It has been said that more than anything, a helicopter is a freedom to go anywhere. This most certainly exemplifies the reality presented by Paradise Helicopters, which features tours all over the Hawaiian islands, with bases in Kona, Hilo, and Waimea on the Big Island, along with bases on Oahu’s North Shore at Turtle Bay and Kapolei in West Oahu. Options include private luxury adventures through charters as well as helicopter tours, commercial services, and inter-island travel.
Since its inception in 1997, Paradise Helicopters has been locally owned and operated. Throughout the decades of helicopter operations, many partnerships within the community and relationships have been formed. With Paradise Helicopters, you get much more than lava, rainbows, and waterfalls, though that is part of it!
The group of pilots who make up the Paradise Helicopter team is the best in the business, period. There are even a few pilots who have had experience flying “Marine One” during three United States Presidencies. Not only is this team of professionals made up of skilled pilots, but this group is also well versed in Hawaiian geology, history, and culture, which means they always provide a rich, rewarding and fun tour experience.
Paradise Helicopters is also known for some of the best remote landings on the island. Due to the relationships they have built within the community, and work with local Hawaiian businesses and charities this helicopter tour company is often able to access the inaccessible. This is an experience that other helicopter companies, no matter their merit, simply cannot replicate.
In addition to the incredible remote locations and even private landing spots the company can facilitate, Paradise Helicopters is also a global leader in aviation safety. The company’s notable focus on flight safety begins with the CEO of the company and is overseen by the full-time safety officer. Every department and employee throughout the Paradise team is well versed in company safety standards and meets these requirements to ensure customer and crew safety at all times.
One notable achievement that highlights their commitment to safety is the fact that Paradise Helicopters is the first company in the world to earn accreditation by the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Accreditation Program of Safety for Air Tour Operations. Later in 2018, the company went even further and was accredited by the HAI for VIP/Corporate transfer.
All Paradise Helicopters tours are designed to immerse you in the culture of the islands and reveal the hidden beauty of the area. There are options for both doors-off and doors on tours, departing from various locations and highlighting different sights. One of the most popular tours is the Hilo Doors-off Lava & Rainforest Adventure, departing from Hilo Airport. This tour, which takes place in a Hughes 500 without the doors, flies over one of the most active volcanoes in the entire world, Kilauea Volcano. The tour continues with a perusal of the tropical rainforests of Puna and the waterfalls of North Hilo.
Another great choice is the Oahu Circle Island Experience with the doors, which departs from Kalaeloa Airport, Oahu, with a duration of one hour and 12 minutes. This is the only full-circle tour of Oahu by helicopter available. This tour includes an aerial look at Pearl Harbor, the WWII Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, the Honolulu Harbor, beautiful Waikiki, and the iconic Diamond Head Crater.
It continues east over Koko Head Crater and Hanauma Bay, then moves to Sandy Beach, and the Makapuu Lighthouse before heading north. Next up is the coral formations of Kaneohe Bay, the Mokolii, and a peak of “Jurassic Park” as it has been dubbed by locals, actually called Kaaawa Valley. The astounding 1,000-foot cascade of Kaliuwaa is only accessible by air and is part of this comprehensive tour as well.
These are just two examples of the many tours you can enjoy departing all over the island and including a variety of experiences.
Insider Tips:
-There are many optional upgrades you can add for additional cost to your chosen tour. This includes co-pilot and window seating.
-It’s a good idea to make your tour reservation no less than 48 hours in advance.
-On tour, it’s a good idea to wear dark-colored clothing as lighter clothing will reflect in your photos. For doors-off flights, make sure you wear closed-toe shoes and bring along a light jacket as it can get chilly. Anyone with long hair is advised to tie it back. You can bring along a camera or phone for photos, but they need to have a neck or wrist strap.
-Tours are suitable for adults, children, and seniors.