Amazing all around. The best in the business. Incredible doorless and private experience.

Absolutely gorgeous. A one of a kind experience to see the massiveness of the ocean, yet quaintness of the islands. very unique experience.

Happy, fun and so professionally- jocular. ​I am so thrilled with the flight and the experience.

We had an amazing experience flying with Mauna Loa Helicopters. Our pilot, Pavel, was outstanding--professional, friendly, and made us feel completely safe throughout the flight. He was very knowledgeable and shared great insights along the way, which made the tour not just beautiful but also very informative. The views were breathtaking. Pavel's calm, confident flying made the whole trip enjoyable and stress-free. Highly recommend Mauna Loa Helicopters, and if you can, fly with Pavel--you'll be in great hands! read more

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Amazing experience! Jake was an awesome pilot and knowledgeable tour guide! Lauren was extremely pleasant and welcoming in the office!

The tour was absolutely breathtaking. Highly recommend! Our greeter Malia was phenomenal and made sure we were good with taking a different route than originally planned due to weather. Our pilot Mike was fantastic and very knowledgeable. If you decide to book with these guys you will not be disappointed. 10/10 read more

WOW--what an unforgettable experience with Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours! We opted for the **closed-door** tour, and it was absolutely amazing. Our pilot, **Hunter**, was fantastic--super knowledgeable, engaging, and made the entire flight feel smooth and comfortable. He taught us so much about the island's landscapes, history, and even pointed out hidden gems we never would have seen otherwise. The views were beyond breathtaking--**soaring over lush valleys, massive waterfalls, and volcanic craters** felt like something out of a dream. Seeing Kauai from the sky gave us a whole new appreciation for its beauty. The flight was incredibly smooth, and we felt completely safe the entire time. If you're on the fence about booking--DO IT. This was easily one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend Mauna Loa Helicopters and especially **Hunter** for an incredible ride! read more

Traffic through Waikiki was horrible with all of the construction! We left about an hour and 15 minutes before our scheduled slot and still ended up rushing on Nimitz and Lagoon Dr. If there's construction going on when you're visiting, make sure to get there extra, super, early, just in case. Better early than to forfeit your fee! We took a private, mid-day flight on a Saturday (the day between both of our birthdays) and planned on getting back to have lunch. We arrived about five minutes late but the flight before us was just walking back into the building. They had some rainy weather and had to take an alternate route. Malia greeted us in the office. After they said their farewells to the last group, we were also informed of a storm blowing in and were offered either an alternate route which we were shown on the computer, or to reschedule. We accepted the alternate route because it would fly over several of the houses that we lived in. They had us watch a video, place our items in the provided lockable safe, and gave me a phone holder to use with a handle and a wrist strap for my "t-rex" arms (mentioned in the video). They led us out to a golf cart and drove us to meet our pilot and the helicopter. Both Malia and our pilot Hunter removed the doors and then offered to take our photo with our phone. Hunter gave us the rundown and then we were off! Hunter gave us the option for guided or unguided. We chose guided but I think we guided them as much as they did us :D To be honest, for me, the flight was the highlight and the views were a bonus. However, it was pretty cool to see the island like this. We skirted around Waikiki, Diamond Head, Koko Head, etc., all along the shoreline. The view was beautiful and the ride was smooth, but to be honest, I was hoping for some excitement. Then Hunter came over the com and said that we were going to cut through. They warned us that it might get bumpy because of the rain and wind. Here was the excitement I was hoping for! We had to fly slightly sideways a few times. And we had double rainbow circles under us off and on. SO COOL! We dipped in and out, and through the valleys, through some more wind and rain, and banked here and there (my fav). We asked if Hunter knew the Stairway to Heaven and they said they would see if they could get us close to it. Not only did they get us close, but they gave one side (hubby) a view and then spun around in the tight valley to give me a view, too! It was a bumpy ride but exhilarating! It was raining pretty good and there was a small opening where the cliffs dipped down and we could see blue sky on the other side. Hunter flew the bird sideways (my side dipped down) against the wind to punch through it. It was SO cool! We thought that we were only going to fly over Nanakuli (one of our houses) and then head back, but we went all the way up the Westside until we couldn't go anymore (military - Peacock Flats). We flew over our houses in Waianae Homestead and Makaha. As well as saw our family houses in Makakilo, Kunia, and Aiea Loop Trail (the ranger). The flight kept going and going. I didn't time it, but it seemed longer than an hour. I'm not sure. We headed back and landed smoothly. Hunter had to stop the blades a little faster for me cause I would have had to give him an extra cleaning tip! Maile came out early to get us because it started to rain. Good thing, too, cause I had to lua so bad! Mahalos to you both! Malia - for the attention and care you gave us before and after the flight...and for getting me to the bathroom in time! Hunter - for the awesome & exciting flight! read more

