This is more of an adventure ride than a tour, a sensory rush with the wind in your hair. Guests fly in the same helicopter used in the Magnum P.I. television series. The 50-minute tour shows guests the most scenic and beautiful parts of the island. Every seat has an excellent view. This is the preferred method of flying for serious photographers as there is no glare or reflections from shooting through Plexiglas.
The tour starts with a lovely view of Keehi Lagoon and flies over the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay. There’s nothing like the bird’s eye view you get from a helicopter. Next comes the powdery white sands of Waimanalo Beach, the gorgeous coral formations of Kaneohe Bay, and “Jurassic Park” valley, where scenes from a dozen major motion pictures have been filmed. The highlight of the tour is Sacred Falls, a 1,000-foot cascade. Guests also see the storied North Shore surf spots, the Dole Pineapple Maze, Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri.
Advisory:
Please be advised that the Doors Off adventure is not for everyone. This is a thrill ride combined with a scenic tour. Your hair will be in disarray, you may get wet from the rain, and it is very windy. Just as not everyone loves roller coasters, some people are uncomfortable without having a door between themselves and the wild blue yonder. If you are faint of heart, please choose another tour.
Other points:
• Wear shoes
• Wear eye protection
• Bring a sweater or windbreaker
• If you have long hair, bring a tie
• Cameras and phones must have a wrist strap
• GoPro sticks can be no longer than six inches