What to Expect on This Oahu Helicopter Tour
Magnum Helicopters offers a roughly 45-minute aerial tour of Oahu that circles the island, starting from Waikiki, sweeping past the North Shore's famous Pipeline, and returning over Pearl Harbor. What sets this experience apart is that it's flown with the helicopter doors open—a thrilling choice that gives you unobstructed views and the sensation of flying through the air with nothing but sky around you. This is not a gentle sightseeing flight; the video shows it feels more like a roller coaster, with the helicopter responding to air currents and the rotor above creating a distinctive sensation that the tour operator compares to being pushed around on a tire swing.
This tour suits anyone who enjoys flying, wants dramatic aerial photography of tropical scenery, and doesn't mind a bit of turbulence or the vulnerability of an open-door ride. If you're nervous about flying or uncomfortable with heights, the video's creator recommends skipping it. But if you're an aviation enthusiast, a seasoned traveler, or someone looking for an unforgettable way to see Oahu's geography and landmarks, this is a genuine adventure.
Key Moments
Highlights of the Magnum Helicopters Experience
- Flying over Waikiki with surfers visible in the water below, giving context to one of the world's most iconic beaches
- The North Shore's legendary Pipeline, where you can spot surfers waiting for waves from hundreds of feet up
- Flying through a rain cloud with open doors—a moment of surprise where spray comes in but the rotor keeps most moisture off you
- The wreckage of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, where you can see 80-year-old oil still leaking from the vessel, visible as a sheen on the water's surface
- A complete circular route around the island, covering Waikiki, the Waianae Coast, central valleys, and the historic Pearl Harbor district
- A close look at Hawaii's valleys and lush mountain terrain that's far more dramatic and detailed from the air than from ground level
What You Need to Know Before Booking
- Duration: The tour runs approximately 45 minutes to an hour, with a full circle of the island
- Open-door flight: This is not a standard closed-cabin helicopter tour; doors are off, meaning you're exposed to wind and the elements—keep your hands and fingers inside at all times, as the rotor creates serious hazards
- Physical sensation: Expect turbulence and movement; the video creator describes it as feeling like a roller coaster, so be prepared for a bumpy, thrilling ride rather than a smooth glide
- Weather considerations: The tour flies through rain clouds; you'll get some spray but won't be soaked because of rotor dynamics
- Booking urgency: Tours with premium operators like Magnum Helicopters fill up quickly, especially for popular departure times; book as soon as you've committed to your Hawaii trip
- Photography: An open-door setup is ideal for camera work and video, though securing gear and managing spray will require attention
Frequently Asked Questions About This Oahu Helicopter Tour
Is this helicopter tour safe?
The video shows a professionally operated tour with an experienced pilot (Brandon) and standard safety practices for open-door helicopter flights. The open-door design is intentional and part of the premium experience offered by Magnum Helicopters. That said, it does require you to follow strict rules—no hands out the window, fingers inside at all times—because the rotor above is a real hazard.
What's the physical sensation really like?
The video's creator, flying a helicopter for the first time, describes it as similar to being pushed around on a tire swing—you're hung from the middle (the rotor) and move where the aircraft goes. It's a roller coaster-like experience with noticeable turbulence and movement, so if you're prone to motion sickness or prefer smooth flights, this may not suit you.
Will I get wet flying with open doors?
The video includes a moment where the tour flies through a rain cloud, and the pilot notes that you get some spray but don't get soaked. The rotor dynamics keep most of the moisture off you, though it's still a bit of a surprise in the moment.
What sights will I actually see?
You'll see Waikiki and visible surfers in the water, the North Shore including the Pipeline surf break, central valleys and mountains, and Pearl Harbor with the USS Arizona wreckage and visible oil sheen. The tour circles the entire island, giving you a 360-degree view of Oahu's geography from hundreds of feet in the air.
How much time should I book for this activity?
Plan for roughly 45 minutes to an hour of actual flight time. You'll want to add time before and after for check-in, safety briefing, and getting in and out of the helicopter, so block out at least two hours total for the experience.
