Oahu: Magnum PI Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopters

Overview

Available languages

English

50 minutes

Mobile ticket

Enjoy a thrilling flight by open-door helicopter to see the very best of Oahu! With nothing to obstruct your view, you’ll soar over Oahu on a spectacular 50-minute narrated helicopter tour for an adventure of a lifetime. Feel the wind in your hair as you admire unbeatable aerial views of must-see Oahu sights including Honolulu Harbor, Hanauma Bay, the Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach, Dole Plantation, Pearl Harbor and the USS 'Arizona' Memorial.

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All passengers are required to present valid identification at check in, no exceptions. If you forget to bring your ID, we will be forced to deny boarding.

All guests must be able to climb three stairs and lift themselves into the helicopter. It is NOT wheelchair accessible.

For safety reasons, children 9 and under are unable to ride. Each child age 10-14 must be seated next to a responsible adult. No lap children are allowed; each person is required to wear a seat belt.

Magnum Helicopters always flies with a full flight. If all four seats of the helicopter have not been sold the day before your scheduled flight we will contact you to reschedule. If unable to reschedule you will be given a full refund.

The First Class option must be sold as a party of 2 only. If there are more than 2 adults in the party, a separate reservation must be made for the remaining members of the party.

The combined weight of the two First Class passengers must not exceed 340 lbs. (156 kg)

Open Seating and Extra Fees: Passengers are seated according to weight and balance and sat in travelling pairs. Passengers that exceed 250 lbs (113 kg) are subjected to an additional fee of $100. Passengers over 300 lbs must purchase and additional seat.

Parties of 3 or 4: two of the passengers must meet the max combined weight limit of 340 lbs to accommodate the front seats. Please note, passengers are seated according to weight and balance limits of the aircraft. If the limits are exceeded, some parties may need to be split up and fly in separate aircraft or purchase an additional seat.

Check in will be (60) minutes PRIOR to tour departure. Preflight briefing begins 20 minutes prior to departure. Our focus on your safety, requires us to reschedule you if you are not present for the preflight briefing.

Closed-toed shoes are required.

It can get windy so we recommend a light jacket and folks with long hair bring a strong hair tie.

Phones are allowed only in Magnum provided cases and lanyards, available to purchase or rent at the gift shop.

No selfie sticks, gimbal mounts, or devices without a secure hardpoint that can accept a Magnum lanyard.

DSLR and other larger cameras are allowed only with Magnum provided lanyards (Must have a secure hardpoint able to accept our lanyards). We offer private Photo Charters for the most dedicated of photographers.

Go Pro cameras are allowed, but only with Magnum lanyards (No grips, wrist straps, chest, or head mounts)

No headwear other than glasses or sunglasses allowed on board (While we respect members of all creeds and religions. For the safety of all on board we cannot allow headcoverings, scarves, or other head wraps that may pose a danger)

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

USS Arizona Memorial

Arizona Memorial and the USS MIssouri.

Admission Not Applicable

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Arizona Memorial.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Transport by open-door helicopter

50 Minute Helicopter Tour

Local taxes

Live commentary on board

Hotel pick-up and drop off

Gratuities

Options

Regular Seating

Guests that exceed 240lbs/109kg and parties of two over 400lbs/182kg combined must book one additional seat
Check In: Check in will be (45) minutes PRIOR to tour departure.

First Class Seating

Only sold as a pair (2) • Combined weights of both guests cannot exceed 340lbs/154kg
Check In: Check in will be (45) minutes PRIOR to tour departure.