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My wife and I had a great private tour of Kauai with our skilled pilot Julien. We are very glad that we chose this company and chose to do the doors-off flight. Communication with the company was very timely and thorough during the entire process from booking to the actual flight. Even though the weather was less than ideal, our flight left on time and Julien was able to complete the entire route. He provided excellent narration during the flight, pointing out everything that we were seeing. I highly recommend Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours! You can view my video of the entire flight at https://youtu.be/n-9cUcPLjEA read more

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Absolute highlight of my trip to Oahu this time. We did 3 full days in Oahu that we packed full of activities that covered the whole island. The last day we did a 1 hour helicopter ride with Mauna Loa Tours. We chose them because of their good ratings but also because we were guaranteed a private tour. We got just that! After we booked, We received extremely specific and helpful information about what time to be there, where to park etc. The location was easy to find. The check in was quick and we watched a short but very informative safety video. We were weighed (the max is 300 pounds per person with your items on you). We were asked if we wanted doors on or off the helicopter (no question!! Doors OFF). We were given awesome phone holders to use. The phone holder clamps on your phone and a band goes around your wrist. It is very secure and makes taking photos so easy! They provide it free of charge. We ar long sleeves and pants but it isn't as cold as I expected. I was very comfortable and I get cold very easily. There isn't a bad seat but the left side if a much better view of the island, so if you have someone in your group who is having a special day (it was my birthday), they should be seated in one of the two seats on the left. It is a 3 passenger max for the helicopter I was in. The two guys (Pilot and check in guy) were so nice and friendly. They took photos of us in front of the helicopter before the trip. We could take selfies in the copter and as many photos while in flight. They had great headsets that made it easy to ask questions and the pilot played quiet but really fun music in the background. The pilot took us over the whole island around the coast and up the middle just like the flight path showed. He pointed out areas of interest throughout the trip and it was especially fun for us because we had spent the last few days driving the whole island and coast and to see it all from the air was so cool! We didn't plan it that way, but I suggest you do! Make the helicopter ride at the end of your trip to Hawaii and it's fun to see everywhere you've been. The whole thing was amazing. Absolutely no regrets. I wouldn't change a single thing! I thought the price was very appropriate for what we got, even a good deal! I've been talking about this to everyone who will listen. Do a Mauna Loa helicopter tour when on ANY of the Hawaiian islands. They have locations on several islands. I will 100% do another helicopter tour when we visit another island. Worth EVERY PENNY! read more

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What an INCREDIBLE experience flying over Oahu with this company. We were so thankful for the opportunity to go and loved every second. The staff members were all awesome, our guide was great, and the views were phenomenal! Highly recommend. read more

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When it comes to social distancing (which is the proper thing to do in this covid era) there is no way to do it better than on a helicopter around one of the most beautiful places my eyes have ever seen. No place is better than with the men and women of Muana Loa Helicopter tours. Their ability to keep us safe, inform us and show us a great time are something that will never be forgotten. ...by the way, keep the shared photos to a minimum to not spoil the majesty of Oahu for your own eyes to experience. Do yourself the favor and get up there! read more

