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+ )
Recent reviews
Explore more tours
Royal Crown of Oahu
60 minute Oahu helicopter tour from Honolulu. Experience Oahu’s South Shore, North Shore, Windward Coast, Ko’olau Mountains, Sacred Falls, Pearl Harbor and more. This signature Oahu helicopter ride reveals the island's iconic landmarks and attractions on an unforgettable Hawaii helicopter adventure.
Departure: Oahu, Honolulu
Isle Sights Unseen
45 minute Oahu helicopter tour from Honolulu. Fly the windward side of Oahu most visitors never see. Experience Sacred Falls, Lanikai Beach, Kaʻaʻawa Valley, and Makapuʻu’s dramatic coastline from above. One of the most requested open-air doors-off helicopter tours on Oahu.
Departure: Oahu, Honolulu
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
Waikiki Sunset
50 minute Waikiki sunset helicopter tour from Honolulu. Enjoy a world-class twilight flight as your helicopter tours over the Waikiki skyline, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and more. Get a front row seat to see gorgeous hues of pink, orange, red, and yellow against the expansive skyline.
Departure: Oahu, Honolulu
City by the Sea
20 minute Pearl Harbor helicopter tour from Honolulu. Fly over Pearl Harbor, downtown Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and Punchbowl Crater with panoramic aerial views of Oahu’s iconic coastline and historic landmarks.
Departure: Oahu, Honolulu
Romantic Proposal Flight
30 to 60 minute Oahu private helicopter proposal charter. See Oahu's most breathtaking scenery — Sacred Falls, the North Shore, and Hawaii's legendary coastlines. Available in 30, 45, and 60-minute charters. Add the 'Marry Me' banner flyover upgrade at checkout.
Departure: Oahu, Honolulu
Vanessa –
Super smooth ride! Our pilot did an excellent job pointing out sites and making sure we were able to take awesome pictures. For the major attractions, he circled the helicopter to ensure both sides could get a clear view. If you’re on the island for a short period of time, you can pack in quite a bit of sightseeing in a short flight. Highly recommended – would definitely fly with Novictor again next time I’m in Oahu!
Wei –
We had an amazing time in the air with Nicole and Bastian — highly experienced pilots who were very thoughtful and made sure our entire party felt at ease, including our two older parents. We flew the Path to Pali with doors off, and the sights were absolutely gorgeous — totally worth it! Thank you for flying us and giving us a spectacular ride — we will visit again!
Willis –
Had an awesome time, definitely something that should be checked off on the list of the many things to do in Hawaii. Our Pilot, Bastian was great and informative! Thanks for the amazing ride, will recommend!
Nichole Morgan –
My husband and I had a wonderful overall experience. Bastian was our pilot and offered a safe, exciting and informative ride. My only downside is that I couldn’t hear any audio with my headset (thus the minus 1 star), but my husband used text to share back the information that Bastian was highlighting. We had an extended trip, with doors off and front seat views, which was breathtaking. Strong customer service all around. Thanks again Rainbow team for all of your support.
Lauran Thomson –
This was a first for me and I was very anxious. The whole ground crew was wonderful and put me at ease right away. Andrew was our pilot and did a fantastic job handling the aircraft and pointing out the sites. It was such an incredible experience, I will truly never forget it. I recommend this to anyone thinking about it, was the highlight of my trip here! Thanks all for a fantastic time!!
Rachel D –
I experienced the Door off experience and it did not disappoint. It’s for the fearless and the views was worth the fear that I had. Definitely do it again
Aurora C –
My friend and I took the ride on a semi cloudy day and it was amazing!! No turbulence and great views! Our pilot’s name was Joey and he was so kind! Highly recommended
Dreamer –
My husband and I booked a 30 minute flight around the South end of Honolulu and loved the experience which exceeded our expectations. Our pilot Joe was very informative and the flight was very comfortable. We choose doors off and I highly recommend it. No jacket was required and our hair/clothes did not blow all over the place. The views were amazing between the pristine shore coastline to the green mountains. We even had a small shower which brought a beautiful rainbow we were able to capture in our photos. We also got a great aerial view of Pearl Harbor. The couple we are traveling with also had a great experience. This was our first time doing a helicopter ride and we cannot wait to do it again.
Catherine M –
Best Experience! Cat was our pilot, we had a 5pm tour and I paid for 30 minutes but because I commented on the sunsets beauty she was kind enough to fly around for 25 minutes more , the experience my sister and I had was life changing.
Antonio P –
View from atop is incredibly awesome. Once in a lifetime experience. A tour that covers it all. Definitely a must activity that makes your visit worthwhile. Magnificent scenery of the Island.
Faraway –
Rainbow Helicopters are the best, service is great. It was Breathtaking Experience for us, the Island looks amazing from above.
Andreea O –
Amazing views. Definitely felt extremely safe in the helicopter with the doors off. I opted for the 30 minute tour thinking we would be scared enough for that amount of time however I definitely wish we booked a longer tour! Would go back a million times over.
