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Home » Travel » Oahu By Air – A Once in a Lifetime Experience

Oahu By Air – A Once in a Lifetime Experience

By: Liz  /  Published: December 17, 2017  /  Updated: December 24, 2020  /   Leave a comment

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I’m convinced that Hawaii is stunning from any vantage point, but from a helicopter… wow! I had the chance to take an Oahu helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters (courtesy of Sony Pictures) and I was blown away by the island’s beauty. Flying over Oahu’s turquoise blue waters, coral reefs, rocky coastlines and lush mountains with tropical jungles was completely mesmerizing (even on a cloudy day).

Oahu helicopter tour - Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Oahu Helicopter Tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

After a thorough safety briefing, we climbed aboard the closed-door helicopters for a 45-minute sightseeing adventure. (By the way, seat assignments come via a computer program that balances by weight.)

If you’ve never taken a helicopter ride, it looks and feels like a 4D movie so if you experience motion sickness on 4D rides (I definitely do,) you’ll want to wear a Sea Band or take some Dramamine beforehand. There are “comfort bags” in the helicopter, but preventing nausea in the first place is the way to go.

A group of people posing for the camera

Our pilot narrated the entire time via headset (and we could ask questions via microphone) so we’d know where to look and what we were seeing, but here’s the overview from the website. We saw a lot!

On Oahu, Waikiki Beach is just the beginning. In one amazing tour, you’ll experience the phenomenal scenery of this Island’s hidden rainforests, lush valleys, and stunning historic sights. You’ll glide over the vivid turquoise coral reefs of Waikiki, look down into the extinct volcano of Diamond Head, view crescent-shaped Hanauma Bay, white-sand Waimanalo beach, Chinaman’s Hat and the beautiful coral formations in Kaneohe Bay. You’ll soar over the cliffs of the Nuuanu Valley rainforest, then fly along the breathtaking coastline to legendary Sacred Falls and the panoramic Dole Pineapple Plantation. Your Blue Skies of Oahu adventure will also include sweeping views of Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri.

I couldn’t get a shot of everything and I tried to be in the moment as much as possible, but here are a few photos of Oahu by air. Simply stunning (even with an iPhone)!

An island in the middle of a body of water

Water next to the ocean

A rocky island in the middle of a body of water

A close up of a rock near the ocean

A body of water with a mountain in the background

Hanauma Bay

This valley is home to Kualoa Ranch where much of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was filmed and it was so lush and green — absolutely perfect for the jungle setting.

A view of a lush green hillside

We also flew over the Dole Pineapple Plantation with the world’s largest maze.

Dole Plantation pineapple maze

Just before landing, we flew over Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial — a very poignant moment.

Pearl Harbor view from the air

Pearl Harbor – U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

If you’re interested in taking an Oahu helicopter tour, I highly recommend Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. They do an incredible job of showing you the best views of Hawaii’s iconic landscape, and if you want to recapture the experience at home, you can purchase the actual video footage and pilot commentary from your flight.

Have you ever taken an Oahu helicopter tour? Or have you flown in a helicopter?

Related topics
Hawaii Travel

About Liz

Liz is a midwestern mom gone southern (accent in transition). She lives in North Carolina and loves cooking, baking, traveling, movies, crafts, hot and cold tea, wine, pizza and the occasional nap. She also revels in the fact she's a crazy cat lady.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy D says

    January 27, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    I actually did this during my honeymoon! It was magnificent, except my stomach didn’t hold up very well in the helicopter. The sights were beautiful though.

    Reply
  2. JM says

    January 24, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    I am so happy to see these photos, since I will never get into a helicopter. Absolutely breathtaking!

    Reply
  3. shelly peterson says

    January 23, 2018 at 9:03 pm

    How fun! I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. Such beautiful pictures.

    Reply
  4. Janet W. says

    January 21, 2018 at 8:26 am

    I’ve always wanted to ride in a helicopter! It looks so amazing and fun! What a beautiful way to see the land!

    Reply
  5. Dana Rodriguez says

    January 16, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    You got some great photos. I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. The Dole Pineapple Plantation looks like something I would enjoy!

    Reply
  6. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

    December 22, 2017 at 8:38 am

    What an adventure! I did this on the Big Island and loved it! Hoping to go with the same company when we go to Kauai in Jan. So glad you got to do it too.

    Reply
  7. Courtney says

    December 19, 2017 at 11:13 pm

    Omg stunning photos!!!! I had the chance to go to Hawaii and take a helicopter tour a few years back and it was one amazing experience

    Reply
  8. Debra Schroeder says

    December 19, 2017 at 11:02 pm

    OMG, what an incredible experience. I’ve yet to fly in a helicopter. Flying over Hawaii would be amazing.

    Reply
  9. Anosa says

    December 19, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    I think just visiting any part of Hawaii in any format would be such a great opportunity but a helicopter ride would definitely be life changing. I have never taken a helicopter ride before but would love to

    Reply
  10. reesa says

    December 19, 2017 at 4:10 pm

    I wish we could have done this when we visited Oahu! What a wonderful way to see it all!