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What a great way to see the beautiful landscape of Hawaii! My friend and I got the VIP Tour of Hawaii and it was so beautiful. We got lucky, too because it was foggy but cleared up right before our tour. And then it drizzled after our tour was done. It was meant to be! Before our flight, we got a mini safety video and instructions. They have a place for you to put your belongings, as well. You can also use the lockers. They offer sweaters, tanks, and tee shirts for sale, which I obviously bought. We were escorted to the flight line on a golf cart where we waited for our pilot. He was fantastic. Very charming, funny, and informative. He is also a pilot trainer, so we felt very safe. He showed us all of Hawaii while allowing us space to talk and ask questions. It was so beautiful up there. You have to see it for yourself. Even if you're a local, this is something everyone should experience. The ladies that scheduled us and did the admin type of stuff were so cute and friendly. They were a blast to be around as well. We had a great time. My review is kinda late, but I didn't realize I hadn't made one for this awesome business. I highly recommend this helicopter tour to everyone! Especially Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours! read more

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This is one of the best experiences of my life! I have always wanted to go on a helicopter tour and finally had the chance to do it recently. My husband and I booked at least two months in advance for the helicopter tour, however, I realized I booked a different island, which was the big island instead of Honolulu. I called immediately as I knew I made a mistake. I was told I was able to make the chances and paid the remaining balance for the Honolulu island. It was amazing overall. Customer service is out of this world, they are so happy and welcoming. It was our experience so much better. If you are interested in booking with them, make sure to book in advance and also the right island, you won't regret it! read more

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You won't regret getting your tour from this place! Our orientation was conducted by a very charming and friendly Laura; it was my first time to ride a helicopter and she made me feel comfortable and safe. Adam's quiet and amiable chat with me and my boyfriend (who's been in helicopter rides multiple times) was comforting as he took us to the helipad. Travis, our pilot, was equally awesome, very efficient and knowledgeable of his craft. We chose a doors-off helicopter and there were times when I'd feel panicked when we slowly went down the valleys and slopes..but when I glanced at Travis calmly maneuvering the helicopter, his calm emanated and rubbed off on me. And the views that we saw! I realize now that the beauty of the mountains and beaches are best seen from up in the sky. Truly a wonderful, exhilarating experience! read more

A MUST TRY! This is one of the best experiences I have had! We got to see so many things, and you can see the beautiful water from a totally different perspective. Do it with the doors off and you won't regret it. The tour we chose was 50 minutes and we got to go over the dole plantation, Pearl Harbor memorial, Kualoa ranch, the beaches, and many others. Our pilot was very friendly and gave us information about each spot. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience :) read more

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The ride of a LIFETIME! I can't say enough about Mauna Loa. Both Adam in the office and Scott in the air were stellar. They made us feel comfortable with all the safety and anticipation. The ride itself was absolutely INCREDIBLE! 60 minutes of air time and I'm no pilot but Scott must have been an ace b/c he was busting out some fancy flying. The banking turn into Pearl Harbor was unlike anything I've ever felt! Thank you Mauna Loa 10 out of 10 would recommend! If you're looking for a helitour look no further. read more

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Honestly the best experience and activity to do in Honolulu; dur to our short trip we were able to see so much of the island had to offer. Staff were great with knowledge of the island and history, very down to earth and answered all questions we had for us to be as comfortable as we could. I got the best views of the island and so happy I did it. Was pretty pricey but all worth it. You have the option to have doors off or on... we did doors off, better views without the glare from windows. Super windy so make sure you bring a jacket and do not wear glasses or hats. My husband thought it was a good idea to wear both and half way through he was constantly holding hat and glasses so they didn't fly off. A must try, I love that our flight was a private flight and not having to share the ride with strangers. Had plenty of room for me and my husband. read more

20/10 Experience -- and would definitely do again. Highly recommend the Private VIP tour for couples. Do the Doors Off option and enjoy some of the best views on the island. If you go during the afternoon -- the lighting is perfect. Don't stress about personal belongings -- they have lockers on site and give you a really secure phone holder that helps you take steady photos. You will not drop your phone. If you're afraid of heights -- it's not that bad! Just sit in the back and freak out in private like I did. You have an extra seat to the right of you where you can grab onto when you really panic. The fun factor vs. utter terror is about 100-1. So worth it. Don't wimp out. Gray was a phenomenal pilot. Easily made this a top-tier experience. Thanks for getting us so close to the best scenic views in Oahu! Pro Tip -- Take Dramamine and Zofran prior to your trip and eliminate the fear of motion sickness. read more

