Learn to Fly a Helicopter on Oahu Hawaii
A private, hands-on helicopter flying experience over Oahu. Sit in the pilot seat and take the controls under the guidance of a certified instructor pilot as you fly above Hawaii’s coastline and landscapes. No prior experience required — just a rare chance to actually fly a helicopter, not just ride in one.
Departure: Oahu, Honolulu
*required Weight and Balance (WB) fee when
guest is over 250 lb./113 kg
*required Weight and Balance (WB) fee for each
guest over 250 lb./113 kg
Learn to Fly a Helicopter on Oahu Hawaii
from
$1320
| 30 – 45 – 60 minutes
★★★★★–3+ reviews | Free cancellation* | Free doors off
Sit in the pilot seat and take the controls of a real helicopter over Oahu under the guidance of a certified instructor pilot — no prior experience required.
This is not a sightseeing tour — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit in the pilot seat and actively fly a helicopter over Hawaiʻi’s legendary scenery under the close guidance of a certified instructor pilot. Designed for first-timers, aspiring aviators, experienced pilots, and unforgettable gifts, this immersive, hands-on helicopter flight experience lets you feel what it’s really like to operate a helicopter — not just watch from the back seat.
- Take control of a helicopter under the guidance of expert flight instructors
- Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii from an unparalleled aerial view
- Learn about helicopter maneuvers like take-offs, and landings, performed by instructor
- Accumulate essential flight hours towards FAA piloting qualifications
This experience welcomes first-time flyers curious about helicopter fundamentals, along with experienced pilots interested in flying within Hawaii’s unique airspace and terrain. Each lesson is highly hands-on, concentrating on the essential differences between helicopter and airplane flight.
Flying a helicopter involves a very different skill set than flying a plane, especially during critical phases like hovering, takeoff, and landing. The path to proficiency is structured and demanding, with FAA standards requiring at least 40 hours of total flight time, including a minimum of 20 hours with an instructor. For most students, developing confidence typically takes six to twelve months, as muscle memory builds and the controls become more intuitive.
- Helicopter introduction flight
- Live guided instruction with pilot
- Straps and cases for cell phones
- Parking Fees
Our experienced flight instructors offer an introductory helicopter flight for those looking to take their first steps toward becoming a pilot. This is a hands-on, experiential flying experience — not formal flight training or certification. It’s ideal for aspiring student pilots curious about a future in vertical aviation, licensed pilots eager to experience flying in Hawaii, and adventurous guests who want to take their Hawaii helicopter experience to the next level. Rainbow Helicopters is excited to introduce you to — or help you expand your knowledge of — the incredible world of aviation.
Q: Is flying a helicopter difficult?
At first, flying a helicopter can take some getting used to. After learning and practicing the maneuvers and with experience, flying helicopters becomes like riding a bike, manageable and instinctive.
Q: How long does it take to learn how do you fly a helicopter?
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours of instruction, of which at least 20 hours must be with an instructor and 10 hours must be solo. For most student pilots, 50 to 60 hours is more typical. Reaching that level of flight experience will take most people between six months and a year.
Q: How different is flying a helicopter from flying an airplane?
In cruise flight, there is little difference between a helicopter and an airplane. Moving the stick left or right banks the helicopter, creating a horizontal component of lift that turns the aircraft, and pedals are used to align the nose of the helicopter with the direction of flight. The real difference is when your airspeed approaches zero: the take-off, the landing, and of course, the hover. Emergency procedures are entirely different as well and will require you to learn to manage and mitigate new risks that you have not faced before as a fixed-wing pilot
Q: What are the requirements to obtain a commercial helicopter license??
• Meet minimum age requirements (18)
• Hold a private pilot license.
• Hold FAA medical certificate.
• Complete ground instruction.
• Pass FAA written, oral and practical tests.
• Complete 20 hours of dual flight training.
• Complete one dual cross-country flight.
Flight Details
Add epic upgrades to your tour at checkout.
+ Doors on / off
FREE Doors on or off on your helicopter. Take great pictures! Experience unobstructed views and sights with an open cabin.
+ Flight video & photo packages
Get a shareable digital video of your in-flight experience, available in multiple formats, add fun photos of your experience on the ground and in the air. Customize at checkout.
+ In-flight photographer
Bring aboard a world class photographer to capture every magical detail of your adventure from start to finish.
+ Booking protection
Cancel or reschedule your flight for ANY REASON up to 24 hours prior to scheduled flight for a full refund or no reschedule fees.
Contact our reservations center at (808) 492-8706 to request the change. Coverage excludes Booking Protection Plan Fee. Reschedule and / or canceling one time only. Standard Policies apply to additional rescheduling / cancelations.
I booked this flight for my oldest son, who’s always been fascinated by aviation, and it completely exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel comfortable and taken care of. The instructors were professional, patient, and genuinely excited to share their knowledge. My son had an absolute blast learning to fly a helicopter …in Hawaii no less — and hasn’t stopped talking about it since. Such a memorable experience — we’d absolutely do it again.
MARLA S. • 2024
Reviews ( 3+ )
Tamila Johansen –
I booked the introductory flight to get some hands-on time and it was a really solid experience. The instructor was professional, explained everything clearly, and made sure I was comfortable at each stage of the flight. It was a great way to learn how helicopters handle and to spend time flying in a unique setting. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in aviation.”
Keith H. –
As a licensed pilot, I booked this flight to get some rotor time while visiting Hawaii, and it was a fantastic experience. The instructors were knowledgeable, professional, and made the most of the time in the air. Flying in this environment was both challenging and rewarding, and the aircraft were well maintained. Everything was smooth from check-in to shutdown. I’d absolutely fly with them again on my next trip.
B –
Pro tip – book the 60 minute for best experience!~