More Than a Tour: It's an Experience!

Feel the wind in your hair. Embrace the elements. There’s nothing between you and the sky. For a truly great helicopter adventure, fly without doors on the aircraft. Every seat has a great view.

A Superb Photography Platform: Serious photographers know that the only way to get great aerial images is to avoid shooting through Plexiglas windows. By shooting from an open door, you eliminate distortion and reflections, and your view angle is wider and unobstructed. For professional photographers and dedicated shutterbugs alike, doors off is the only way to fly.

Includes:

• 50 Minute Tour
• Two way communication with your pilot
• Free shuttle from Waikiki
• Open air cockpit

Tour Details:
Your adventure begins with a beautiful view of Keehi Lagoon and continues over historic Honolulu Harbor. Aloha Tower, once the tallest structure on the island, is dwarfed by the business center highrises and you’ll note how compact the downtown area is. Above the city is Punchbowl, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, and beyond, the ridges of the Koolau mountains that describe a spine down the middle of the island. You’ll see Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island, the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and Waikiki Beach. This part is fun because you’ll also see the surfers and pleasure craft off Waikiki, as well as occasional marine life such as dolphins and turtles.

Next up is Diamond Head, Kahala, and spectacular Hanauma Bay.
Rounding the east end of the island, you’ll see rugged coastline, inviting Sandy Beach and Makapuu Point and lighthouse. Your aerial tour continues over Sea Life Park and beyond, the estate where TV’s Magnum P.I. was filmed. If you look closely, you can still see the lawn area among the palm trees where the original Magnum P.I. helicopter used to land. Your trip continues above miles of white sand beach in Waimanalo. You’ll be treated to stunning views of Mount Olomana, Kailua, Kaneohe and the gorgeous coral formations of Kaneohe Bay.

The Bay itself hold several visual treats including Coconut Island, which was used for the opening shot of the TV classic Gilligan’s Island, and the serene waters of the Kaneohe Bay fishpond, initially constructed by the ancient Hawaiians. Look for the Bay’s sandbar, where boaters gather at low tide, and for distinctive Chinaman’s Hat, known as Mokoli’i. According to Hawaiian legend, the uniquely shaped island was the tip of the tail of a lizard.

One of the most dramatic vistas awaits you, storied Jurassic Park (Kaaawa) valley, where scenes from a dozen major motion pictures have been filmed. Perhaps the highlight of the tour is Sacred Falls, a delicate and splendid 1,000-foot cascade.

The tour continues along the storied North Shore, with a million-dollar view of world-renowned surfing spots including Sunset Beach, Pipeline and Waimea Bay. On your way over Oahu’s Central Plain, you’ll see the Dole Pineapple maze and the “birthing stones” of Hawaiian royalty. Your tour concludes with a all-encompassing view of Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri.

MD-500: The Doors-Off Adventure Machine
If you remember the Magnum P.I. television series, you remember the iconic helicopter flown by TC in the show. We’ve replicated that very aircraft for your doors off adventure. The venerable Hughes 500 began life a half-century ago and was developed for the military. A civilian version was later developed and, over the years, the aircraft was upgraded and improved and is still in production today.
We fly the D model, the one and the same as used on the Magnum P.I. TV series, with a more powerful engine, a T-tail, and a five-blade main rotor. Powered by an Alison 250-C20B rated at 420 shaft horsepower, the helicopter is agile, maneuverable and a lot of fun to fly.

Schedule:

• Available: Daily
• Tour Times: From 8:00 AM  to 5:00 PM
• Duration: 50 Minutes

Special Notes:
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
PLEASE ARRIVE 45 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR SCHEDULED TOUR TIME FOR BRIEFING.

Transportation:

Ala Moana Hotel (Mahukona St)
Pier 10/11 (Aloha Tower Dr)
Duty Free Shop (Royal Hawaiian Ave)
Hyatt Regency (Koa Ave)
Ambassador Hotel Waikiki (Namahana St)
Ilikai Hotel (Ala Moana Blvd)
Aston Waikiki Beach (Paoakalani Ave)