Shawn W –
Awesome Time, Great Tour Guide and Amazing Views! DOORS OFF!!
Lunelly –
Had an amazing experience. Booked last minute for my family of 5(adults). since we couldn’t fit in one helicopter they split us, three in one and 2 in the other. We did doors off and it was a great experience. The individuals that sat in the back seat thought the wind hitting them was too much. Probably won’t do doors off again in the future just so the experience is calmer and quite.
The staff we encounter were all sweet and friendly. The pilots we had were great too. They pointed out places as were flying and were willing to answer questions.
Queenie Luong –
Excellent helicopter ride. Pilot Sarah is so professional and skillful flying while touring us in the sky. Loved every minute of it. Thanks
uleene –
The view and tour was amazing!
It was such a great experience.
Christine ortega –
The whole family had a blast. I will do this again
Denise C. –
Best experience of our whole Hawaii trip! Our pilot Sarah gave us a great tour from start to finish – would definitely recommend to anyone traveling to Oahu.
Chris adcock –
Definitely a must do.
Angel –
It was Amazing and a fun time. Would highly recommend
Nathan Ose –
Excellent views, our pilot was very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend the doors off tour. The highlight of our trip.
Hazel E. –
It was our first doors off helicopter ride and it was so awesome! We really enjoyed the tour plus Nicole our pilot was so cool. Great experience! Certainly one for the books! Will do it again.
Tomara N –
Ok absolutely NO regrets about trying the doors off flight. We were first timers and it was so cool! The views cannot be beat. Gorgeous the whole time. Super experience!! Mountain View’s were my favorite part. The way the clouds kissed the mountains was spectacular. I’m certainly never going to forget this 🙂
Becky Harrington –
Breathtaking views, awesome pilots, and an overall great experience!
Dana C –
Carson is an amazing tour guide! Amazing to see views from an aerial perspective! Overall incredible experience!
D –
I recommend you give it a try because you will love and enjoy the ride, as well as the sights
Karen Ponton –
Loved it! Thank you so much.
Adilia –
Awesome helicopter ride
Jason Tepes –
Went with rainbow cause you guys had the newest looking helicopters, you guys did not disappoint. My family had an incredible time and this has been our favorite helicopter tour so far. Our pilot was fantastic and it was a smooth flight around the island. Thank you!
Shannon Byrd –
Amazing crew and beautiful tour! Can’t
Donald Carter –
Corey was great! It was an awesome experience and the views were breathtaking! Definitely a must do while visiting!
Gusztav Heiner –
Avisome, amazing. Was a perfect day with Rainbow Helicopters. Highly recomended.
Gusztav Heiner –
Nice trip, perfect day!
Holly Wingfield –
Great views, just wish we had selected a longer tour!
Mark –
Rainbow helicopters was an awesome experience! The staff was very informative and made the process so simple and fun! Our pilot Riley did such a good job pointing out landmarks and explaining the history of the island. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone! Thank you to the Rainbow Helicopter team. 12/10 experience!
Asmira –
Amazing!
Oliver was super friendly and great pilot.
Kate –
It was an absolutely amazing experience! The best part of our trip for sure. Excellent customer service, very safe and super interesting! Thank you very much!
Keren –
We had a great trip with Rainbow Helicopters. There was another couple of the trip with us that had their door off which we were surprised about. We thought that booking a doors on tour meant all doors would be on.
Beth Dunwody –
The helicopter tour of Oahu was one of our favorite things to do! Being able to see the island from that perspective was breathtaking. We would highly recommend this company and their island tour.
Bruce Cornwell –
I would do it again!!
Marco –
Amazing!
Julia –
Oliver was our pilot he was so awesome!!!
We had the best time, breathtaking views, if your contemplating whether to do this, this is your sign !! Do it !!! Was the best experience and best part of our trip.
Mark –
An awesome experience. Oliver was great flying the helicopter and letting us know what we were seeing during the trip. Highly recommended. Thanks
Jacinthe Deschenes –
Mardi le 4 octobre, nous avons fait un tour d’hélicoptère avec Joey de Rainbow helicopter, ce fut vraiment une expérience magnifique malgré les quelques nuages (Normand a voyagé la porte ouverte… ho la la) . Les vues sur Honolulu, les plages , la mer et les montagnes sont absolument fantastiques. Merci pour votre professionnalisme et votre accueil chaleureux . Aloha
Rita –
We had a wonderful experience, our pilot was very informative and patient.
We were celebrating my 6 years old Birthday, she had a good time .
Leslie Dean Barker –
Oliver was great! Lots of fun.
Carlos caballero –
It was amazing ….. Mahalo
Oana Ivanoff –
Wow what an amazing experience we had , was a surprise for my niece, my friend and her daughter they had such a great time we all had a great time, perfect whether . Our pilot Riley was very informative during the flight, and all the other staff were super friendly . This is a most do while in Hawaii, I highly recommend it. Thank you so very much rainbow helicopters!!! Mahalo
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.