Hawaii helicopter tour companies
Presenting Hawaii helicopter tour operators who service all major Hawaiian Islands; of whom will offer a very different experience.
Experience Hawaii at its finest but not until you've viewed all options. Here is my list of thirteen Hawaii helicopter tour companies. Kauai has the most operators servicing the island, while the Big Island comes second. Often its one operator per island, but expect big companies to be located on multiple islands.
To see Hawaii at its best guests will be required to take a helicopter in what will be the best tour on Kauai, the Big Island and Oahu, plus Maui and its nearby islands.
What you want from your Hawaii helicopter tour is important as the options available to you are overwhelming.
Did you know that while you can take the standard doors on tour; its possible to take an exciting Hawaii 'Open Door' helicopter tour in a fast, agile helicopter.
Its hard to say which is the best Hawaii Island for a helicopter tour; but in order I would say Kauai, the Big Island, Oahu and Maui.
So with that in mind that is how I would go about picking a Hawaii helicopter operator.
That is because I want to see Jurassic Falls for real; which is where Jurassic Park was filmed in 1993.
However, if its an active volcano with lava flows you want to see, then you have no choice but to book a helicopter ride with an operator located on the Big Island.
To know who offers the best Hawaii helicopter tours, go ahead and view the operators made available to all visitors to the island.
Hawaii helicopter tour operators list
| Company: | Island: |
|---|---|
| Air Maui Helicopter Tours | Maui, Molokai |
| Blue Hawaiian Helicopters | Kauai, Big Island, Oahu, Maui |
| Hawaii Helicopters | Big Island, Maui |
| Island Helicopters | Kauai |
| Jack Harter Helicopters | Kauai |
| Maverick Helicopters | Kauai, Maui |
| Magnum Helicopters | Oahu |
| Mauna Loa Helicopters | Kauai, Big Island, Oahu |
| Novictor Helicopters | Oahu |
| Pacific Helicopters | Maui |
| Paradise Helicopters | Big Island |
| Safari Helicopters | Kauai, Big Island |
| Sunshine Helicopters | Kauai, Big Island, Maui |
Make use of my Hawaii helicopter tour operators table that lists all companies who service Hawaii.
Biggest Hawaiian island for helicopter tours is Kauai and the Big Island respectively, then Oahu and Maui coming a near second.
So well the left column lists the company name, the second column on the right is listing the locations the company departs out of.
You'll notice the big helicopter tour players are Blue Hawaiian, Sunshine and Mauna Loa who service three islands or more.
One thing to know is where these companies are located tend to be in proximity to one another - meaning they often share a heliport site.
Air Maui Helicopter Tours
Located: 1 Keolani Pl, Kahului, HI 96732. Visit: Air Maui Helicopter Tours
As you may of realised in the name only; Air Maui primarily operate in Maui with a helicopter tour excursion often wondering over to nearby Molokai.
Located in Kahului while operating all helicopter tours out of the heliport - far way from the main Airport terminal - Air Maui share the site with other Hawaii based helicopter tour companies.
Helicopter fleet includes a number of Airbus H125; a 6-seater capacity helicopter with three rotor blades for a powerful lift capability.
Situated in a small, yet comfortable terminal setting; guests will be welcomed on the front desk where a check-in procedure will commence.
No shortage of seating with a little gift shop made available for you to browse.
Up to seven tours made available involves a doors on/off experience with a cliff or beachfront landing tour, volcanoes, rainforests and waterfalls.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Hawaii's biggest helicopter tour company, Blue Hawaiian operate on all four major islands and have been doing so for a number of years. Located:
- Big Island - Hilo Heliport, 2450 Kekuanaoa St, Hilo, HI 96720 OR Waikoloa Heliport, 68-690 Waikoloa Rd, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
- Maui - Kahului Heliport, 1, Lelepio Pl, Kahului, HI 96732
- Oaho - Honolulu Heliport, 99 Kaulele Pl, Honolulu, HI 96819 OR Ko Olina Heliport, 92-100 Waipahe Pl, Kapolei, HI 96707
- Kauai - Lihue Heliport, 3730 Ahukini Rd, Lihue Heliport #8, Lihue, HI 96766 OR Princeville Heliport, 5-3541 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754
- Visit: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Its a whopping twenty-three Hawaii helicopter tours to pick; but its made a little easier as it breaks up into each island.
You'll recognize Blue Hawaiian Helicopters operating the Airbus AS350 - or A-Star - with luxury extras for passengers - including narration and air conditioning.
But they also operate a fleet of Robinson R44, Bell 407 and a 'Magnum' type Hughes 500 helicopters, also known as an MD500.
Participating in a Big Island helicopter tour will see you touring over an active volcano to view lava - with more tour options available on this island.
Maui experience will bring you over tropical rainforests, waterfalls to being in reach to valleys, coastlines and sea cliffs.
