Getting a Bird’s-Eye View of Hawaiʻi is the Thrill of a Lifetime
Few experiences rival flying over volcanoes, waterfalls and the grand Nāpali Coast.
It’s well known that the Hawaiian Islands are dotted with exciting activities and adventures, and seeing these breathtaking islands from high above has always topped my list of can’t-miss experiences.
And now that I’ve done it, what can I say? My helicopter adventure took me over the legendary Nāpali Coast, which stretches along the remote northwest coast of Kaua‘i. And I was completely blown away.
It was so moving that I instantly knew I wanted to see even more of these islands from above. They’re all unique, with different topography and terrain and many areas accessible only by helicopter.
The Nāpali Coast stretches along the remote northwest coast of Kaua‘i.
Photo: Pauline Schumacher
After seeing the Nāpali Coast from the sky, I decided to book another flight with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, the same company I took my first flight on. Along with Kauaʻi, it offers tours over Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.
This time, I’d be flying over O‘ahu, the third-largest island in the archipelago and home to Hawaiʻi’s capital city, Honolulu.
I’ve spent a lot of time on O‘ahu, so it was fun seeing familiar places from a new perspective. My bird’s-eye view of Mount Olomana and the trail that runs along its three peaks (the hiking trail is known as Three Peaks) was simply unforgettable.
But beyond the views, these helicopter tours give visitors a deeper understanding of our Islands, and the pilots add to these insights by sharing their knowledge along the way.
Flying over the Windward Side on Oʻahu.
Photo: Pauline Schumacher
And I didn’t stop with O‘ahu. My third flight took me over West Maui and the neighboring island of Moloka‘i. I learned from our pilot, Marco, that Honolua Bay on the northwest coast of Maui is a snorkeler’s paradise, and even from above, the vibrancy of its reef is clear.
I also appreciate the tour company’s obvious respect for nature and the local communities it flies over. The team follows strict flight paths and altitude regulations to avoid any disturbances, and as the oldest helicopter company in Hawai‘i, it also supports local neighborhood projects.
When I arrived at the helipad for each tour, everything felt taken care of. I was greeted warmly and professionally, and after checking in and being weighed I got to relax with a cup of coffee. Before lifting off, every tour group watches a video that, with each viewing, almost brought tears to my eyes. While the video was focused on safety, it also served as a kind of cinematic tribute to Hawaiʻi’s raw beauty and a sneak peek of what was to come. After the video, we were fitted with emergency life vests before heading out to the helicopters.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers tours over Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo: Pauline Schumacher
Once inside, each pilot would greet the passengers by name, and we’d all get to know each other. (All of the pilots, in fact, regardless of the tour, were incredibly kind, knowledgeable and passionate about what they do.) Then came the exciting part: Lift off. That feeling—rising into the air in a helicopter—is indescribable. I got goose bumps!
Throughout the tour, Hawaiian music plays over the helicopter speakers, matching the scenery, and visitors can ask questions through their headsets at any time. I learned so much about the Islands’ landscapes, ecosystems and stories.
The highlights of my tour over Kaua‘i were the views of the Nāpali Coast and Waimea Canyon. The latter is located on the island’s west side and is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The colors there are so rich, the beauty almost unreal.
Kahiwa Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawai‘i, cascading nearly 2,200 feet down the sea cliffs of northern Moloka‘i.
Photo: Pauline Schumacher
On Oʻahu, I loved flying over the Windward Side and spotting little islets like Mānana off the coast of Waimānalo.
And the beauty of Moloka‘i caught me by surprise, with dramatic cliffs along its northern coast and pristine coral reefs. Between January and April visitors have a good chance of spotting humpback whales. We even saw Kahiwa Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawai‘i, cascading nearly 2,200 feet down the sea cliffs of northern Moloka‘i.
Clouds aren’t necessarily a bad thing when flying over the Islands because they can lead to rainbows.
Photo: Pauline Schumacher
One important tip for travelers: Schedule your helicopter tour at the beginning or during the middle of your Hawaiʻi trip. The weather can change quickly across the Islands, and if conditions aren’t ideal, your flight might have to be rescheduled. Tour companies want to ensure you catch every stunning view, but their primary concern is your safety. If your tour is at the start of your trip, you’ll be able to shift it by a day or two if needed.
And here’s something fascinating: Clouds aren’t necessarily a bad thing when flying over the Islands. On O‘ahu, we flew through a rain cloud and our pilot, who was just as excited as we were, ended up chasing rainbows. Did you know that from the sky, rainbows form complete circles—not the arches we see from the ground?
