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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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