Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours - Honolulu

Traffic through Waikiki was horrible with all of the construction! We left about an hour and 15 minutes before our scheduled slot and still ended up rushing on Nimitz and Lagoon Dr. If there's construction going on when you're visiting, make sure to get there extra, super, early, just in case. Better early than to forfeit your fee!We took a private, mid-day flight on a Saturday (the day between both of our birthdays) and planned on getting back to have lunch. We arrived about five minutes late but the flight before us was just walking back into the building. They had some rainy weather and had to take an alternate route. Malia greeted us in the office. After they said their farewells to the last group, we were also informed of a storm blowing in and were offered either an alternate route which we were shown on the computer, or to reschedule. We accepted the alternate route because it would fly over several of the houses that we lived in.They had us watch a video, place our items in the provided lockable safe, and gave me a phone holder to use with a handle and a wrist strap for my "t-rex" arms (mentioned in the video). They led us out to a golf cart and drove us to meet our pilot and the helicopter. Both Malia and our pilot Hunter removed the doors and then offered to take our photo with our phone. Hunter gave us the rundown and then we were off!Hunter gave us the option for guided or unguided. We chose guided but I think we guided them as much as they did us :DTo be honest, for me, the flight was the highlight and the views were a bonus. However, it was pretty cool to see the island like this. We skirted around Waikiki, Diamond Head, Koko Head, etc., all along the shoreline. The view was beautiful and the ride was smooth, but to be honest, I was hoping for some excitement.Then Hunter came over the com and said that we were going to cut through. They warned us that it might get bumpy because of the rain and wind. Here was the excitement I was hoping for!We had to fly slightly sideways a few times. And we had double rainbow circles under us off and on. SO COOL!We dipped in and out, and through the valleys, through some more wind and rain, and banked here and there (my fav). We asked if Hunter knew the Stairway to Heaven and they said they would see if they could get us close to it. Not only did they get us close, but they gave one side (hubby) a view and then spun around in the tight valley to give me a view, too! It was a bumpy ride but exhilarating! It was raining pretty good and there was a small opening where the cliffs dipped down and we could see blue sky on the other side. Hunter flew the bird sideways (my side dipped down) against the wind to punch through it. It was SO cool!We thought that we were only going to fly over Nanakuli (one of our houses) and then head back, but we went all the way up the Westside until we couldn't go anymore (military - Peacock Flats). We flew over our houses in Waianae Homestead and Makaha. As well as saw our family houses in Makakilo, Kunia, and Aiea Loop Trail (the ranger).The flight kept going and going. I didn't time it, but it seemed longer than an hour. I'm not sure.We headed back and landed smoothly. Hunter had to stop the blades a little faster for me cause I would have had to give him an extra cleaning tip! Maile came out early to get us because it started to rain. Good thing, too, cause I had to lua so bad!Mahalos to you both! Malia - for the attention and care you gave us before and after the flight...and for getting me to the bathroom in time!Hunter - for the awesome & exciting flight!

My wife and I had a great private tour of Kauai with our skilled pilot Julien. We are very glad that we chose this company and chose to do the doors-off flight. Communication with the company was very timely and thorough during the entire process from booking to the actual flight. Even though the weather was less than ideal, our flight left on time and Julien was able to complete the entire route. He provided excellent narration during the flight, pointing out everything that we were seeing. I highly recommend Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours!You can view my video of the entire flight at https://youtu.be/n-9cUcPLjEA

Absolute highlight of my trip to Oahu this time. We did 3 full days in Oahu that we packed full of activities that covered the whole island. The last day we did a 1 hour helicopter ride with Mauna Loa Tours. We chose them because of their good ratings but also because we were guaranteed a private tour. We got just that! After we booked, We received extremely specific and helpful information about what time to be there, where to park etc. The location was easy to find. The check in was quick and we watched a short but very informative safety video. We were weighed (the max is 300 pounds per person with your items on you). We were asked if we wanted doors on or off the helicopter (no question!! Doors OFF). We were given awesome phone holders to use. The phone holder clamps on your phone and a band goes around your wrist. It is very secure and makes taking photos so easy! They provide it free of charge.We ar long sleeves and pants but it isn't as cold as I expected. I was very comfortable and I get cold very easily. There isn't a bad seat but the left side if a much better view of the island, so if you have someone in your group who is having a special day (it was my birthday), they should be seated in one of the two seats on the left. It is a 3 passenger max for the helicopter I was in.The two guys (Pilot and check in guy) were so nice and friendly. They took photos of us in front of the helicopter before the trip. We could take selfies in the copter and as many photos while in flight. They had great headsets that made it easy to ask questions and the pilot played quiet but really fun music in the background.The pilot took us over the whole island around the coast and up the middle just like the flight path showed. He pointed out areas of interest throughout the trip and it was especially fun for us because we had spent the last few days driving the whole island and coast and to see it all from the air was so cool! We didn't plan it that way, but I suggest you do! Make the helicopter ride at the end of your trip to Hawaii and it's fun to see everywhere you've been.The whole thing was amazing. Absolutely no regrets. I wouldn't change a single thing! I thought the price was very appropriate for what we got, even a good deal! I've been talking about this to everyone who will listen. Do a Mauna Loa helicopter tour when on ANY of the Hawaiian islands. They have locations on several islands. I will 100% do another helicopter tour when we visit another island. Worth EVERY PENNY!

