
Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 106 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On worth booking?
Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On is a 0.5-hour experience in Honolulu, United States, from $440 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 106 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (106)
- Duration
- 0.5 hours
- From
- $440 per person
Waikiki's white-sand beaches are not Oahu's only amazing attractions. No trip is complete without seeing Oahu's iconic mountain peaks. This 30 minute helicopter tour offers views of Diamond Head, the three peaks of Mt. Olomana, and Nu'uanu Pali. Along the way, you will also see the emerald waters of Haunama Bay, the lighthouse at Makapu'u Point and Pearl Harbor.
What you get
About this experience
Waikiki's white-sand beaches are not Oahu's only amazing attractions. No trip is complete without seeing Oahu's iconic mountain peaks. This 30 minute helicopter tour offers views of Diamond Head, the three peaks of Mt. Olomana, and Nu'uanu Pali. Along the way, you will also see the emerald waters of Haunama Bay, the lighthouse at Makapu'u Point and Pearl Harbor.
What's included
Included
- Phone Strap
- Parking fees
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Diamond Head State Monument
Your helicopter sightseeing experience begins over the island’s South Shore so you can see the Honolulu skyline and Diamond Head crater in a way not possible from the beach.
Pass by without stopping
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay’s sheltered waters and incredible coral reefs pass below you as you soar among the nearby cliffs and volcanic outcroppings – the remnants of the island’s volcanic birth.
Pass by without stopping
Makapu‘U Point
Rounding Makapu’u Point, you follow the Windward Coast and its long stretches of white sand beaches and turquoise waters as they lead you towards the gorgeous mountains beyond.
Pass by without stopping
Olomana Three Peaks Trail
Turning inward you pass the three sharp peaks of famous Mt. Olomana, characteristic of its English translation, “divided hill.”
Pass by without stopping
Nuuanu Valley Rain Forest
The lush tropical vegetation of the Nu’uanu Valley masks a secret: Oahu was born from fire.
Pass by without stopping
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
A breathtaking passage through the Nu’uanu Pali cliffs and the lush rainforests that lie within leads you back to the Leeward side of the island and Pearl Harbor.
Pass by without stopping
USS Arizona Memorial
The flight ends with a pass over the USS Arizona Memorial and a new appreciation of Oahu's volcanic origins and its spectacular terrain.
Pass by without stopping
Waikiki Beach
Get a bird's eye view of the famous Waikiki Beach shoreline.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Honolulu
We are located in the Caste and Cooke Aviation building. Please park in the lot to the left across the street.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We are located in the Caste and Cooke Aviation building. Please park in the lot to the left across the street.
Options you can book
Doors OFF Tour
Doors Off Helicopter
Doors ON Private Tour
Private Tour: Make your tour private with just your party!
Doors ON Tour
Doors On Helicopter
Doors OFF Private Tour
Private Tour: Make your tour private with just your party!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rainbow Helicopters
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Safety of flight is our primary concern. The operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or appear to be intoxicated. Intoxicated passengers will not fly and they will be charged in full.
- For doors off tours, jackets and/or sweatshirts, closed toe shoes, and hair ties are required. Long pants are recommended.
- When booking the doors off experience, your seat may or may not be directly adjacent to an open door.
- Only passengers weighing 80 lbs or more may fly with the door off in our Robinson R44 helicopter. Only passengers weighing 100 lbs or more may fly with the door off in our Airbus Astar helicopter.
- All passengers 24 months and older must purchase a full fare seat.
- For each guest weighing 250 pounds or more, a weight and balance fee is required to safely balance the aircraft. For guests weighing between 250-275 lbs, a fee in the amount of 50% of the seat price will be assessed after booking. For guests weighing 275 lbs or higher, an additional seat purchase will be assessed after booking.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 106 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
106 verified traveler reviews for Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Experience!
