What is a Doors Off helicopter tour?
THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII
Doors Off is the helicopter tour industry’s way of saying “We’ll remove the doors so you can really experience the sights.”
You may wonder as I did, why would someone want to choose a doors off helicopter flight as opposed to a doors on helicopter tour for sightseeing in Hawaii? How does a doors off tour differ and compare to a doors on tour? I’ll share common questions and what I’ve learned from my helicopter flights.
Some of the most common questions:
— Why take the doors off?
— Can I have my door on and someone else have their door off?
— Are doors off helicopter tours windy?
— Is it safe to fly a helicopter tour with the doors removed?
— Is it scary to fly with the doors on or doors off?
— Can I get clearer photos if I fly with the doors off?
It’s really exciting to fly with the Doors Off!
Helicopter tours are fun, safe, and exciting with the doors on or off. More safety information will be described in great detail by the ground crew and in a pre-flight safety briefing the day of the sightseeing helicopter tour. The instructions are simple to follow and it’s reassuring to know what to do to keep things safe and fun. I personally found the helicopter tour with the doors off more exciting than with the doors on. Helicopters are extremely high performance machines, not unlike a supercar! So imagine a ride in one of those with the top up or the top down. Either way it’s going to fun, but with the top down or the doors off there will be some more wind, less between you and the sights, a boost to the senses and excitement.
↳ Smiling woman on a doors-off helicopter tour of Oahu.
Totally worth the excitement when you get in the air
Personally I found both doors on and doors off to be equally intimidating as the helicopter began to speed up for take off and right at takeoff. It was an exciting kind of scary and not terrifying sort of scary for sure. Overall I think roller coasters are much more more scary and adrenaline pumping than a helicopter tour because the pilots are extremely skilled in maneuvering the helicopter in a way that is comfortable, smooth and fun. Within a few minutes all fears were forgotten as the amazing beauty of the sights below were all I could think about.
OAHU
60-minute doors off helicopter tour – Royal Crown of Oahu
Experience Oahu’s most popular doors-off helicopter tour and get away from the tourist crowds on this unforgettable Waikiki helicopter tour. Soar above Oahu on a thrilling Honolulu helicopter tour that takes you over Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Sacred Falls, and more. Discover Oahu’s hidden valleys and dramatic coastlines on a shared or private doors off helicopter ride. Enjoy breathtaking views of city, coastline, and mountains on one of the best doors-off helicopter tours in Hawaii. Add doors-off option at no extra charge at checkout.
BIG ISLAND
90-minute doors-off helicopter tour – Kohala Coast Volcanoes Waterfalls
Soar out above the sparkling crystal clear waters of Kailua Bay with its vibrant reefs on a Kona doors off helicopter tour, and discover the tremendous power of the world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa. Explore the remarkable landscapes of Ka’upulehu Crater and the famous Hualalai volcano on a breathtaking Big Island doors off helicopter tour. Experience the lush, tropical valleys of this Hawaii Island paradise and see the pristine towering waterfalls of the Kohala Coast. Add doors-off option at no extra charge at checkout.
Yes, it’s safe
It’s immediately apparent upon sitting in the helicopter that the flights are kept very safe by the professionalism of the ground crew and the pilots. They do all sorts of pre checks before takeoff and you can see they take it all very seriously, which helped me to feel confidant in the safety of helicopter tours and not to worry. Helicopter rides are generally quite smooth and soaring toward Waikiki shoreline and Diamond Head was such a joy! Pearl Harbor is amazing from the air and I could imagine the events and appreciate the memorial in a special way from above that I couldn’t from touring it on the ground and ferry.
Photography is awesome with the Doors Off
With the doors off photography is enhanced because you are not taking pictures through a window. If you wear dark colors, reflections in your photographs can be minimized. Your pictures will capture great memories even if you choose to have your door on. But for the optimal photographs a taking the doors off is a must. With the doors off, wind outside the helicopter is very strong so having a strap on the camera is a must. Some wind comes inside, noticeable for sure, but it isn’t too strong.
Oahu doors off helicopter tour — @nataliefylstraphotography (IG)
Shooting video and the wind
Most of the videos I took were super shakey. I was glad to discover that you could purchase a video of the flight as an upgrade when booking online. This let me focus on just capturing photos and be in the moment! Having the doors on blocks all the wind. For longer flights, some people may find this more comfortable and enjoyable. Helicopters are noisy so special headsets are available for every passenger doors are on or off. Not only do they block the noise but they allow two way communication with all on board.
↳ Open door Hawaii helicopter tours offer a uniqe perspective and opportunity for great pictures with Rainbow Helicopters
What to wear
On my hour long flight with the doors off, I wore a light jacket and still felt a little cold so could have used an additional layer or two underneath. The air temperature is cooler at flight altitude than on the ground by many degrees, so even though it’s Hawaii I still recommend dressing warm. Rainbow Helicopters requires a jacket or sweatshirt on all doors off flights as well as closed toed shoes. I also definitely recommend wearing your hair up or braided so that it doesn’t blow everywhere. If you want photos with your hair down before the flight, that’s not a problem, just bring a hair tie so you can put it up before you board the helicopter.
