Question: Can I bring my phone or camera?

Answer: Yes, and you’ll want to. For the doors off tours, we provide a secure phone strap to keep your device safe. For larger cameras, they must have a strap you can wear around your neck.

Question: What if I get motion sick?

Answer: Helicopter flights are generally very smooth. If you are particularly prone to motion sickness, I suggest taking a non drowsy medication beforehand, just in case. Flying with the doors off can also help as you get fresh air.

Question: How safe are helicopter tours?

Answer: Your safety is the number one priority. All operators adhere to strict FAA regulations, with rigorous maintenance schedules and highly trained, experienced pilots. The safety record for helicopter tours in Oahu is excellent.

Question: Is it scary to fly with the doors off?

Answer: It’s more of a thrill than being scary. You are securely strapped in at all times. The feeling of the open air and the completely unobstructed views make the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On an unforgettable adventure.

Question: What is the best side of the helicopter to sit on?

Answer: Honestly, there isn’t a bad seat. The pilots are skilled at making turns and approaches that give passengers on both sides of the helicopter fantastic views of all the major sites during the Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On.