The ride of a LIFETIME! I can't say enough about Mauna Loa. Both Adam in the office and Scott in the air were stellar. They made us feel comfortable with all the safety and anticipation. The ride itself was absolutely INCREDIBLE! 60 minutes of air time and I'm no pilot but Scott must have been an ace b/c he was busting out some fancy flying. The banking turn into Pearl Harbor was unlike anything I've ever felt! Thank you Mauna Loa 10 out of 10 would recommend! If you're looking for a helitour look no further.

What an INCREDIBLE experience flying over Oahu with this company. We were so thankful for the opportunity to go and loved every second. The staff members were all awesome, our guide was great, and the views were phenomenal! Highly recommend.

You won't regret getting your tour from this place! Our orientation was conducted by a very charming and friendly Laura; it was my first time to ride a helicopter and she made me feel comfortable and safe. Adam's quiet and amiable chat with me and my boyfriend (who's been in helicopter rides multiple times) was comforting as he took us to the helipad. Travis, our pilot, was equally awesome, very efficient and knowledgeable of his craft. We chose a doors-off helicopter and there were times when I'd feel panicked when we slowly went down the valleys and slopes..but when I glanced at Travis calmly maneuvering the helicopter, his calm emanated and rubbed off on me. And the views that we saw! I realize now that the beauty of the mountains and beaches are best seen from up in the sky. Truly a wonderful, exhilarating experience!

What a great way to see the beautiful landscape of Hawaii! My friend and I got the VIP Tour of Hawaii and it was so beautiful. We got lucky, too because it was foggy but cleared up right before our tour. And then it drizzled after our tour was done. It was meant to be! Before our flight, we got a mini safety video and instructions. They have a place for you to put your belongings, as well. You can also use the lockers. They offer sweaters, tanks, and tee shirts for sale, which I obviously bought. We were escorted to the flight line on a golf cart where we waited for our pilot. He was fantastic. Very charming, funny, and informative. He is also a pilot trainer, so we felt very safe. He showed us all of Hawaii while allowing us space to talk and ask questions. It was so beautiful up there. You have to see it for yourself. Even if you're a local, this is something everyone should experience. The ladies that scheduled us and did the admin type of stuff were so cute and friendly. They were a blast to be around as well. We had a great time. My review is kinda late, but I didn't realize I hadn't made one for this awesome business. I highly recommend this helicopter tour to everyone! Especially Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours!

Honestly the best experience and activity to do in Honolulu; dur to our short trip we were able to see so much of the island had to offer. Staff were great with knowledge of the island and history, very down to earth and answered all questions we had for us to be as comfortable as we could. I got the best views of the island and so happy I did it. Was pretty pricey but all worth it. You have the option to have doors off or on... we did doors off, better views without the glare from windows. Super windy so make sure you bring a jacket and do not wear glasses or hats. My husband thought it was a good idea to wear both and half way through he was constantly holding hat and glasses so they didn't fly off. A must try, I love that our flight was a private flight and not having to share the ride with strangers. Had plenty of room for me and my husband.

A MUST TRY! This is one of the best experiences I have had! We got to see so many things, and you can see the beautiful water from a totally different perspective. Do it with the doors off and you won't regret it. The tour we chose was 50 minutes and we got to go over the dole plantation, Pearl Harbor memorial, Kualoa ranch, the beaches, and many others. Our pilot was very friendly and gave us information about each spot.Definitely a once in a lifetime experience :)

20/10 Experience -- and would definitely do again. Highly recommend the Private VIP tour for couples. Do the Doors Off option and enjoy some of the best views on the island. If you go during the afternoon -- the lighting is perfect. Don't stress about personal belongings -- they have lockers on site and give you a really secure phone holder that helps you take steady photos. You will not drop your phone. If you're afraid of heights -- it's not that bad! Just sit in the back and freak out in private like I did. You have an extra seat to the right of you where you can grab onto when you really panic. The fun factor vs. utter terror is about 100-1. So worth it. Don't wimp out.Gray was a phenomenal pilot. Easily made this a top-tier experience. Thanks for getting us so close to the best scenic views in Oahu!Pro Tip -- Take Dramamine and Zofran prior to your trip and eliminate the fear of motion sickness.