Oahu helicopter tours has beaches, coral reefs, rainforests and Honolulu being seen.
In Kauai, guests will be flown over the Waimea Canyon, Na Pali and Jurassic Falls.
Hawaii Helicopters
Located: 1 Lelepio Place, #105, Kahului, HI 96732. Visit: Hawaii Helicopters
Focus of Hawaii Helicopters is the island of Maui well servicing the Big Island in their Airbus H125 helicopter.
Departing out of Maui, a number of tours can see you fly over to nearby islands as you head back to Maui to see all its wonder.
Three tours are available via Hawaii Helicopters including the Haleakala & Hana, Maui Island Complete and Waterfalls of West Maui & Molokia.
Big Island is also served with three helicopter tours including the Big Island Spectacular, Waterfalls of Kohala and the HeliZip Package.
Experience Maui or the Big Island like never before with all popular destinations being seen from the air - including a helicopter landing tour made available.
Island Helicopters
Located: 3788 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766. Visit: Island Helicopters
While Jack Harter is among my favorite operators in Kauai thanks to their doors off experience - up next has to be Island Helicopters.
That is thanks to the company specialising on a Jurassic Park focused tour - which happens to be my all time movie.
If you're like me, an enormous Jurassic Park buff; then go see the famous waterfall that featured in the move as Hammond, Ellie and Alan descended on the island in a helicopter.
Not only will guests get to see this magnificent yet isolated spot in the air; but this unforgettable Jurassic Park helicopter tour includes a landing.
Guest will exit the helicopter on site and be free to walk around this area viewing sights well also taking photographs.
Jack Harter Helicopters
Located: Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766. Visit: Jack Harter Helicopters
One of my all time favorite Hawaii helicopter tour companies, no thanks to their special, but not the only available Kauai open door helicopter tour in a Hughes 500.
Only the two Kauai helicopter tours dominate their service but its the only two you'll need.
No need to go else where if its a doors on helicopter ride you want as the company operates an Airbus H125 with doors on.
Don't waste a perfect opportunity with Jack Harter; in my experience they offer one of the best helicopter tours in Kauai - and Hawaii overall.
Guests will be treated to a flight to remember, taking in the Waimea Canyon, Na Pali coast and Jurassic Falls - among other locations.
Options are a 60 or 90 minute helicopter tour that is sure to make the most of Kauai.
Be sure to experience the doors off tour in their Hughes 500; its quite possibly the only helicopter tour you'll ever need in a lifetime.
Maverick Helicopters
Located: Kahului Heliport, Lelepio Pl, Kahului, HI 96732 in Maui OR Port Allen Airport, 3441 Kuiloko Road, Hanapepe, HI 96716 in Kauai. Visit: Maverick Helicopters
If you've ever participated in a Grand Canyon helicopter tour before; you might recognize the company having a big presence out of Nevada or Arizona.
That can also be said having a big presence in Hawaii with a focus on Maui and Kauai.
Maverick Helicopters are set to take guests up in there luxury 6-seater, air conditioned Airbus ACH130 - also an identical model used in the Grand Canyon.
Passengers are set for doors on only tours that takes in two well known Kauai tours such as the Kauai Explorer or Kauai Discovery.
Maverick Helicopters has four Maui tours including Maui Dream, Molokai Voyage, Maui Spirit and Hana Rainforest Experience - well that one includes a romote landing.
Magnum Helicopters
Located: 130 Iolana Place Honolulu, HI 96819. Visit: Magnum Helicopters
Well Jack Harter are my favorite doors off helicopter tour operator in Kauai; Magnum Helicopters will have to be my fav in Oahu.
Promise of the service is in the name; meaning Magnum Helicopters will take you up over Oahu in there Magnum replica Hughes 500D.
Entering the helicopter guests will notice the open cockpit is spacious yet leaves for plenty of room across the rear, or two seated option in the front for two guests.
Helicopter tours via Magnum Helicopters depart Honolulu heading due weat.
Begin by seeing the Keehi Lagoon at take off, before moving onto Honolulu Harbor, Aloha Tower, and the Natural Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific - with the Koolau mountains, Ala Moana Beach Park and Waikiki Beach also seen.
Mauna Loa Helicopters
Not a big player in terms of number of helicopters in its fleet or presence out of Hawaii, but they do a grand job of serving up to three islands. Located:
- Kauai - 3501 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766 (Doors Off) (Pro Photography)
- Oahu - 134 Nakolo Place, Honolulu, HI 96819 (Doors Off)
- Big Island - 73-310 Uu Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (Volcano) (Doors Off)
- Visit: Mauna Loa Helicopters
Mauna Loa is a Oahu helicopter tour company who specialise in the doors off tour game, with doors on option available.