We've been cooped up for a while from COVID 19. All my trips last year were cancelled so decided to book a helicopter tour. After looking at the various companies and tours they offered I decided on Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours. Other operators were less expensive but I liked that you had the helicopter to yourself and the door would be off so lots of fresh air. The route was airport, diamond head, makapuu, up along the north shore and back thru central Oahu. The view from up there is great. If you haven't taken a tour and you're feeling cooped up you may want to give them a try. read more

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Holy @&$"!!! This was the best part of our tour!!! It was so amazing. Arive 15 mins early. Get a good Welcome, briefing, phone harness so you dont drop it. We recommend doors off. Depending on temp, can get chilly but worth it and your pics are great without glass in the way. Ethan was out pilot. He is amazing. Excellent pilot, tells you about the land, sites, history. Will fly you to over excellent sites. Like Pearl, N side, Dole pineapples, waterfall, beaches, diamondhead. So amazing, suggest a go pro to. We loved it!!! read more

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Helicopter ride was awesome. Arrived early and was treated fantastic. Everything was explained to us in detail. The Pilot, Zack, was very nice and answered all of our questions and pointed out all kinds of stuff. We had the doors off tour and WOW that was awesome. We saw sights we would never have seen if not taking this ride. So glad we didn't have the doors on. Picture's came out great with the 200mp camera. Would definitely recommend this company and hope to visit back there again...with another helicopter ride. read more

Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours - Aerial Tours Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We are a family of five, with both a young child and two teenage boys. This activity is great for the entire family--although our middle son did not end up going. The oldest who is not easily impressed has a desire to fly helicopters after this tour. And our youngest was comfortable and the experience was impactful. First, Lance picked us up from the Hawaiian Vacation village. This was at no additional charge which was a plus for us. Mr. Lance is funny and was born and raised in Hawaii, willing to share historical knowledge as well as travel tips, like where to eat and which lua to attend (Chief's Lua). He was even able to convince my husband to ride with the doors off, which he was adamant about not doing!! Hubby went from ahhhhhh (fear) thinking about riding with the doors off to awwwwwww (awe) seeing the island with such a grand view. Once we arrived, we were offered water and watched a brief training video. We were then offered ginger chews, which eased my anxiety, as I tend to get motion sickness. Although I experienced none. Dan was our pilot. The entire trip was so thoughtful. Without giving any spoilers, his music was themed to align with stories and facts he told us. You really get a thorough tour of Hawaii, and experiencing its beauty from an aerial view cannot be adequately put into words. We saw whales twice, which is as majestic as you imagine!! Dan was kind enough to circle around so that both sides of the helicopter could have views. So much to tell you, but I don't want to spoil the experience, you have to see it for yourself. I am the type to read reviews upon reviews, and I'm glad we landed on this tour. The trip was costly for my family, but the experience was priceless. My only regret is that we didn't bring enough money to tip in a manner that demonstrated our appreciation to our pilot and driver. This was hands down a major highlight of our trip. read more

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Surprised my husband during our trip to Oahu for our wedding anniversary. I bought the shared 60 minute doors off tour through our concierge at the hotel. Overall experience was amazing. We chose to drive ourselves to the airport instead of using the shuttle that could pick us up. Tiana was the one in the office and helped us get everything ready for our tour. Very personable and friendly! The actual tour was one of the best experiences We've ever had. Views were unreal, you really get to see the island in a different way you would not be able to see it on a regular tour. Our pilot Daniel was great! Very informative and always made sure everyone was able to get a good look at the main points/views of the tour. I'm glad I chose the 60 minute tour because it went by so fast! Only downside for me was seating. Since we got the shared tour there was already another couple there waiting so my husband and I were given the middle and right side seats. It could also possibly have been weight distribution thing but either way The middle seat SUCKS. It's already a small helicopter so In the middle seat you're super cramped. I'm not a short person and the seat is also slightly elevated in the middle so my head kept hitting the roof of the helicopter if I wasn't ducking down which was even more uncomfortable. I suggest to get there earlier than recommended check in time or shell out the extra money for a private tour which is what I'll do if I ever get the chance to do this again. Thank you Mauna Loa for this experience! I will definitely be recommending you guys to any family/friends that come visit the islands. read more