We had a beautiful ride up the coast and over the city. We couldn’t fly up the pass due to low visibility in the pass, but still a great experience. Enjoyed having the doors off! Pilot JoJo was knowledgeable and experienced.
via Viator
Must go experience! I...
Must go experience! I thought I would be feared of height turned out it’s not scary at all! Only the splendid view will shock you! And thanks to the great flying skill of captain JoJo, stable and smooth, I feel safe during the trip. Anyway, very much worth it!
Response from the operator: Aloha, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your flight with JoJo helped you feel safe and comfortable, even if heights normally feel intimidating. It’s fantastic that the views of the islands left such a lasting impression — we aim to provide smooth, secure, and unforgettable experiences, and it’s great to know we succeeded. Thank you again for your kind words and glowing recommendation, it really means a lot. We’d love to welcome you back for another breathtaking adventure over Hawaii! Mahalo, The Rainbow Helicopters Team
via Viator
Rainbow Helicopters is first rate!
The Rainbow Helicopter team is professional and helpful. They are really responsive to questions through the Viator app. Josh was the pilot for today's flight. He was excellent handling the bird and answering questions. It was my first helicopter ride and I felt confident in his ability to show us around the island and get us safely back on the ground.
Response from the operator: Aloha Susan, We’re so happy to hear your first helicopter experience was such a positive one! It’s wonderful knowing our team made you feel supported from start to finish and that Josh helped make your flight both exciting and comfortable. We take great pride in being responsive and ensuring every guest feels confident and cared for throughout their journey. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure above Oahu someday soon! Mahalo, The Rainbow Helicopters Team
via Viator
Exhilarating
One of the most exhilarating experiences of my life! Many thanks Rainbow Helicopters for making our first experience so memorable.
Response from the operator: Aloha David, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re honored that you chose us for your very first flight and are thrilled to hear that it was a wonderful experience. It’s fantastic to know our team could make your introduction to flying so memorable — it truly means a lot to all of us, and it’s exactly what we strive for on every flight. We truly appreciate your recommendation and would love to welcome you back to explore even more of Oahu from the skies! Mahalo, The Rainbow Helicopters Team
via Viator
This was an awesome experience, thank you!!!
This was an amazing experience and wonderful crew!!!!!! I will definitely do this again and recommend to family and friends.....
Response from the operator: Aloha Edgar, Mahalo for your kind words! We're so glad to hear you had an amazing experience and that our wonderful crew helped make it even more memorable. It means a lot to know you’d recommend us to family and friends—and we’d be honored to welcome you back for another flight when the time comes! Mahalo, The Rainbow Helicopters Team
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $440 to $1,320
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 37
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Rainbow Helicopters, who run 14 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.0.
See everything Rainbow Helicopters runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Honolulu.
How much does Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On cost?
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Prices start at $440 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Honolulu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On take?
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Plan for about 0.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Honolulu is not rushed.
Is Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 106 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Honolulu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On?
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Around 37 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Honolulu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Honolulu and add a light layer if any part of the 0.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Honolulu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Honolulu?
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Honolulu and greater Oahu run on early starts. Pearl Harbor memorial tickets release on a fixed schedule, the North Shore circle-island loop needs a full day, and the catamaran and snorkel runs off Waikiki fill fast in season. We rank on whether the operator secures Pearl Harbor entry themselves and how tight the circle-island itinerary really is. On Outty we rank every Honolulu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kevo's Beach Bus Paddleboard Snorkel Adventure North Shore Oahu, Ultimate Pearl Harbor Circle Island, First Day Must: Oahu Sunrise & Circle Island Adventure. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Honolulu?
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April to June and September to November, between the wet season and peak crowds. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Honolulu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On?
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Included: Phone Strap; and Parking fees. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On?
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We are located in the Caste and Cooke Aviation building. Please park in the lot to the left across the street. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On?
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Across 106 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Doors OFF Tour, Doors ON Private Tour, Doors ON Tour, Doors OFF Private Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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