↳ Image: Doors off helicopter tour of Oahu with Rainbow Helicopters
Combo Doors-on and Doors-off option
One last thing that is special about Oahu Rainbow Helicopter Tours and their doors-off tours is that you can have a combo of a doors-on and doors-off. In fact, in their larger Astar helicopter, the front doors are always on in order to help with the wind so that the flight is enjoyable for all the passengers. You can actually fly with a group and some people can have their doors off and some people can have their doors on, at no extra cost! How? After you book, just email or call with your preference and they will do their best to seat you accordingly (*It’s my understanding that all seating is based on weight and balance per FAA rules, however my experience was that they were able to accommodate almost any request). Staff is available anytime to answer questions. Simply reply to your order email, easy!
Doors off FAQ
A: Flying a doors off helicopter tour gives you unobstructed views of Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes. Without doors, you’ll enjoy a clear, immersive experience perfect for capturing incredible photos of Oahu’s coastlines, mountains, waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like Diamond Head.
A: In some cases, the entire aircraft must fly either doors on or doors off for safety and weight balance. However, certain flight configurations may allow one side of the helicopter to remain closed while the others fly doors off. Please check availability of per-passenger doors-off options as you configure and select your tour and aircraft options in the cart.
A: Yes — doors off helicopter rides create strong wind flow inside the cabin. We recommend wearing secure clothing, removing loose items, and tying back long hair. The open-air experience adds excitement while keeping you safely secured with a professional harness system.
A: Yes — doors off helicopter tours are completely safe when operated by trained pilots and reputable tour operators. Rainbow Helicopters follows strict FAA regulations and uses specialized safety harnesses to ensure all guests are securely fastened throughout the flight.
A: While the idea can feel intimidating for some, most guests find the doors off experience thrilling and exhilarating. With proper harnesses and safety protocols, you’ll feel secure while enjoying unobstructed views that are often impossible to experience with doors on.
A: Absolutely. Without window glare or reflection, doors off helicopter rides allow photographers to capture crystal-clear aerial shots of Hawaii’s landscapes, ocean, and volcanoes. This is one of the biggest reasons many guests choose the doors off experience.
Rainbow Helicopters
Discover Hawaii by helicopter.
Explore Hawaii from above with Rainbow Helicopters.
Oahu helicopter tours,
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From volcanic landscapes and waterfalls to proposal flights and aerial photography, our experienced pilots deliver unforgettable island experiences.
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Flying with the doors off was absolutely incredible! The views were completely unobstructed, and being able to feel the wind while soaring over Oahu was like nothing we’ve ever experienced. Our pilot made us feel totally safe and was super knowledgeable. Huge thanks to Rainbow for making our doors-off helicopter tour unforgettable!
JEAN • 2025
Oahu Doors Off helicopter tours
Royal Crown of Oahu
60 minute Oahu helicopter tour from Honolulu. Experience Oahu’s most picturesque sights as your Rainbow Helicopter soars above the South Shore, North Shore, Windward Coast, Ko’olau Mountains, Sacred Falls, Pearl Harbor and more. This royal ring Oahu helicopter ride offers a front-row seat to iconic landmarks and attractions for 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
Big Island Doors Off helicopter tours
Kohala Coast Volcanoes Waterfalls
90 minute Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Experience an epic Kohala Coast helicopter tour featuring Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and Hualālai volcanoes as well as the Big Island’s most dramatic waterfalls.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Kilauea Volcano Eruption
1 hour 45 minute helicopter tour from Kona. Fly over Kīlauea Volcano and witness the current state of the eruption — lava fields, craters, and volcanic landscapes from above.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Kona Coast Hualalai Volcano
60-minute Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Explore dramatic volcanic coastline, tropical reefs, and ancient lava flows. Fly above Hualalai Volcano, Kaloko Fish Ponds, and the famous Kona Coffee farms. Doors-off included on this Kona helicopter tour.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
New: Big Island Full Circle Expedition
2 hours 30 minutes Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Experience the entire Island of Hawaiʻi by helicopter with 5 volcanoes, both coastlines, lush waterfalls and the majestic valleys of Kohala in a single flight. Expedition includes a 30 minute mid-adventure landing.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Luxury Picnic Volcanoes & Waterfalls
2 hour 30 minute Big Island private helicopter charter from Kona featuring a scenic landing and gourmet chef-catered picnic. Enjoy pilot-narrated flightseeing over Mauna Loa Volcano, Waipiʻo Valley, and the Kohala Coast’s waterfalls and rugged cliffs.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Coastal Sights Unseen
45 minute Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Discover a unique side of Hawaii Island with Hualalai Volcano, Magic Sands Beach, Kaloko Fish Ponds, Kailua Bay, Alii Drive and the famous Kona Coffee farms from above.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Romantic Kona Coffee & Landing
1 hour 5 minute Kona private helicopter charter featuring a scenic coffee farm landing with a Kona coffee tasting. Enjoy a private, romantic experience with pilot-narrated flightseeing along the Kona Coast, including Kailua Bay, Hualālai Volcano, and the secluded shoreline of Kīholo Bay.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
Kona Coast Scenic
30 minute Big Island helicopter tour from Kona. Experience Captain Cook Monument, Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve and the stunning Kona coastline — Hawaii's most historic shoreline from above.
Departure: Hawaii Island, Kona
