Aerial Photography in Oahu - Mauna Loa Helicopter Doors-off Tours from Honolulu

Ascend into the skies on a private doors-off aerial photography helicopter ride from Honolulu airport. Capture mesmerizing views and filming locations that you can only see from above including the remote Sacred Falls, the famous Stairway to Heaven trail, Mt. Olomana Three Peaks, the iconic Kaneohe Sandbar, the Koolau mountain range, and the Jurassic Valley at Kualoa Ranch. The pilot plays music on your headset to fuel your creativity and work with you to get the best angles amidst the famous shorelines and landscapes. It’s the ultimate Oahu photo tour for professionals, hobbyists, and amateur photographers. Grab your camera and book your trip today!

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

• Doors-off & guaranteed window seats -The doors-off aerial tour gives you the best point of view across the skies with guaranteed window seats, giving you the best point of view for taking photos of Oahu’s iconic landmarks.
• The best angles - With your very own pilot, he will help you achieve the perfect lighting, positions, and grant special permissions for your photoshoot as needed.
• Safety record - Mauna Loa has been operating since 2006 with local experts and trained professionals who are also flight instructors or EMS pilots. They perform safety checks and briefing each time before departure.
• Multiple departure times - Choose what time you want to take photos of Honolulu from up above, between 8:00AM to 3:45PM. The skies paint a different scenery each time of the day, offering the best landscapes to take photos of.

Local expert tips

• Please check in 40 minutes prior to your flight time. Each passenger’s exact weight includes shoes, all clothing, and personal belongings including camera equipment and purses.
• What to wear: Please wear a windproof jacket or any warm outer layer that has zippers. Avoid wind-susceptible clothing such as dresses and hooded items. In the winter, please wear long pants. Eyeglasses are also permissible on the flight.
• Best time of the day to fly: Typically, the morning conditions are more favorable than in the afternoon for the best viewing experience.
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer offer the best climate for an aerial tour as Hawaii has plenty of sunshine at this time.

Aircraft information

R44 is a doors-off Robinson helicopter with a large curved tail that minimizes flyover noise, giving unobstructed views for passengers. The aircraft can accommodate up to 4 people (3 passengers and the pilot). Children 12 years or older are welcome on the tour and may sit next to an open door.

Seating arrangement

All flights on the Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours have no middle seats, so you can get the best private viewing experience throughout the tour. One passenger sits right next to the pilot at the front of the aircraft and there are window seats in the back for your family and friends. Whichever side you are seated on, your pilot will ensure you get all the best views possible.

Restrictions

• Total weight restriction per person cannot exceed 275lbs. For groups of 3 passengers, no more than one person can be over 200 lbs. All passengers plus carry-on items will be weighed at check-in.
• You may bring your personal belongings on the aircraft as long as they are lightweight and can be stored under the seat.
• For doors-off flights, cameras and all other gadgets must be secured to a wrist strap or neck strap. Cell phones are permitted for picture-taking but must be set to airplane mode. Earrings should be taken off for maximum comfort while wearing headsets.

How to get there?

The tour departs from Honolulu Heliport, 134 Nakolo Place along Lagoon Drive, a few minutes away from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and about 25 to 30 minutes from Waikiki.
If you’re driving, take Ala Wai Boulevard and McCully St. to I-H-1 W. Follow I-H-1 W to HI-92 W/N Nimitz highway and take Exit 18 from I-H-1 W. Follow HI-92 W/N Nimitz highway and Lagoon Drive to your destination. There are parking spots nearby for your convenience.