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 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.
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)!
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.
We also flew over the Dole Pineapple Plantation with the world’s largest maze.
Just before landing, we flew over Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial — a very poignant moment.
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?
Amy D says
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.
JM says
I am so happy to see these photos, since I will never get into a helicopter. Absolutely breathtaking!
shelly peterson says
How fun! I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. Such beautiful pictures.
Janet W. says
I’ve always wanted to ride in a helicopter! It looks so amazing and fun! What a beautiful way to see the land!
Dana Rodriguez says
You got some great photos. I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. The Dole Pineapple Plantation looks like something I would enjoy!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
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.
Courtney says
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
Debra Schroeder says
OMG, what an incredible experience. I’ve yet to fly in a helicopter. Flying over Hawaii would be amazing.
Anosa says
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
reesa says
I wish we could have done this when we visited Oahu! What a wonderful way to see it all!
Tami Qualls says
The scenery is just beautiful. I can only imagine how breathtaking it is experienced onsite.
Chubskulit Rose says
I am not much of a HEIGHT PERSON BUT i WOULDN’T MIND a helicopter tour of Hawaii. The views are breathtaking.
Jacqui Odell says
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!
AnnMarie John says
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!
Carol Cassara says
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!
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
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!
Stacie says
The view is simply amazing! I would love to Hawaii from the air.
Sarah says
I would love to go to Hawaii with my whole family. It would be so awesome to see the island by air.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Amazing view! This is really a great experience! That maze looks really awesome from the top!
Tatanisha Worthey says
I am so jealous of you right now. I wish I was in Hawaii right now!
Autumn Reo says
Absolutely beautiful! I am definitely saving this for our future trips.
Chelley Martinka says
How amazing!!! We have been wanting to go back to Hawaii- I would love to take a helicopter tour this time!
Christie Michel Cronan says
This had to be one of the coolest experiences ever. I bet you had the time of your life!
Estelle Erasmus says
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.
Emily says
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!
Mellissa says
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.
Veronica Solomon says
So fun! This I would love to do. I have never been in a helicopter. The views are stunning
Amy Desrosiers says
Holy crap! What a bunch of spectacular views! Hawaii is such a gorgeous treasure on earth.
Kathy says
Wow, these are such beautiful photos. Now I would love to be there right about now. What a lovely place to be.
Pam says
I agree, I love all these photos. I would love to do this someday and see the view for myself.
Joyce Brewer says
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.
Heather says
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!
Pam says
This looks like such a fun experience for you. What an exciting adventure to see the world from the air. Hawaii looks beautiful
Louise Bishop says
That would be so much fun. Going to Hawaii is one thing, but getting the aerial view is so amazing.
Claudia Krusch says
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.
Rosey says
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.
Marissa Zurfluh says
I have no doubt it was breathtaking. From the photos alone, I can tell that it will be a memory for years to come.
Sara Welch says
Wow, that sounds absolutely amazing. I would love to get in a helicopter one day.
Our Family World says
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!
travel blogger says
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.
Anna says
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!
Victoria says
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!
Connie says
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.
Brandy says
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!
Alissa Apel says
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.
Natalie says
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!
Melissa Chapman says
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.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
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.
Heather Johnson says
Your photos of Oahu by air are absolutely amazing! This helicopter ride looks and sounds like an awesome experience!
Jeanette says
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.
Joline says
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!
Nellwyn says
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.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
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.
Neely Moldovan says
This is a serious bucket list item of mine. WE are planning a trip in a few years!
Liz says
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.
Amber Myers says
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.
candy says
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.
Alli Smith says
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!
Stacie says
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.
Robin rue says
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.
Scott says
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!