Operating a fleet of Robinson R44; expect a rough ride that is both scary and exciting at the same time - but still safe as can be.
Nine helicopter tours across three islands are made available; though its safe to say its eight if you exclude the Proposal Tour - not for everyone that one.
While tours for each island include a package that is inclusive for everyone.
Its worth noting the company is a must for pro photographer's as Mauna Loa operate tours fitting to them - but all guests are free to book this kind of tour.
Novictor Helicopters
Located: 155 Kapalulu Pl. Ste.197, Honolulu, HI 96819. Visit: Novictor Helicopters
Its sure not to be a helicopter tour to forget if using the services of Novictor Helicopters; as they own a fleet of Robinson R44 helicopters.
Its a dainty little 4-seater helicopter where all three passengers get a window seat, with no middle seat made available.
Not only that, guests can choose if they want a doors on or doors off helicopter tour, when viewing what the island of Oahu has to offer them in the air.
Departing out of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu; expect an excursion that brings you within touching distance of all major attractions.
Occupying spaces near to Novictor Helicopters; is that of Magnum and Mauna Lao who are in hangers on the stretch of road near by. All of whom, offer visitors Oahu open door helicopter tours out of this location.
Unlike their rivals, Novictor offer a series of Oahu sunset and evening helicopter tours.
Pacific Helicopters
Located: Kahului Heliport, Hangar #104, Kahului, HI 96732. Visit: Pacific Helicopters
Pacific Helicopters are a helicopter tour company who operate out of one island, Maui - but still share a heliport with major players.
Only one of three Hawaii helicopter companies to own a fleet of Robinson R44 helicopters; its a 4-seater capacity helicopter that is not as sturdy as the heavier types.
The tours are made more interesting in that the helicopter is not very stable, but makes for a lot of fun.
What makes Pacific Helicopters different is that their doors off tour also includes a landing excursion, which is a very rare heli adventure combo.
Six helicopter tours to consider, with one being the 3 Island Combo Tour that includes Maui, Molokai and Lana, among others.
Paradise Helicopters
Located: Hilo International Airport, 2450 Kekuanaoa St, Hilo, HI 96720 + Kona International Airport, 73-341 Uu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Visit: Paradise Helicopters
Its not possible to be within reach of all visitors to the Big Island; so Paradise Helicopters have gone one better by setting up in two locations - namely Heli and Kona International Airport, respectively.
So that's a departure location via the west and east coast, though tour routes can look similar.
Paradise Helicopters operate a fleet of exciting helicopter types, including a Bell 430, Bell 407 - my favorite by the way - a Hughes 'Magnum' MD500D, plus MD500E.
Passengers can expect a more relaxed tour in the Bell; whereas the Magnum experience is a little more exciting - that is when the doors have been removed for viewing at its best.
Opportunities made available on the Big Island with their helicopter tours can bring you within touching distance of waterfalls and rainforests.
But the whale spotting or viewing the Big Island's active volcano is one to experience.
Safari Helicopters
Located: Kahului Heliport, Hangar #107, Kahului, Hawaii 96732 in Maui OR Hilo Airport, Commuter Terminal, 2220 Kekuanaoa Street, on the Big Island. Visit: Safari Helicopters
Experience a helicopter tour on Maui or the Big Island with Safari Helicopters' doors on only tours.
The Kauai experience will mostly involve the Na Pali, helicopter tour aroind the Waimea Canyon coast and Waialeale - with a 90 minute tour including a landing.
On the Big Island the company is expected to take guests to see the real lava flow in the Volcano National Park.
Passengers will be in a 6-seater, forward facing AStar B2 - or Airbus H125 - that has been chosen for comfort and a guaranteed smooth flight.
What is unique about this helicopter is Safari Helicopters have equipped the doors using floor to ceiling window configuration - so its all about passenger quality of service.
Sunshine Helicopters
One of the biggest Hawaii helicopter tour companies; the operator is located on three islands well owning a fleet of ten helicopters. Located:
- Maui - Kahului Heliport, Hangar #107, Kahului, Hawaii 96732
- Kauai - 3416 Rice Street - Suite 203, Lihue, Hawaii 96766
- Big Island - Hapuna Heliport, 62-100 Kaunaoa Drive - Kamuela, HI 96743
- Web site - Sunshine Helicopters
Register a helicopter tour with Sunshine on the Big Island to guarantee to see lava on one of their Volcano National Park tours.
In Maui, the company is expected to take you to all sights on the Island that includes an excursion over to Molokai.
Finally, if booking a helicopter tour on Kauai, places to see include waterfalls, rainforests, Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon - as expected when sighseeing in Kauai.
Helicopter types in use is the Astar 350 FX and WhisperSTAR EC 130 B4.
They're 6-seater helicopters with passenger comfort in mind, so spacious seating with air conditioning made available.
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