Path to Pali Passage
30 minute Oahu helicopter tour from Honolulu. Fly over Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and deep into the Nu’uanu Pali cliffs. A dramatic Honolulu helicopter tour with inland route through Oahu’s lush Ko’olau Mountains.
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
Path to Pali Passage
$440
per person | 30 minutes
Discover Oahu on Rainbow Helicopters’ “Path to Pali Passage” tour. Soar above the legendary Nuʻuanu Pali corridor and experience the towering Koʻolau Mountains, lush windward valleys, and dramatic coastal cliffs from a breathtaking aerial perspective. This scenic helicopter tour showcases some of Hawaii’s most iconic natural landscapes while revealing remote areas rarely seen from the ground. Fly past the jagged ridges of Mt. Olomana, the historic Nuʻuanu Pali cliffs, Diamond Head, and the famous Waikiki coastline. Along the way, admire white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, lush rainforests, and Oahu’s dramatic mountain ridges. Your flight concludes with panoramic views of Pearl Harbor and the world-famous USS Arizona Memorial..
Experience Oahu’s dramatic Koʻolau cliffs and Nuʻuanu Pali from above
Experience towering mountain ridges, lush windward valleys, and sweeping coastal scenery as you fly through one of Oahu’s most dramatic aerial corridors. Perfect for photographers and first-time visitors alike, the Path to Pali Passage offers unforgettable views of Nuʻuanu Pali, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Oahu’s iconic windward coastline.
- Take an exciting helicopter tour of Oahu with doors on or off (no extra charge)
- See some of Hawaii’s most iconic sights from above
- Fly over Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Makapu’u Lighthouse, and Waikiki Beaches
- Choose a convenient departure time
Honolulu Harbor
Aloha Tower
Waikiki Beaches
Diamond Head
Maunalua Bay
Hanauma Bay
Makapu’u Lighthouse
Lanikai Beach
Ko’olau Mountains
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
Pearl Harbor
USS Arizona Memorial
Everything you could want to see on Oahu from a helicopter tour is even more breathtaking with a view from above. The Path to Pali Passage is not just a regular helicopter tour. It’s a Diamond Head Crater tour, a Maunalua Bay helicopter tour, a USS Arizona Memorial helicopter tour – and more – all rolled into an unforgettable Oahu helicopter adventure. This Nu’uanu Pali Lookout tour is one of Oahu’s top 5 traveller rated tours.
Soaring among the green peaks of the Nu’uanu Valley, it can be hard to imagine that these incredible mountains were born from fire. Your Oahu helicopter tour experience begins over the island’s South Shore, starting the Waikiki and Diamond Head helicopter tour part of the flight – for a chance to see the familiar Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head crater as you’ve never seen them before. This adventure is an Oahu excursion you’ll never forget.
You continue on to Hanauma Bay’s beautiful sheltered Hawaiian blue waters and the nearby cliffs and volcanic outcroppings – beautiful remnants of the island’s fiery volcanic past.
Rounding Makapu’u Point, you follow the Windward Coast, and a view of the windward side will reveal and its long stretches of white sand beaches and turquoise waters as they lead you towards the gorgeous mountains beyond. You turn inland to see the three sharp peaks of famous Mt. Olomana, characteristic of its english translation, “divided hill.”
Floating inbound, you experience an absolutely breathtaking expanse as you fly the passage among the Nu’uanu Pali cliffs and lush rainforests that cover their slopes. The flight ends with a helicopter tour over Pearl Harbor where you can see the site of the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri. Enjoy the volcanic origins that created Oahu’s diverse terrain and take in the majestic bliss felt by gliding along the landscape in this unforgettable Nu’uanu Pali Lookout helicopter tour of Oahu.
- Helicopter tour around Oahu
- Live guided tour with commentary
- Straps and cases for cell phones
- Parking Fees
Your tour begins at Honolulu International Airport’s south ramp, where you’ll board your helicopter. As you ascend into the skies, you’ll glide over Oahu’s South Shore, treating yourself to captivating vistas of the iconic Diamond Head crater and the Honolulu skyline.
Your journey continues over Hanauma Bay, where you’ll catch glimpses of the vibrant coral reefs below. Zooming over volcanic cliffs and ancient formations, you’ll be immersed in the island’s natural wonders. The flight takes a graceful turn above Makapu’u Point, tracing an aerial path that reveals the beauty of the island’s pristine white sand beaches.