    Reply
  11. Tami Qualls says

    December 19, 2017 at 4:08 pm

    The scenery is just beautiful. I can only imagine how breathtaking it is experienced onsite.

    Reply
  12. Chubskulit Rose says

    December 19, 2017 at 10:19 am

    I am not much of a HEIGHT PERSON BUT i WOULDN’T MIND a helicopter tour of Hawaii. The views are breathtaking.

    Reply
  13. Jacqui Odell says

    December 19, 2017 at 9:24 am

    What amazing views!! I would love to do that sometime. I don’t know what would be better the ocean view or seeing the pineapple. Both are neat!

    Reply
  14. AnnMarie John says

    December 19, 2017 at 6:40 am

    I haven’t been to Hawaii in the longest time and it would be awesome to be able to experience a tour like this! I’m sure it’s going to be amazing, with all the breathtaking views that Hawaii has to offer!

    Reply
  15. Carol Cassara says

    December 19, 2017 at 2:39 am

    You flew over so many areas and it’s really amazing to see them from up there! What an experience this is! It’s perfect if you’re ever in Hawaii!

    Reply
  16. Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says

    December 19, 2017 at 2:37 am

    The view is breathtaking from up there and I’m sure it’s one experience that you won’t forget! It’s also totally worth it!

    Reply
  17. Stacie says

    December 19, 2017 at 2:18 am

    The view is simply amazing! I would love to Hawaii from the air.

    Reply
  18. Sarah says

    December 19, 2017 at 2:01 am

    I would love to go to Hawaii with my whole family. It would be so awesome to see the island by air.

    Reply
  19. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

    December 19, 2017 at 1:54 am

    Amazing view! This is really a great experience! That maze looks really awesome from the top!

    Reply
  20. Tatanisha Worthey says

    December 18, 2017 at 11:46 pm

    I am so jealous of you right now. I wish I was in Hawaii right now!

    Reply
  21. Autumn Reo says

    December 18, 2017 at 11:27 pm

    Absolutely beautiful! I am definitely saving this for our future trips.

    Reply
  22. Chelley Martinka says

    December 18, 2017 at 10:58 pm

    How amazing!!! We have been wanting to go back to Hawaii- I would love to take a helicopter tour this time!

    Reply
  23. Christie Michel Cronan says

    December 18, 2017 at 10:53 pm

    This had to be one of the coolest experiences ever. I bet you had the time of your life!

    Reply
  24. Estelle Erasmus says

    December 18, 2017 at 10:31 pm

    These are such beautiful photos of one of my favorite places on earth. I was married in Hawaii (Maui) and honeymooned in Kauai. I’d been to Oahu on an earlier trip. Love it. There is no better way to see the island than via a helicopter.

    Reply
  25. Emily says

    December 18, 2017 at 10:03 pm

    Wow, this is the way to see Oahu! I can only imagine how stunning this tour would be. Now that our kids are a little older we are planning to do a lot more traveling. Something like this would be amazing to do!

    Reply
  26. Mellissa says

    December 18, 2017 at 10:01 pm

    I’ve never taken a helicopter ride before and I must say, this has to go on the bucket list. Thanks so much for sharing. This looks like so much fun! I can only imagine the way you felt way up there above everything seeing such gorgeous views.

    Reply
  27. Veronica Solomon says

    December 18, 2017 at 9:49 pm

    So fun! This I would love to do. I have never been in a helicopter. The views are stunning

    Reply
  28. Amy Desrosiers says

    December 18, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    Holy crap! What a bunch of spectacular views! Hawaii is such a gorgeous treasure on earth.

    Reply
  29. Kathy says

    December 18, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    Wow, these are such beautiful photos. Now I would love to be there right about now. What a lovely place to be.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      December 18, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      I agree, I love all these photos. I would love to do this someday and see the view for myself.

      Reply
  30. Joyce Brewer says

    December 18, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    As much as I love the views, I don’t know if I’m bold enough to take a helicopter. My husband want to college in Hawaii and he’d love for us to go back.

    Reply
  31. Heather says

    December 18, 2017 at 8:14 pm

    We did a helicopter tour of Maui when we were last there. But this looks like a must-do for our next vacation! The beauty of the island is unreal!

    Reply
  32. Pam says

    December 18, 2017 at 8:14 pm

    This looks like such a fun experience for you. What an exciting adventure to see the world from the air. Hawaii looks beautiful

    Reply
  33. Louise Bishop says

    December 18, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    That would be so much fun. Going to Hawaii is one thing, but getting the aerial view is so amazing.

    Reply
  34. Claudia Krusch says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:58 pm

    Wow the water looks so blue. It would be such an amazing experience to see Oahu like this. I have been in a helicopter once before and it was so much fun.

    Reply
  35. Rosey says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:45 pm

    I would have wanted to be in the moment as much as possible too. That scenery is GORGEOUS!! Good tip on the Dramamine (or other measure) prior to flying.

    Reply
  36. Marissa Zurfluh says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    I have no doubt it was breathtaking. From the photos alone, I can tell that it will be a memory for years to come.