Reviews

4.89

1,401 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1314

Failed To Take-Off
DobbyPig471,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
Firstly let me make this clear that this review is only based on contact from the Magnum Helicopter Tour Team, and is not a review regarding the tour flight as sadly our trip had to be cancelled due to tragic heartbreaking recent events on a nearby Hawaiian island. Long before booking our trip to Hawaii knew of the Magnum Helicopters Tour’s and had fully researched them online and all the positive reviews and feedback, therefore this trip was high up on our list of things that we were really looking forward to seeing and doing. However, shortly after leaving the UK there was a tragic event on a nearby island involving another Hughes 500 helicopter, which is the same type that Magnum Helicopters use. Due to this the team promptly sent an email advising that they were assisting with this matter, and were unable to offer our tour when planned. At this point they offered to book for an alternative date when they would be back operating or offer refund. At this point we still had the means to shuffle our plans around to ensure this must was still able to go ahead. A few more days past and on us arriving in Hawaii, we were at Pearl Harbour Memorial when my wife received a missed call and a further 2 emails from the Magnum Helicopters Team, advising that our replanned tour due to be in a couple of days was again having to be cancelled. At this point they again offered to rebook in excess of a week of our planned date or a refund. Due to potential flight dates being after we were due to leave, we had no choice but to opt for the refund. On advising the Magnum Helicopters Team of this an email was soon received advising that the refund was being processed but could take up to 30 days before being back in our banks. It’s currently over 10 days since we were due our tour and still pending the money back. Due to this we were unable to book with another tour company as our money was still committed with Magnum Helicopters bank. I know that the tragic events are totally out of Magnum Helicopters control, and that by assisting the ongoing investigation, they could be politely putting customer safety at a priority by safety checking their aircraft. I know that they are a business and want our trade, but being part of a helicopter tour company in a niche community they might have been able to assist with having the tour rearranged with another company offering a similar experience, all be it with the doors on. Sadly, I won’t be able to get back to Hawaii to enjoy the thrill of the Magnum Helicopters experience, and gutted that due to things I was unable to see Oahu from above. But can only praise the team for their prompt contact and email updates.
Loved it!
Z3041WLchriss,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience! Staff was knowledgeable and helpful! Would highly recommend.
Best excursion of trip.
Gossamer007,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
First time visit to Hawaii. Spent two weeks on the island and this was my favorite thing I did on my visit. Long flight time that lets you see most of the island of Oahu. Our pilot Kanani did an excellent job and provided a commentary and description of many of the landmarks we flew over. One benefit I had was having taken an island driving tour the week before and I was able to see many of the places I had been on the ground from the air. Company allows you to rent or purchase a cell phone holder in order to take pictures. I didn't think they would come out well due to the wind and awkward angles of holding the phone for pictures but mine came out great. Highly recommended trip.
Oh my gosh I don’t even...
Cat H,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Oh my gosh I don’t even know where to start. This was by far the best excursion I have ever experienced my entire life and we travel a LOT! I look back to this excursion often. They took great photos of us before we took off which are so fun to look back at periodically. It’s been several months since this vacation, but I just couldn’t go without leaving a review. It was so worth the money! So glad we did doors off too. What a awesome experience!
Probably the best tour I...
Robert B,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Probably the best tour I did during a two week stay on Oahu. Some people might find the price steep but it was a much longer helicopter ride than you will find in most places, and in my opinion I got my monies worth. Staff was very friendly and our pilot Kanani was excellent. Got to see an overview of much of the island and was able to take some excellent pictures, probably the best of my trip. If you don't have a lanyard phone or camera the business will let you rent or buy one for $5/$10.
