City By The Sea – 20 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On

Imagine soaring above Honolulu for just 20 minutes, taking in some of the most iconic sights of Oahu. That’s what this City By The Sea helicopter tour offers—a quick, breathtaking glimpse of the island’s highlights, from the vibrant cityscape to natural wonders like Diamond Head and Punchbowl Crater. If you’re after a memorable aerial adventure, this tour might just be a highlight of your trip.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how accessible it is—offering a short flight that still manages to pack in a lot of stunning views—and the option to fly doors off for that extra sense of thrill and perfect photo opportunities. Plus, the price point feels reasonable given the quality of the sights, especially when compared to longer helicopter tours.

Of course, a 20-minute flight is, well, brief. If you’re looking for a laid-back, slow-paced sightseeing day, this might feel a bit rushed. But for those who want a quick adrenaline rush, a taste of helicopter flying, or just to tick off a bucket list item, it’s a good pick.

This tour is well-suited for adventure-seekers, first-time helicopter flyers, and anyone interested in getting a bird’s eye perspective of Honolulu’s most famous sights. It’s also a favorite for travelers wanting to maximize their sightseeing in a short amount of time without sacrificing views.

Key Points

• Short but impactful: 20-minute flight that covers major sights.
• Flexible experience: Choose between doors on or off, with options for private flights.
• Great views: Over Honolulu skyline, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Punchbowl Crater, and Pearl Harbor.
• Good value: A quick, memorable experience at a reasonable price.
• Professional operation: Rated highly for safety, staff, and pilot skills.
• Limited duration: Perfect for a quick thrill, but might leave you wanting more if you love helicopter rides.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

What’s Included and How It Works

This helicopter tour is straightforward and designed to maximize your 20-minute window. It departs from Rainbow Helicopters at Honolulu International Airport, a convenient starting point close to the city. The booking process is smooth—you select your preferred departure time when booking, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

Before takeoff, the pilot gives a quick orientation, making sure everyone is buckled up and ready. The actual flight lasts around 20 minutes, during which you’ll get a rundown of some of Oahu’s most famous sights. The tour includes parking fees and even provides a phone strap, which sounds small but is handy for keeping your phone secure during the flight.

The Experience Itself

Once airborne, you’ll first fly over Honolulu Harbor and the city’s lively downtown district. The views of Honolulu’s skyline are impressive, especially if you opt for the doors-off experience, which many reviews rave about. Having the door off really adds that extra thrill and makes for stunning, unobstructed photos.

Flying past Magic Island, you’ll see people lounging on beaches and enjoying the calm waters of Waikiki. The white sands and bustling surf culture are impossible to miss from above, and the sight of surfers catching waves is iconic.

Diamond Head is arguably one of the most striking sights you’ll see—rising sharply from the ocean, with a clear view into the crater itself. Many reviewers mention how impressive it is to look directly into the volcano’s crater and see hikers on the ridge, giving a real sense of scale.

Pearl Harbor and Historic Sights

A key highlight is the flyover of Pearl Harbor. You’ll see the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri from above, which many visitors say makes the history feel more tangible. The aerial views add a new dimension to understanding the scope and significance of this site.

The Flight Path

The tour circles back from Pearl Harbor and heads over Punchbowl Crater, home to the U.S. National Military Cemetery of the Pacific. Flying over this historic site provides a perspective that’s hard to match from the ground, giving the whole experience a sense of reverence and awe.

The View from the Sky

One of the best parts of this trip, based on reviews, is the variety of sights you see in just 20 minutes. From the beaches of Waikiki to the city’s skyscrapers, from the volcano-like Diamond Head to the historic Pearl Harbor, the experience feels well-rounded despite its brevity.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism and skill of the pilots. Many mention how safe they felt during the ride, even if they were initially nervous—some with a fear of heights found that the experience turned out to be much more enjoyable than they expected.

The “doors off” option receives particularly glowing reviews. “Having one side if the doors opened added to the thrill,” one traveler shares, emphasizing how it enhanced their photo-taking ability and sense of adventure. Others mention that the views became clearer and more immersive without the doors, making it a favorite feature.