    Reply
  37. Sara Welch says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    Wow, that sounds absolutely amazing. I would love to get in a helicopter one day.

    Reply
  38. Our Family World says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:03 pm

    That is one fantastic tour I would love to take! Everything looks lovely from above! The Dole Pineapple Plantation’s maze is so huge! I’d be screaming “help!” if I get lost in there. Ha ha. Seriously, if I ever get to Oahu, I will have to experience that Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour!

    Reply
  39. travel blogger says

    December 18, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    This is so amazing! I would love to take a helicopter tour! The maze at the Dole Pineapple Plantation is awesome! When I make it Hawaii, I am definitely going to take a helicopter tour.

    Reply
  40. Anna says

    December 18, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    Absolutely beautiful! Oahu is on my bucket. List to visit one day. Guess a side note will definitely be a helicopter ride when we’re there too! That view is amazing!

    Reply
  41. Victoria says

    December 18, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    Hawaii is on my family travel bucket list for next year! I have to make sure to add this to our list because it looks like a once in a lifetime experience! I know my family would love it!

    Reply
  42. Connie says

    December 18, 2017 at 4:08 pm

    Oh my gosh! Look at that water! My mom and her sister did this a couple of months ago and loved it. I can’t wait to do it myself.

    Reply
  43. Brandy says

    December 18, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    I have always wanted to go to Hawaii, this looks like such a fun tour to have. What beautiful photos to capture too, this is awesome!

    Reply
  44. Alissa Apel says

    December 18, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    The water is so pretty! OMG I’m so happy that you got these pictures. You’ll have to print them, and put them all over your house.

    Reply
  45. Natalie says

    December 18, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    Wow this is my dream! I have never been to Hawaii but it is high on my bucket list. Getting to experience such views from above would be amazing!

    Reply
  46. Melissa Chapman says

    December 18, 2017 at 1:24 pm

    Hawaii on land is a beautiful place , from in that helicopter it was so amazing. I loved that valley and plantation, iand maze. I have been on a helicopter but this was a trip I would love to go on.

    Reply
  47. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says

    December 18, 2017 at 1:24 pm

    I would love to visit Hawaii, however, I’m totally terrified of heights so a ride in a helicopter…no way! Although the photos are lovely.

    Reply
  48. Heather Johnson says

    December 18, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    Your photos of Oahu by air are absolutely amazing! This helicopter ride looks and sounds like an awesome experience!

    Reply
  49. Jeanette says

    December 18, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    I am beyond jealous. I went to Hawaii over the summer but could not afford to do the helicopter. The next time I go out there I am definitely doing it. This looks amazing.

    Reply
  50. Joline says

    December 18, 2017 at 11:28 am

    What a truly unique way to experience Hawaii! We booked a helicopter ride over Toronto a few years ago and it was awesome. I bet flying over blue waters and green mountains is fantastic!

    Reply
  51. Nellwyn says

    December 18, 2017 at 10:41 am

    Wow this looks absolutely incredible! I’ve never been to Hawaii before but I’d love to go and when I do I will definitely look into a helicopter tour, it sounds amazing.

    Reply
  52. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    December 18, 2017 at 9:46 am

    That does look like it would be amazing. I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii and would love to include a helicopter ride if I ever get there.

    Reply
  53. Neely Moldovan says

    December 18, 2017 at 9:41 am

    This is a serious bucket list item of mine. WE are planning a trip in a few years!

    Reply
  54. Liz says

    December 18, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Oh man … super jealous. I haven’t been to Hawaii since I was a little girl, and your pics look amazing. I’m seeing a screening of Jumanji tonight, too – looking forward to it! I loved the old one though so it has big shoes to fill.

    Reply
  55. Amber Myers says

    December 18, 2017 at 8:24 am

    Oh wow, what incredible photos. My husband wanted to do this while in Oahu, but I have height issues. I might have to try it out though. The views would be cool.

    Reply
  56. candy says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:45 am

    What a beautiful experience. This is something I would never do so I totally enjoyed looking at all your wonderful photos. Certainly brings on new meaning seeing it from the air.

    Reply
  57. Alli Smith says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:33 am

    I’ve never done the helicopter tours but now I’m wanting to do one. The photos are gorgeous and the Dole Pineapple Plantation is so beautiful from the air!

    Reply
  58. Stacie says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:22 am

    That sounds like it was such an amazing adventure! There’s no better way to see the natural beauty of any area than taking an aerial tour. Those shots are amazing.

    Reply
  59. Robin rue says

    December 18, 2017 at 6:38 am

    What an amazing experience that must have been. I did a helicopter tour of boston last winter and it was one of the coolest things ever.

    Reply
  60. Scott says

    December 17, 2017 at 11:12 pm

    We regret not taking a helicopter ride the one time we went to Hawaii. Now we’re so far away from there we don’t know if we’ll ever make it back!

    Reply

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I’m the founder of Eat Move Make and a North Carolina mom of two humans and six cats. I love to cook, bake, craft and travel. I’m also addicted to tea (but not sweet tea).

When I’m not creating something in my kitchen, and since my kids are now adults, I’m all about my bucket list of travel destinations and adventures.

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