Great flight….definitely worth it
billbF734AS,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Overall, a very good time, from the initial greeting to the final good byes. The flight was most enjoyable with lots of great scenery and commentary from the pilot. Definitely worth the money and time. As recommended on their website, bing a light jacket, even it is warm at sea level. In flight, with the doors open, etc, the wind was a bit chilly. We brought windbreakers which was perfrect.
Such a treat!
Mary M,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
What an amazing once in a lifetime chance to tour around the island. Four of us did a 15 minute loop. Our pilot Herb was terrific as were the rest of the staff. Clear instructions. Safety conscious. The coastline. The waterfall in the mountains. It makes you think there might be a god after all. A grand time was had by all.
Most Memorable Experience on O’ahu
John F,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the best birthday gifts ever!! First of all, Captain Herbert, our pilot that day, was extremely safe, skilled at the controls, and knowledgeable. He takes extremely good care of his passengers. He was patient and thoughtful through the flight to ensure that everyone on board could take in the views from both sides of the aircraft. With that said, the ground team at Magnum Helicopters was courteous, knowledgeable and safety conscious. They ensure that the passengers knew what was expected of them and answered any questions we had. I recommend paying closer attention to this safety briefing than what passengers usually do on commercial flights. Proper seatbelt connections mean a whole more when the doors are open! The flight around the island is as exciting as you could imagine it. I don’t think there is negative or note that could take away from the views and sites you will see. Some places that we saw are only visible BY helicopter! It doesn’t get much better than that. Here’s a note: come prepared. Magnum Helicopters tells you to have closed toe shoes - yeah, do that. Be prepared for a high wind scenario…imagine if you were on the beach (not in Hawaii) in January on the East Coast or the PNW - elevated wind speeds, much cooler temps than on the ground, maybe some precip in that wind that you’ll experience while airborne. My brother and I wished we had on wind-breakers and maybe some light-weight golf slacks for the flight but we endured. Like I said at the top: best birthday gift ever. When you come in the hangar, the Magnum P.I. Ferrari 308 GTS is right there! You can take pictures with it and even sit in it! So cool! They had a green screen behind the car with some GoPros set up, so maybe there is some package you could purchase that would make that experience even better but we didn’t purchase that experience. We did however rent the GoPro they offered. If you don’t have one or didn’t bring yours, I recommend this rental because you may not do this more than once, especially if you come to Hawai’i on short vacation. You get to keep the SIM card after the flight, so it is worth the rental, IMHO. You can’t go wrong with this experience. I highly recommend Magnum Helicopters for your Hawai’i/O’ahu experience. You’ll never forget it.
Magnum is top tier
Matthew H,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
From the moment we arrived, the staff was welcoming, professional, and made everything feel effortless. They took the time to make sure everyone was comfortable and excited before we even lifted off. The pilot was outstanding ..knowledgeable, calm, and clearly passionate about what he does. He pointed out landmarks, shared interesting facts about the island, and made the whole flight feel both safe and unforgettable. Flying over the coastline, seeing the turquoise water, the mountains, and the city all in one view was unreal. It gives you a completely different appreciation for how beautiful Hawaii really is. Huge thank you to the entire team for making this such an amazing experience. If you’re visiting Honolulu and want to do something truly memorable, a helicopter tour is absolutely worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. 🚁🌊🌴
What a great time!
868chadf,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a blast! First time for our two kids in a helicopter and our pilot Jeff was amazing. The sites were also amazing from the air. Would do again anytime.