Price-wise, most feel the experience offers great value for the money, especially considering the speed and scope of the sights covered. A frequent comment: “20 minutes just seemed so short,” but many also say they’d happily do a longer flight next time, if available.

Practical Considerations

The tour has some limitations regarding weight—passengers over 260 pounds will require a weight and balance fee, and the doors-off option has weight restrictions depending on the helicopter model. It’s worth noting that all passengers 24 months and older need a full fare ticket, making this less of a family activity and more for individual travelers or couples.

Weather can impact scheduling—cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t safe, but the operator is transparent and offers rescheduling or full refunds if needed.

The Itinerary Details

• Departure: From Rainbow Helicopters at Honolulu International Airport.
• First Stop: Over Honolulu Harbor and the downtown area, giving you a sense of the city’s hustle and bustle.
• Next: Flying past Waikiki Beach, where surfers and sunbathers can be seen from above.
• Diamond Head: The unmistakable volcanic crater with an impressive view into the interior.
• Punchbowl Crater: Over the Military Cemetery, which adds a poignant touch to the flight.
• Pearl Harbor: Passing over the historic port, including the USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri.
• Return: Circling back to the airport, ending a brief but impactful aerial journey.

Why the Stops Matter

Each of these sights is iconic. The city skyline and Waikiki show the modern face of Honolulu, while Diamond Head and Punchbowl provide natural and historic context. The Pearl Harbor flyover is a powerful reminder of the island’s historical significance.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a short, scenic experience that hits all the major sights with a dash of adventure, this helicopter tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. The doors-off option makes it especially memorable, offering superb photo ops and a heightened sense of excitement.

For those who prefer a quick overview rather than an in-depth exploration, this is a perfect choice. It’s also a good option for first-time helicopter flyers who want a taste of what flying feels like without committing to a longer, more expensive tour.

Travelers who value professional service, safety, and stunning views often find this tour hits the right notes. It’s not meant to be a long or relaxing sightseeing day, but rather a crowd-pleasing highlight that captures the essence of Oahu’s beauty in just 20 minutes.

Who It’s Best Suited For

• First-time helicopter riders
• People with limited time on the island
• Adventure-seekers wanting quick thrills
• Those interested in iconic sights like Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki
• Travelers seeking good value for a memorable experience

Conversely, if you’re looking for a long, leisurely aerial tour or traveling with very young children, you might want to explore other options.

FAQ

Is this helicopter tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as children are 24 months or older and have purchased a full fare seat. The experience’s short duration and impressive sights make it suitable for kids who can handle a helicopter ride.

Can I choose to fly with the doors off?
Absolutely. You can opt for the doors-off experience when booking. Keep in mind that jackets, sweatshirts, closed-toe shoes, and hair ties are required for this option. Also, the seat may or may not be directly next to an open door.

How long does the flight last?
The helicopter flight itself lasts approximately 20 minutes. It’s a quick but packed sightseeing experience.

What’s the price, and is it worth it?
The tour costs $305 per person. Considering the short flight with access to major sights—and the photo opportunities—many travelers feel it’s a good value, especially for a memorable highlight.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if the flight can’t proceed.

Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, passengers over 260 pounds require a weight and balance fee. The maximum weight per passenger is 280 lbs. For the doors-off option, 80 lbs or more are needed to fly in the Robinson R44, and 100 lbs in the Airbus Astar.

The Sum Up

In the end, this 20-minute helicopter tour offers a swift, scenic glance at some of Oahu’s most memorable sights. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of aerial adventure without a hefty time commitment or expense. The option to fly doors off elevates the experience, making it especially appealing for photographers and thrill-seekers alike.

The professional service, combined with the stunning views of Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki, makes this a standout activity in Honolulu. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a highlights tour with enough adrenaline and photo opportunities to make it special.

While it may leave you wishing for a longer flight if you love helicopter rides, the quality of the sights and the overall experience make this tour a genuine highlight. Whether it’s your first helicopter tour or just a quick addition to your Hawaii trip, you’ll likely walk away with plenty of stories—and photos—to cherish.

If you cherish the idea of seeing Honolulu from a completely new perspective and want a memorable, well-reviewed experience, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s best suited for those who value stunning vistas, safety, and a dash of adventure in their Hawaii itinerary.