Venturing further inland, the flight will lead you past the trio of peaks comprising Mt. Olomana, then guiding you through the dramatic Nu’uanu Pali cliffs. Continuing on, you’ll fly over the historic Pearl Harbor site, including a poignant pass above the USS Arizona Memorial, a site of great significance.
After an exhilarating experience of soaring above the island’s splendor, the helicopter will smoothly circle back to Honolulu International Airport, bringing your journey to a satisfying conclusion.
For answers to commonly asked questions visit our FAQ
Q: What will I see during the Path to Pali Passage helicopter tour?
The Path to Pali Passage helicopter tour showcases many of Oahu’s most iconic sights from above, including Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Makapuʻu Lighthouse, Lanikai Beach, the Koʻolau Mountains, Nuʻuanu Pali cliffs, Pearl Harbor, and the USS Arizona Memorial. This scenic Oahu helicopter tour combines breathtaking coastline views with lush volcanic landscapes and dramatic mountain scenery.
Q: What makes the Nuʻuanu Pali helicopter tour unique?
Flying through the Nuʻuanu Pali corridor offers some of the most dramatic aerial scenery on Oahu. Guests experience towering Koʻolau cliffs, deep green valleys, hidden waterfalls, and panoramic windward coastline views that are difficult to access from the ground. The Path to Pali Passage route is one of the most scenic helicopter experiences in Hawaii.
Q: Is the Path to Pali Passage tour good for first-time visitors to Oahu?
Yes. The Path to Pali Passage is one of the best Oahu helicopter tours for first-time visitors because it covers many of the island’s most famous landmarks in a single flight. Guests enjoy aerial views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor, and Oahu’s lush windward coast during a compact but unforgettable helicopter adventure.
Q: Does this Oahu helicopter tour fly over Diamond Head and Waikiki?
Absolutely. Your helicopter flight begins above Honolulu’s South Shore with incredible aerial views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head crater, Honolulu Harbor, and surrounding coastline before continuing along Oahu’s eastern shoreline and mountain ranges.
Q: Can I choose doors-on or doors-off for the Path to Pali Passage helicopter tour?
Yes. Guests may choose either a doors-on or doors-off helicopter experience depending on their comfort level and photography preferences. Doors-off helicopter tours provide unobstructed panoramic views and are especially popular for aerial photography of Oahu’s cliffs, coastlines, and waterfalls.
Q: Is the Path to Pali Passage helicopter ride good for photography?
Yes. This helicopter tour is extremely popular with photographers because it features dramatic mountain ridges, turquoise coastline views, coral reefs, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes throughout the flight. Doors-off flights allow for especially clear aerial photography opportunities over Oahu.
Q: How long is the Path to Pali Passage helicopter tour?
The Path to Pali Passage is approximately a 30-minute helicopter tour departing from Honolulu Airport (HNL). Despite its shorter duration, the route covers many of Oahu’s most iconic landmarks and scenic regions.
Q: Will I see Pearl Harbor during the helicopter flight?
Yes. The tour concludes with sweeping aerial views of Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the surrounding historic landmarks before returning to Honolulu Airport.
Q: What should I wear for a Hawaii helicopter ride?
Dress comfortably for Hawaii weather. For doors-off helicopter tours, jackets or sweatshirts are recommended because temperatures and wind conditions are cooler during flight. Closed-toe shoes are also required for doors-off experiences, and guests with long hair should bring a hair tie.
Q: Is this helicopter tour suitable for families and groups?
Yes. The Path to Pali Passage helicopter tour is popular with couples, families, solo travelers, and groups looking for a unique way to experience Oahu. Private charter upgrades may also be available for guests seeking a more exclusive experience.
+ Private tour
Book the entire aircraft as a personal helicopter for your group. Perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
+ 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.
ALEXANDER • 2026
Reviews ( 68+ )
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Jacob and Shelly –
We had the most amazing experience. The first booking we had, we were able to take off in the helicopter, but we were unable to do the entire Pali route due to weather. I was so sad, then the staff turned it around and made sure that we got the full experience, offered to reschedule us, and were the kindest people. These employees are amazing!!! I can’t remember the name of the girl who helped us reschedule and took care of us, I think it was Kamalani, but she was the SWEETEST! Rainbow Helicopters truly took care of us and we had the most amazing experience because they also upgraded our second trip!!! BEST HELICOPTER COMPANY EVER, BEST EMPLOYEES ♥️ -jacob & shelby
Riley –
Beautiful view of the island. Staff was professional and helpful. Ride was smooth. Open doors is very windy… but great view!