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We had a wonderful time on our tour today with Andrew. The flight was smooth and the landing was perfect. Don't be afraid to take the doors off for your tour! He did a great job showing us all of the points of interest along the way and even helped us with recommendations for dinner. read more

One word: AWESOME. Let's be completely honest -- taking an hour long ride in a half million dollar Robinson R44 isn't cheap, yet we all agreed after the flight that this was the best money spent while on our trip. This will be the most memorable thing from your trip too. Don't hesitate, just do it! I sort of sprung this on my wife & 18 y/o daughter after talking with the concierge at our resort. At first, my wife was a little skeptical, but our daughter was super excited. What I didn't really "share" with them until shortly before Makana picked us up at the resort was that we would be doing a private flight with the doors off and and wind in our hair. Bottom line, the flight was amazing, the people were great and my girls and I all had absolute blast. Speaking of Makana, she was great. Picked us up at the resort in a private and very nicely appointed van, made us feel like VIPs. She had a lot to offer on the islands and local flavor, which we appreciated. When we arrived at the airport (yes, HNL), Makana took us to Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours office where we took some safety instruction and tips / pointers. Then it was out onto a hangar where she golf carted us out onto the tarmac (yes, the same tarmac all the jets use) and we met pilot Josh and our helicopter. Josh is a personable dude with a great job -- he gets to fly a helicopter all day in one of the most beautiful places on earth. He clearly enjoys his work because he treated us to a great time in the air and showed us some really cool stuff on and around O'ahu. Diamond Head, Hanauma, the Makapu'u Lighthouse, Mokulua Islands Seabird Sanctuary, Kaneohe Bay and sandbar, Kualoa Ranch where films like Jurassic Park and the TV show Lost were set, and of course copious mountain vistas, cityscapes, Aloha Stadium and Pearl Harbor. There's lots more that I'm leaving out but that you will enjoy. And you even get to fly right over the airport because of course upon takeoff and landing, that airspace is yours. At the conclusion of our trip, Makana shuttled us back to our resort. Can't tell you how many incredible photos we got, but we'll be talking about this for years to come. It was exhilarating. Thanks to Josh, Makana and Moana Loa Helicopter tours for helping to make our vacation a memorable one. read more

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I made a reservation for a $380/person VIP tour of Oahu for two of us on 13NOV22 at 0800 hours. It was a great off-door helicopter experience overall, and the pilot was very friendly; however, I felt underserved by the tour because the actual flight did not involve the "loop rides" at each site which was described as a key difference between the magnum PI tour ($359/person) and VIP tour ($380/person). So I ended up getting a PI experience for the price of a VIP experience. We brought it up to the pilot during the flight, but we were told that we are not doing the loops because of time constraint. It was a bit unfair to us because we showed up at 0720 for pre-flight check-in which is 10 minutes earlier than 0730 as we were told. It is what it is at this point, but please ensure that the actual flight reflects what is described on your website & physical advertisement boards at your office. It would have made the entire experience even better. Thanks! :) read more

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You should definitely add this tour in the itinerary if you are planning to visit Hawai'i! The doors-off helicopter photography tour was the best experience ever! We chose sunrise tour at the beginning, but the light was not that good on the day I booked so Dan contacted me and we decided to do the sunset tour instead. Rather than making money, they do care their customers and want them to have the best experience. The entire tour was super safe. I would like to thank our pilot Josh for giving us this unforgettable ride! read more