From US$420.00

4.89

(1,401 reviews)

Free cancellation

Check availability

Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour

Related Experiences

Operated by Magnum Helicopters

Oahu: Magnum PI Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopters

Overview

Available languages

English

50 minutes

Mobile ticket

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All passengers are required to present valid identification at check in, no exceptions. If you forget to bring your ID, we will be forced to deny boarding.

All guests must be able to climb three stairs and lift themselves into the helicopter. It is NOT wheelchair accessible.

For safety reasons, children 9 and under are unable to ride. Each child age 10-14 must be seated next to a responsible adult. No lap children are allowed; each person is required to wear a seat belt.

The First Class option must be sold as a party of 2 only. If there are more than 2 adults in the party, a separate reservation must be made for the remaining members of the party.

The combined weight of the two First Class passengers must not exceed 340 lbs. (156 kg)

Closed-toed shoes are required.

It can get windy so we recommend a light jacket and folks with long hair bring a strong hair tie.

Phones are allowed only in Magnum provided cases and lanyards, available to purchase or rent at the gift shop.

No selfie sticks, gimbal mounts, or devices without a secure hardpoint that can accept a Magnum lanyard.

Go Pro cameras are allowed, but only with Magnum lanyards (No grips, wrist straps, chest, or head mounts)

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

USS Arizona Memorial

Arizona Memorial and the USS MIssouri.

Admission Not Applicable

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Arizona Memorial.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Transport by open-door helicopter

50 Minute Helicopter Tour

Local taxes

Live commentary on board

Hotel pick-up and drop off

Gratuities

Options

Regular Seating

Guests that exceed 240lbs/109kg and parties of two over 400lbs/182kg combined must book one additional seat
Check In: Check in will be (45) minutes PRIOR to tour departure.

First Class Seating

Only sold as a pair (2) • Combined weights of both guests cannot exceed 340lbs/154kg
Check In: Check in will be (45) minutes PRIOR to tour departure.