Kristen VanVranken –
The ride was awesome!! I kept my door off which was a bit scary being it was my first time in a helicopter but I’m so glad I did because it made the experience that much cooler! Our pilot was so informative and kind. He made the experience so memorable.
Kathy Dailey –
Our pilot, Tobias was great. I was nervous starting out but had a great time.
Judi –
Everything was more than my granddaughter and I imagined. She was so excited for the doors off and I was for the co-pilot seat with doors on. The pilot gave us a lot of information and made it very entertaining.
Mike –
Couldn’t ask for a better way to see Oahu. Tony our pilot was awesome and full of knowledge, also if you’re a nervous flyer he gave you a heads up when there would be turbulence.
Eamonn –
I decided to book a tour with last minute but they were able to accommodate me. The staff at the office were nice and answered all my questions. Joel, the pilot, was nice and knew so much about the island. This is a can’t miss opportunity on this island.
Sadaf Zehra –
Had a 30 mins helicopter ride and couldn’t recommend them enough. Extremely professional & polite staff, we also hired a photographer & didn’t regret the decision as the pictures/videos turned out amazing. Also our inflight video was really good.
Highly recommended.
Syed Nasir Abbas Rizvi –
Had a 30 mins helicopter ride and couldn’t recommend them enough. Extremely professional & polite staff, we also hired a photographer & didn’t regret the decision as the pictures/videos turned out amazing. Also our inflight video was really good.
Highly recommended.
Tyler Maxwell –
Only regret was not doing it longer!
Lisa –
Amazing doors off experience with a great pilot and guide! Definitely a bucket list item to check off in hawaii!
Beth –
Thanks to Joey & Rainbow Helicopters we had a wonderful, exhilarating trip. The doors off was the way to go! My husband even spotted a sea turtle! Thank you!
Melanie West –
Amazing experience. Emma was the best!
Jennifer –
This was booked for my husband and daughter. They were both nervous but Lucien made them completely comfortable. They said the flight was smooth, enjoyable, fantastic views, and even got local insider info. They would do it again. My kid couldn’t stop smiling afterwards.
Jessica F –
Rainbow Helicopters was first-class from start to finish: professional, safety-conscious, and deeply respectful of the land. You can tell they love Hawaiʻi, and they make you fall in love with it too.
Jerrold G –
I’ve done sunset cruises, zipline adventures, even skydived once — but nothing compares to the sheer awe I felt during the Path of the Pali Passage tour with Rainbow Helicopters.
From the moment we lifted off, I felt like I was stepping into a dream. The city of Honolulu faded below us, and suddenly we were soaring alongside the majestic Koʻolau Mountains, their razor-sharp ridgelines glowing emerald green beneath golden sunlight. The pilot was both hilarious and deeply knowledgeable — like having a National Geographic narrator with a sense of humor guiding us through paradise.
Cynthia T –
The Path of the Pali Passage isn’t just an Oahu helicopter ride — it’s a journey through time and terrain, told through clouds and cliffs. The moment we lifted off from Honolulu, the world shifted. The city fell away and the raw, untouched beauty of the Koʻolau Range took over. From above, the mountains aren’t just hills — they’re sleeping dragons, rippling with green, ancient and alive.
Horace Epperson –
Rainbow Helicopter was beautiful. The experience was professional while personal and pleasant , the Staff , from office to ramp , and into the helicopter , where we met the pilot , Gavin , staying on top of any needs or concerns. My wife and I are physically challenged , being of a certain age , and helpful staff got us situated with cheerful Aloha Spirit. Gavin was professional , handled the little R44 like a champ , safety first , while keeping up a tour guide level of local knowledge. We like Gavin ! Highly recommend this business !
Sandra Dore –
Loved it! When you only have limited time, this is the very best way to see it all. It was spectacular.
I made a mistake when booking, but customer service was fantastic and got us on a helicopter. Fabulous!
Therese –
Absolutely incredible experience. Flying through the Nuʻuanu Pali cliffs and along Oahu’s windward coastline was unreal. The views of Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and the Koʻolau Mountains from the helicopter were breathtaking, and the doors-off option made it even more exciting. Easily one of the best Oahu helicopter tours we’ve ever done.