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I am so grateful that i had the opportunity to experience a helicopter tour while visiting Oahu. We chartered a tour around Oahu to capture aerial views of the island. The manager of Moana Loa Helicopter, Dan, took precautions to prescreen for visitors that completed their quarantine or negative COVID test result. Masks are required. There is hand sanitizer in the office, the waiting area and the copter feel very clean. A helicopter tour is probably one of the safest activities to do in terms of social distancing during this pandemic. There is plenty of air flow, especially with the doors off, in the helicopter. The only people in the helicopter were the pilot and us. Here's the fun part of the review: the helicopter ride was like no other experience. Riding with the doors off was not scary at all. It was actually quite exhilarating! Our pilot, Tiana, was very attentive to my photographic goals and checked in with me multiple times on slowing down around photographic landmarks. She had great command at the controls; the ride was calm and smooth. I scheduled our ride at 5:30pm to observe the sunset. The lighting was beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery. The price was so affordable. I'd highly recommend it! Totally worth the money! read more

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We did the VIP private tour for two and had an amazing time. Truly the best way to see the whole island and worth every penny. Our pilot was very knowledgeable and we felt safe, even with the doors off. They do provide cell phone straps so you can securely take photos. Would highly recommend! read more

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Had an amazing experience with the doorless helicopter tour! Despite how windy it was, with a little bit of rain, having the doors off was a very good decision. It made everything so visible, real, and exciting. If I do this again, I'd do it with the doors off again. The receptionist (I think her name was Ivy) was beyond wonderful, friendly, and sweet. She walked us through everything and gave us some phone holders with a wristband so the phones don't fly out of the helicopter since it gets extremely windy with the doors off. We were warned and I can see why LOL Also, girls, be sure to have ur hair braided tightly or in a bun to avoid crazy tangled hair if you decide to do the tour with the doors off. The pilot, Stefan, was really amazing as well. He was very friendly, funny, informative, and skillful. He explained all the landmarks so well and made the tour very enjoyable and also educational. Highly recommend them! read more

Has such an amazing experience! our pilo, Travis, was great! He was very professional, friendly and informative about some of the sites as we were flying. I definitely would recommend taking this tour, it's money we'll spent thats for sure!! read more

Absolutely Worth It! Staff was all friendly and welcoming. Dan helped us set up our cameras and sat and talked with us prior to our flight. Neils was our pilot and very tentative. My husband and I took the sunset tour with the doors off! Absolutely Breathtaking views.. We we're able to get gorgeous pictures and have a wonderful experience in which we will never forget. Recommend this helicopter tour! Thank you again read more

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My fiancé were visiting the island for my birthday and he surprised me on my birthday with a VIP tour at Mauna Loa tour. We showed up and it was just very unprofessional and you could tell since we were the last flight the guys didn't care. I do after we paid $900. We should get the same experience as everyone else. The helicopter was not the one that was in the pictures. It was way smaller and older/ dinky looking. The tour guide was nice, but the two guys running the front desk were terrible and just messing around the whole time when they took pictures of me and my fiancé, which we paid extra for, all of the pictures came out completely blurry they did not even try to take good pictures of us. None of the pictures I can even use or keep because they're terrible. Overall not a good experience for the price!!!! read more

Gorgeous views, friendly staff--all around highlight to an already great trip! Highly recommend! read more

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My wife and I were in Kauai celebrating our honeymoon, so we splurged on a private helicopter tour. Doors off, of course. It was worth every dang dollar. This was hands down the best excursion of our trip (dwarfing biking down Mt. Haleakala in Maui, cruising Maui's Road to Hana, and hitting Kauai's Kipu Ranch for an ATV tour). You check-in at the storefront for a quick safety training, then get shuttled to the helo pad for your tour. First time in a helicopter and it was an absolute dream. Our guide, Nills, made us feel comfortable from the second we met. His commentary was equally educational and humorous, the soundtrack was spot on, and the views were unforgettable. You'll see all of the island and even experience the elements, which adds to the adventure. This was likely a one-time thing for us due to the pricetag, but it was one we won't soon forget. I'm glad I did my research and found a private tour (added to the intimacy of our honeymoon) with doors off. I can't imagine doing it any other way. Book it ... now. Thank me later! read more

We had a phenomenally awesome experience. Dan, Ivy and our pilot were accommodating, professional, attentive and just fun. Weather did play a factor in our engagement flight and as a result our flight had to be rescheduled for the next day. A little disappointed, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Dan and the team pretty much moved heaven and earth to get us up in the air the next day, keeping me informed every step of the way. By the time we left, the entire crew/staff felt like friends. I would highly recommend Mauna Loa Helicopters. read more

