Doors-Off Helicopter Tours: The 15 Best Camera Flights

1.Kauai: Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopters

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,951 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $369Our pick

Join a trained pilot for a one-hour, doors-off flight over Kauai in a Hughes 500 limited to four passengers. You’ll see Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, and Mount Waialeale from a window seat with no doors or rear middle seat. Pilots such as Kate, Felipe, Amy, Adam, and Max provide narration along the way.

“It's an amazing experience to fly through the canyon and along the Napali coast - and see the island's lushness - while taking unobstructed photos without any doors!”

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2.Kauai Private Doors-Off Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,510 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $415

Fly privately over Kauai with a guaranteed window seat and no doors blocking your view. In about 75 minutes, your pilot may show you Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon, Olokele Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, and Waiʻaleʻale Crater. Pilots including Ross, Travis, Taylor, Clay, Aiden, and Stuart provide narration in English.

“The only way to observe the absolute beauty of Kauai, the Garden Isle, is from a helicopter tour. Our pilot, Ross, was personable, professional and informative. Safety items were thoroughly addressed in pre-boarding and also with our pilot. BTW...Doors off is the only way to go. For a note, you do indeed need to wear a jacket/sweatshirt and securely tie your hair back since it is windy inside of the helicopter. The photo ops are truly amazing. This was not our first air tour in Kauai or the Islands...it was however one of our best! The private tour option is definitely a bonus.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,372 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $420

Join Magnum Helicopters in Honolulu for a 50-minute doors-off flight over Oahu. Your pilot, such as Herb or Travis, narrates sights from Pearl Harbor and Waikiki to Hanauma Bay, Ka'a'awa Valley, and Sacred Falls. Choose regular seating or First Class for two, and prepare for cold wind, strict weight rules, and limited space.

“Great staff and crew. A wonderful experience, especially if you like Tom Selleck Magnum PI. Worth the price. You’ll enjoy it.”

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4.Kauai: Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 834 reviews · 1 hour · from $369

Fly from Lihue Airport in a turbine-powered Hughes 500 with no more than four passengers. Your English-speaking pilot, including Adam, Kate, Max, or Amy, points out Jurassic Falls, Waimea Canyon, the Nā Pali Coast, and Mount Waialeale. Expect superb photos without window glare, strong wind, and a safety briefing before takeoff.

“Well organized, a wonderful flight, a nice pilot, so many impressions, you can see the whole Island of Kauai, the Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast ... a great experience, the best highlight during our Hawaii trip.”

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5.Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 755 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $540

Fly around Oahu from Rainbow Helicopters near Honolulu International Airport, choosing doors on or off. Expect Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Lanikai, Kāneʻohe Bay, Sacred Falls, the North Shore, Dole Plantation, and Pearl Harbor, with pilots such as JoJo, Gavin, Sarah, and Kiana providing narration along the way.

“What a beautiful and fun way to see Hawaii. Our pilot was amazing pointing out all of the scenic and historical parts of the island. I definitely recommend doing the doors off version. Better pictures, the experience was amazing and much cooler with better airflow then the doors on.”

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6.Doors Off West Maui and Molokai 45 minute Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 487 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $388

Take a 45-minute doors-off flight from Kahului over West Maui and Molokai with an Air Maui pilot such as Drew, Nathan, or Richie. You’ll see sea cliffs, waterfalls, rainforests, beaches, and possible whales from a six-seat helicopter. Bring only a secured cell phone, wear closed-toe footwear, and prepare for strong wind.

“I was extremely nervous and it ended up being an amazing experience. It goes by much quicker than expected. Our pilot (Rich maybe?) Was great. He was very calming and they play some grest music when hes not talking.”

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7.Oahu: 45 Minute Sights Unseen Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 477 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $490

Fly from Honolulu for 45 minutes over Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Lanikai, Sacred Falls, Dole Plantation, and Pearl Harbor. Choose doors on or doors off, with pilots such as Nikki, Cody, Julian, and Ida providing island commentary. The flight holds up to 15 people, though doors-off seating beside an open door is not guaranteed.

“Everything at Rainbow helicopter was very professional . It was my first time to fly in a helicopter and I chose doors off. I was nervous but they explained everything so well + I watched a short video on safety. Cody was my pilot he did an awesome job with the tour and made me feel very comfortable in the helicopter. I highly recommend doing the helicopter tour. The views are absolutely breathtaking.”

