Hawaii, the island paradise with white sandy beaches, majestic volcanoes, and lush tropical vegetation, is a dream destination for every traveler. Beyond familiar experiences like swimming, snorkeling, or hiking, exploring Hawaii from above by helicopter offers a completely new and impressive perspective. This article will share the most detailed experiences of taking a helicopter tour in Hawaii, helping you have a memorable trip.
Hawaii has a mild tropical climate year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to October. At this time, the weather is dry and less rainy, which is ideal for outdoor activities, especially helicopter flights. However, it’s also worth noting that this is the peak tourist season, and service prices may increase. If you want to save money, you can consider going in the low season (November to March), but be prepared for occasional rain showers.
Why Choose a Helicopter Tour in Hawaii?
Unlike typical travel experiences, a helicopter tour offers outstanding advantages:
- Unique perspective: Admire panoramic views of Hawaii from above, including majestic volcanoes, hidden waterfalls, and stunning beaches stretching for miles.
- Time-saving: Move quickly between attractions, especially useful if you want to explore multiple islands in a short amount of time.
- Unforgettable experience: The feeling of flying in the sky, admiring breathtaking scenery is a memorable experience of a lifetime.
Must-See Islands for Helicopter Tours in Hawaii
Each island in Hawaii has its own unique beauty, and choosing which island to tour by helicopter depends on your preferences:
- Oahu: The most populous island, famous for Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and majestic mountains. Helicopter tours in Oahu often focus on historical landmarks and coastal scenery.
- Maui: The second largest island, famous for the legendary Road to Hana, Haleakala Crater, and beautiful beaches. Helicopter tours in Maui often explore rainforests and hidden waterfalls.
- Kauai: The oldest island, famous for Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and towering cliffs. Helicopter tours in Kauai offer pristine and magnificent natural landscapes.
- Big Island: The largest island, famous for Kilauea volcano, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and black sand beaches. Helicopter tours on the Big Island often focus on volcanic activity and geothermal landscapes.
Choosing the Right Helicopter Tour
There are many companies offering helicopter tours in Hawaii, with various options in terms of duration, routes, and prices. To choose the right tour, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Helicopter tour prices can range from a few hundred to over a thousand US dollars, depending on flight duration, type of helicopter, and included services.
- Duration: Helicopter tours typically last from 30 minutes to several hours. Choose a tour duration that fits your schedule.
- Route: Carefully review the tour route to ensure you will see the locations that interest you.
- Helicopter type: Some tours use helicopters with doors, while others use door-off helicopters for better views.
- Reviews: Read customer reviews to learn more about the service quality of the company.
Travel guide for Honolulu, Hawaii
Important Notes When Taking a Helicopter Tour
To ensure safety and have the best experience, keep the following in mind:
- Book in advance: Especially during peak season, helicopter tours often sell out quickly.
- Check the weather: Helicopter tours may be canceled due to bad weather.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
- Bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: The sun in Hawaii is very strong.
- Listen to the pilot’s instructions: Always follow safety rules and pilot instructions.
- Prepare your camera: Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture beautiful moments.
Suggested Itinerary for a 7-Day Hawaii Helicopter Tour
Here is a suggested itinerary for a 7-day helicopter tour of Hawaii:
- Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu (Oahu), check into your hotel, and rest.
- Day 2: Visit Pearl Harbor and downtown Honolulu.
- Day 3: Helicopter tour exploring Oahu, admiring Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and historical landmarks.
- Day 4: Fly to Maui, check into your hotel, and rest.
- Day 5: Helicopter tour exploring Maui, admiring the Road to Hana, Haleakala Crater, and hidden waterfalls.
- Day 6: Free day to explore Maui, swim, or participate in water sports.
- Day 7: Fly back home.
Dining in Honolulu
After hours of aerial exploration, take time to enjoy local cuisine. Honolulu has countless options, from affordable street food to luxury restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to try specialties like poke, loco moco, kalua pig, and shave ice.
Mahina's Family Feast at Honolulu restaurant
Conclusion
Taking a helicopter tour in Hawaii is a unique and memorable experience, giving you the opportunity to admire the beauty of the island paradise from a completely new perspective. Hopefully, the experiences shared in this article will help you have a truly complete and meaningful journey to explore Hawaii. Plan your trip today and prepare to enjoy wonderful moments on this beautiful island!