The Hawaiian Islands hold so much beauty and uniqueness. From the sandy beaches to the palm lined oceanic shores to the sharp edged mountain cliffs wrapped in green and at times misty with fog or clouds that give evidence to why so many movies have been filmed here. The only way to see it in a way that can't be experienced by car or a long hike is by air. One of the best experiences we had on our trip to Oahu last week with our daughter was with Mauna Loa Helicopter tours. She had not been to the Hawaiian Islands since she was about 5, much of which she did not remember. I figured this was the best way to show her the beauty and mystère of the place I used to come as a kid and fell in love with so many things about the islands that I keep returning as an adult. It was truly worth every penny we spent for our private tour. We were picked up by Makana at our hotel in Waikiki in a private van. She drove us to the Mauna Loa office/ heli pad which is at the HNL airport. Makana was courteous and offered suggestions on where we could eat or what we could see around the island, which offered a personal touch. At the office we were briefed on safety and any questions we had and given an opp to have one last restroom break take a small water or ginger candies, in case air sickness hit. Because we would be filming with our iphones on the tour, we were required to use a holder to keep them secure and they only had two. It was kind of a bummer but okay. We all would likely have the same photos/video anyway. I had done a tour years ago on Maui, but suddenly I was nervous! Maybe it's because my husband booked us to have the doors off the helicopter during this tour! Yikes! We met our pilot, Josh after we were shuttled to our helicopter. Right off the bat, Josh was personable and put us all at ease with his banter but also the fact that he was professional in his direction of what to do and answering questions that we had, ( I am in the aviation industry and I had a few dumb questions!) My husband took the front seat next to Josh and my daughter and I took the 'safe' back! A few moments later we were off! That was cool in itself for me, as we took off on the HNL tarmac amongst commercial aircraft. Josh gave thorough commentary as we circled Oahu. No words will explain the beauty of this tour as we circled the ocean and it's range of colors ; a huge school of fish could be seen from the air; the reefs beneath the sea; we saw several rainbows .. so photo worthy from above! Going over the mountainous area was awe inspiring with such sharpening edges covered in a misty rain that day; then over to a waterfall. Josh even gave tips on where we could hike or visit on the island. The Stairway to Heaven or Hell will NOT be on our list! The tour comes to an end as you fly over Pearl Harbor. It almost gives you chills to think of that day in December 1941. Some things I recommend: long hair: put it up in a bun, ( I did a pony as did my daughter and it came out .. blows everywhere!); sunscreen is a must; bring a jacket or sweater as the other side of the island and altitude make it chillier than in Waikiki and on the ground and it may rain a bit or get windy, ( duh!). Fully charge your photo device. Take cash and tip the pilot and your driver; they offer a lot to the experience! Also, we booked thru our Concierge at the Marriott and little did we NOT realize that she did not apply the discount that was offered to us as part of my husband's elite status with Marriott until after the fact. So, NOT Mauna Loa's fault one bit, just be on the watch when booking for little discounts. Out of everything we did on our daughters spring break .. she kept looking at her videos from this helicopter tour and I am so happy we didn't think twice about doing it! Millennials are not easily impressed! But, we continue to talk about this private tour even after home on the mainland now. So much beauty can be seen this way that can't be seen any other way in an hour. I highly recommend Josh and maybe you will also be fortunate enough to also get Makana to shuttle you, as well! Aloha! read more

We really enjoyed our 60 minute ride around Oahu. The pilot was professional and very safety focused which made this first time helicopter passenger feel comfortable. He also shared interesting facts about each landmark. The views are stunning and they provide phone holders so you can take photos in the air from your device. read more

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Mauna Loa did a phenomenal job personalizing our trip. My fiance and I planned the VIP 60minute tour; our driver was so friendly and provided great recommendations for the rest of our stay. Our pilot also was very conversational and made our trip around Oahu unforgettable! The whole staff also helped my fiancé with his surprise proposal at the end of the trip.. can't thank the staff enough for making everything magical. read more