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8.Oahu 60min Helicopter Tour with Doors Off/On

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 410 reviews · 1 hour · from $540

Fly around Oahu from Honolulu in one hour, with live commentary from pilots such as Sarah, Emma, Jojo, or Conor. Choose doors on for a calmer ride or doors off for open-air views of Diamond Head, Kaneohe Bay, Sacred Falls, Banzai Pipeline, and Pearl Harbor. Check in 60 minutes early at Rainbow Oahu Helicopter Tours.

“Fantastic, With being in a wheelchair I was unsure I would be able to participate on the tour when I initially called. After talking with staff they reassured me I would be able too. The staff assisted me into the aircraft, ensuring I was comfortable and throughout the flight. The pilot was a young lady from Norway and she was phenomenal in making sure that everyone on the tour had opportunities to see key points. The sites were something I wouldn’t have been able to see from the ground being in a wheelchair as well as breath taking from altitude. The experience was a once in a lifetime time experience…”

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9.KAUAI LUXURY 60-Minute Doors-Off Helicopter ADVENTURE

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 313 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $399

Fly around Kauai for a full hour in a doors-off helicopter, with pilot narration from guides such as Arthur, Chrissy, Preston, and Nick. The route covers Waimea Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Mount Waialeale, and Wailua Falls. Hotel pickup may be available, but weather and minimum passenger requirements can affect departure.

“This is one of those once in a lifetime experiences. We felt very comfortable with our very competent pilot. Loved the ride and the views. A must do”

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10.Oahu: Magnum P.I. Doors-Off Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 152 reviews · 50 min · from $420

Check in at Magnum Headquarters, see the TV series hangar, make a Ferrari green-screen video, then fly 50 to 55 minutes in an original Hughes 500D. Your English-speaking pilot takes you over Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, Sacred Falls, the North Shore, and Pearl Harbor. The doors-off cabin gives you clear photo angles, but expect strong wind and noise.

“Professional and friendly team making the flight a time to remember.”

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11.Path to Pali Passage – 30 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $440

Fly Rainbow Helicopters’ 30-minute Path to Pali Passage over Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Makapuʻu, Mt. Olomana, Nuʻuanu Pali, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor. Choose doors on or off, several departure times, and a private-flight upgrade. Pilots such as Emma, Joey, Cody, and JoJo are praised for smooth flying and clear island commentary.

“Great experience! Our pilot, Kieran was FANTASTIC!!! We will definitely be back and will tell everyone I know.”

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12.Kahului: Doors-off West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 33 reviews · 45 min · from $402

From Kahului Heliport, Air Maui takes you over the West Maui Mountains and across Pailolo Channel to Molokai’s huge sea cliffs, waterfalls, and rainforest. You get a 45-minute flight, English narration, music, goggles, a windbreaker, and a phone lanyard. Only your cellphone may be carried for photos, and children under 10 cannot join.

“La mejor experiencia de mi vida! Los paisajes y el helicóptero sin puertas hace toda la diferencia. El precio lo vale!”

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13.City By The Sea – 20 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 20 minutes (approx.) · from $405

Fly from Honolulu International Airport over Honolulu Harbor, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Punchbowl Crater, and Pearl Harbor. Choose doors on or off, then return to the airport after a fast, photo-friendly circuit of Oahu’s south shore. A private-flight upgrade is available, and pilots such as Harley, Matt, Joey, Joanna, and Fred have been praised for smooth, engaging flights.

“Harley our pilot was extremely professional and knowledgeable nice guy! An exquisite adventure. Worth every penny!!!”

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14.Oahu: Waikiki 20-Minute Doors On / Doors Off Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 32 reviews · 20 min · from $405

Fly above Honolulu with live English commentary from Rainbow Helicopters. The 20-minute route sweeps over Honolulu Harbor, Ala Moana, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Punchbowl Crater, and Pearl Harbor. Choose doors on or doors off, but note that an open-door seat is not guaranteed and weight rules apply.

“Doors off View was EXCELLENT. Video, not so good.”

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15.Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour | DOORS OFF

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $367Best value

Take a doorless helicopter flight from R. Dom Bosco, 644 over Recreio, Barra da Tijuca, Joatinga, Pedra da Gávea, Ipanema, Tijuca Forest, and Christ the Redeemer. Skilled pilots handle the flight, while you enjoy open-air photo angles. Bring ID and a hair tie. The 360-degree video option costs extra.

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