A One-Hour Aerial Tour of Oahu's Most Iconic Landmarks
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters' full island tour of Oahu takes you on a 60-minute flight that covers nearly everything worth seeing on the island—from the famous beaches of Waikiki and Diamond Head Crater to the windward cliffs, movie-famous Kualoa Ranch, and Pearl Harbor. The video follows a family with young children (ages nearly 4 and 18 months) as they experience the tour firsthand, giving you an honest look at what to expect, how the operation runs, and whether the $320-per-person cost is worth it.
This experience suits adventurous travelers who want to see Oahu's geography from a completely different perspective—the kind of views that locals rarely witness and ground-based tours simply cannot reach. If you're planning a Hawaiian vacation and have some budget to spare, this ranks among the most memorable activities available on the island.
Key Moments
Key Sights on the Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Oahu Tour
- Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater from above, where your tour begins
- Hanauma Bay and Koko Head, revealing the geology of Oahu's southeastern tip
- Makapu'u Lighthouse and small offshore islands along the windward coast
- Kualoa Ranch and its famous valleys—the landscape used in countless Hollywood films and TV shows
- Sacred Falls, one of Oahu's tallest waterfalls, now accessible only by helicopter due to a 1999 landslide that closed ground access
- The North Shore and USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor before returning to the airport
What to Know Before Booking Your Oahu Helicopter Flight
- Cost: $320 per adult; children sit on a parent's lap free (in this case, a family of three adults and two children paid approximately $960 total)
- Duration: One hour of flying time
- What to wear: You'll be given black shirts to wear during the flight; the black color prevents reflections in the helicopter windows, giving you clearer views
- Safety briefing: A mandatory safety orientation happens before boarding
- Pilot narration: Your pilot will explain landmarks and share facts about the island, including movie-filming locations—highly informative and engaging
- Children and young toddlers: The video shows both a nearly 4-year-old and an 18-month-old on board; young children may fall asleep during the flight
Frequently Asked Questions About This Oahu Helicopter Tour
Is this helicopter tour worth the $320 per person?
According to the video, yes—the experience is described as one of the most memorable in Hawaii. The footage reveals vistas and details that most visitors never see, including waterfalls, valleys, and island peaks. The creators emphasize that no ground-based tour can replicate these views, and even locals rarely experience them.
How old do children need to be to fly?
The video shows an 18-month-old sitting on a parent's lap for free, suggesting very young children are permitted. However, the video does not provide an official age or weight policy. Contact Blue Hawaiian Helicopters directly to confirm their specific requirements for your child's age and size.
Will the helicopter flight upset my child's ears or stomach?
The video does not address motion sickness or ear discomfort directly. Both children in the video fell asleep during the tour, suggesting the flight was smooth and comfortable enough to rest. If your child is prone to motion sickness or ear sensitivity, discuss this with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters when booking.
What is Sacred Falls and why is it only seen from the air?
Sacred Falls is one of Oahu's tallest waterfalls. It became accessible only by helicopter after a landslide in 1999 killed eight people and forced authorities to close ground access permanently. The helicopter tour offers one of the few ways to see this landmark anymore.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The video does not mention weather delays or cancellation policies. Since helicopter flights are weather-dependent in Hawaii, contact the operator before your booking to understand their cancellation or rescheduling options.