Reviews

4.89

1,401 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1314

Failed To Take-Off
DobbyPig471,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
Firstly let me make this clear that this review is only based on contact from the Magnum Helicopter Tour Team, and is not a review regarding the tour flight as sadly our trip had to be cancelled due to tragic heartbreaking recent events on a nearby Hawaiian island. Long before booking our trip to Hawaii knew of the Magnum Helicopters Tour’s and had fully researched them online and all the positive reviews and feedback, therefore this trip was high up on our list of things that we were really looking forward to seeing and doing. However, shortly after leaving the UK there was a tragic event on a nearby island involving another Hughes 500 helicopter, which is the same type that Magnum Helicopters use. Due to this the team promptly sent an email advising that they were assisting with this matter, and were unable to offer our tour when planned. At this point they offered to book for an alternative date when they would be back operating or offer refund. At this point we still had the means to shuffle our plans around to ensure this must was still able to go ahead. A few more days past and on us arriving in Hawaii, we were at Pearl Harbour Memorial when my wife received a missed call and a further 2 emails from the Magnum Helicopters Team, advising that our replanned tour due to be in a couple of days was again having to be cancelled. At this point they again offered to rebook in excess of a week of our planned date or a refund. Due to potential flight dates being after we were due to leave, we had no choice but to opt for the refund. On advising the Magnum Helicopters Team of this an email was soon received advising that the refund was being processed but could take up to 30 days before being back in our banks. It’s currently over 10 days since we were due our tour and still pending the money back. Due to this we were unable to book with another tour company as our money was still committed with Magnum Helicopters bank. I know that the tragic events are totally out of Magnum Helicopters control, and that by assisting the ongoing investigation, they could be politely putting customer safety at a priority by safety checking their aircraft. I know that they are a business and want our trade, but being part of a helicopter tour company in a niche community they might have been able to assist with having the tour rearranged with another company offering a similar experience, all be it with the doors on. Sadly, I won’t be able to get back to Hawaii to enjoy the thrill of the Magnum Helicopters experience, and gutted that due to things I was unable to see Oahu from above. But can only praise the team for their prompt contact and email updates.
Loved it!
Z3041WLchriss,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience! Staff was knowledgeable and helpful! Would highly recommend.
Best excursion of trip.
Gossamer007,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
First time visit to Hawaii. Spent two weeks on the island and this was my favorite thing I did on my visit. Long flight time that lets you see most of the island of Oahu. Our pilot Kanani did an excellent job and provided a commentary and description of many of the landmarks we flew over. One benefit I had was having taken an island driving tour the week before and I was able to see many of the places I had been on the ground from the air. Company allows you to rent or purchase a cell phone holder in order to take pictures. I didn't think they would come out well due to the wind and awkward angles of holding the phone for pictures but mine came out great. Highly recommended trip.
Oh my gosh I don’t even...
Cat H,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Oh my gosh I don’t even know where to start. This was by far the best excursion I have ever experienced my entire life and we travel a LOT! I look back to this excursion often. They took great photos of us before we took off which are so fun to look back at periodically. It’s been several months since this vacation, but I just couldn’t go without leaving a review. It was so worth the money! So glad we did doors off too. What a awesome experience!
Probably the best tour I...
Robert B,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Probably the best tour I did during a two week stay on Oahu. Some people might find the price steep but it was a much longer helicopter ride than you will find in most places, and in my opinion I got my monies worth. Staff was very friendly and our pilot Kanani was excellent. Got to see an overview of much of the island and was able to take some excellent pictures, probably the best of my trip. If you don't have a lanyard phone or camera the business will let you rent or buy one for $5/$10.
Great flight….definitely worth it
billbF734AS,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Overall, a very good time, from the initial greeting to the final good byes. The flight was most enjoyable with lots of great scenery and commentary from the pilot. Definitely worth the money and time. As recommended on their website, bing a light jacket, even it is warm at sea level. In flight, with the doors open, etc, the wind was a bit chilly. We brought windbreakers which was perfrect.
Such a treat!
Mary M,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
What an amazing once in a lifetime chance to tour around the island. Four of us did a 15 minute loop. Our pilot Herb was terrific as were the rest of the staff. Clear instructions. Safety conscious. The coastline. The waterfall in the mountains. It makes you think there might be a god after all. A grand time was had by all.
Most Memorable Experience on O’ahu
John F,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the best birthday gifts ever!! First of all, Captain Herbert, our pilot that day, was extremely safe, skilled at the controls, and knowledgeable. He takes extremely good care of his passengers. He was patient and thoughtful through the flight to ensure that everyone on board could take in the views from both sides of the aircraft. With that said, the ground team at Magnum Helicopters was courteous, knowledgeable and safety conscious. They ensure that the passengers knew what was expected of them and answered any questions we had. I recommend paying closer attention to this safety briefing than what passengers usually do on commercial flights. Proper seatbelt connections mean a whole more when the doors are open! The flight around the island is as exciting as you could imagine it. I don’t think there is negative or note that could take away from the views and sites you will see. Some places that we saw are only visible BY helicopter! It doesn’t get much better than that. Here’s a note: come prepared. Magnum Helicopters tells you to have closed toe shoes - yeah, do that. Be prepared for a high wind scenario…imagine if you were on the beach (not in Hawaii) in January on the East Coast or the PNW - elevated wind speeds, much cooler temps than on the ground, maybe some precip in that wind that you’ll experience while airborne. My brother and I wished we had on wind-breakers and maybe some light-weight golf slacks for the flight but we endured. Like I said at the top: best birthday gift ever. When you come in the hangar, the Magnum P.I. Ferrari 308 GTS is right there! You can take pictures with it and even sit in it! So cool! They had a green screen behind the car with some GoPros set up, so maybe there is some package you could purchase that would make that experience even better but we didn’t purchase that experience. We did however rent the GoPro they offered. If you don’t have one or didn’t bring yours, I recommend this rental because you may not do this more than once, especially if you come to Hawai’i on short vacation. You get to keep the SIM card after the flight, so it is worth the rental, IMHO. You can’t go wrong with this experience. I highly recommend Magnum Helicopters for your Hawai’i/O’ahu experience. You’ll never forget it.
Magnum is top tier
Matthew H,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
From the moment we arrived, the staff was welcoming, professional, and made everything feel effortless. They took the time to make sure everyone was comfortable and excited before we even lifted off. The pilot was outstanding ..knowledgeable, calm, and clearly passionate about what he does. He pointed out landmarks, shared interesting facts about the island, and made the whole flight feel both safe and unforgettable. Flying over the coastline, seeing the turquoise water, the mountains, and the city all in one view was unreal. It gives you a completely different appreciation for how beautiful Hawaii really is. Huge thank you to the entire team for making this such an amazing experience. If you’re visiting Honolulu and want to do something truly memorable, a helicopter tour is absolutely worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. 🚁🌊🌴
What a great time!
868chadf,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a blast! First time for our two kids in a helicopter and our pilot Jeff was amazing. The sites were also amazing from the air. Would do again anytime.