Reviews

It was our family's first experience in a helicopter and based on our Hotel tour guide's recommendation we opted for the thrilling "Doors Off" 45 minute Island Tour of Oahu. The day was overcast with intermittent rain and we were a bit nervous initially about going on the tour; however, after speaking with the Pilot - Nathan we decided to go. We were so glad that we went - It was amazing!! Nathan is an excellent pilot, very professional and he completely alleviated any jitters that we had with his superior piloting skills and commentary as he pointed out areas of Interest. The flight was very smooth and he showed us some great sights - including a waterfall! As the doors were off we could view the whole Island very clearly and took some excellent photos. All the staff at Makani Kai helicopters are very organized, helpful, friendly and professional. We would highly recommend Makani Kai Helicopters for those wanting a scenic birds eye view of the Islands and finally a big thank you to Nathan for a wonderful experience.

Our Pilot was Jim who is very knowledgable on the trip around the island and pointed out many of the major sights. The flight was smooth and weather beautiful. This will always be one of the things in our lives we never forget and tell the tales over and over. Talk of memories.

I booked the doors off helicopter experience as a surprise for my wife as we were celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary!. This was one of the best things we did on the trip. The ride was exhilarating on the Magnum PI helicopter and it was our first time. Definitely go doors off, you won't regret it. Such amazing views of beautiful Oahu and certainly a once in a lifetime experience. The pilot was amazing with great facts and humour. The people at the venue were so welcoming and the customer service was excellent. Thanks to all for giving my wife and such a memorable experience, which we will treasure from years to come. We have been telling all our family and friends from London about it!

We opted for the Magnum PI open door tour which was absolutely breathtaking!! Besides my nerves and heart pounding the 50 min flight around Oahu was amazing and the best activity my husband and I have done in a long time! So worth every penny and the entire staff was excellent. Our pilot, Margo (I think) was exceptional! She commentated not to much but enough so we knew where we were at all times! I have the best pictures from this trip! Note to anyone opting to do this....All belongings need to stay in a locker so be prepared to pay for that or bring nothing. Don't buy any lanyard for your phone prior from ABC.. It won't be approved. Buy theirs for $5 bucks so you can take pics! Long hair needs to be pulled back and no flip flops (all things I wasn't told prior) Would highly recommend to anyone contemplating! We will def do again when in Oahu! This was our favorite adventure while in Oahu!!

If you're having any doubts, get rid of them immediately and pick Jim! Doors off, pay extra to be seated up front like my partner and I were. Tie your hair back, don't wear big earrings and pay the (small amount of) money for the clear bag to hold your IPhone securely. Absolutely spectacular ride. Jim's commentary and superb flying skills made me hoot with laughter and completely forget that I'm usually a nervous flyer (in an airplane let alone a doorless helicopter!). Jim even noted how excited I was about the whole thing and we specially went "hunting" for sharks (as you do in a helicopter!). Truly one of the best experiences of my life. Also apologies I thought Jim's name was Jeff but others can't be wrong! Thanks so much, Rebecca

From the moment we arrived the professionalism was evident. Doug took us around the Island. He was very knowledgable and made all feel completely at ease ( even with the doors off) Loved every minute of it. Highly recommend, great time had by all. Thank you to Doug and the team.

We were 2 boys, ages 8 & 11, 1 dad and a grandmother. Everyone love this experience. It's high quality. We did this the first day we arrived on our vacation, as it help provide an overview for the island, the major sights. Then was great to actually visit the sights on land, in person. The pilot (forgot his name sorry!!) was fantastic. Took many pictures before take off, and after. And supportive staff is also there to help take so many pictures of your experience. Next time, doors off for us! (once boys gets older)....

This was my first helicopter experience and I loved it. It's the perfect way to see the entire island. The helicopter pilot guides you through your experience pointing out the famous sights and gives you plenty of information as you travel around the island. We did the doors off experience and this was thrilling, I was sat upfront next to the pilot and my wife was on my right, she was sat by the door and found it quite scary especially when the helicopter banked right but I loved the entire experience and had a smile on my face the entire time.

It was my first time up in a chopper. I had major anxiety as I hate being up in the air. Pilot Jim made all that go away once we where up in the air. He is super nice and made us all feel so safe, and was very knowledgable and funny! My husband, 7 & 5 year olds loved every minute of the experience. Mahalo Pilot Jim 💗

Booked a trip over Oahu with my wife whilst holidaying in Oahu and what an experience we had. The trip started really smoothly when we were collected at our apartment and continued till the completion of the trip. All the staff were really friendly and carried out a safety brief prior to boarding the helicopter. The pilot was first class and very knowledgeable about interesting facts as we flew over the island, even seeing Jackie Chan's hilltop house. Flying over the craters of the dormant volcanoes was fantastic and although you can walk up to see Diamond Head I'd argue that the view from the air was far better. Pearl Harbour also looked completely different from the air and seeing the pool of oil from the USS Arizona was a poignant reminder of what occurred here in 1941. If you are looking for something different while holidaying in Oahu I'd certainly recommend using Makani Kai and if it's good enough for Five O it's good enough for me.

pilot Jim is so chill it really helps if anyone is nervous about flying, he has all the right music to set the mood depending on what you're looking at, waterfalls, mountains etc.

Pilot Jim was amazing! Today made our 50th anniversary a day to remember. Thank you Pilot Jim. If you want a memorbable experience book this helicopter adventure, you won't be disappointed. Ray and Judy from San Clemente, Ca

My wife and I booked the front seat in the closed door helicopter. Spend the extra money you won't regret it. Views were amazing. I video the entire 1 hour flight. Be aware if you get motion sickness you may want to pass. One guy in the back seat was sick the entire trip.

Our pilot was very witty, skilled and knowledgeable, making it a very enjoyable trip. The company, itself, is very clean and professional. Safety was always stressed. I took this flight in memory of my son who passed away just 4 months ago. As I viewed the beauty below, I was imagining this was the view from his front row seat in heaven. I can't wait to come back and do it again and when I do, it will be with Makani Kai Helicopters!

I decided to try the doors off Helicopter flight as a surprise fro my wife. You can either arange a hotel pick up or drive to the departure point yourselves. We choose the later, plenty of parking, check in process was ok, just need a print out of your booking / ticket. The Helicopter takes a maximum of 4 people plus pilot, you can pre book your seating position if you like. The front is a little tight with 2 plus the pilot, outside seat is best for photos, we sat in the back and had plenty of opportunity for photos. The polit made a point to move to turn the helicopter around at the key sites to allow people on both sides to grt their photos. The flight was along the southeastern rim of the island, along the eastern and northern beaches, then down thu the center of the island, finishing with a fly over of Pearl Harbour. The first part of the flight takes a bit of settling in, the helicopter moves about, the wind is really rushing past, the floor mats are flapping up and down, you are feeling outside of your comfort zone. You always remember the very best or the very worst experiences from your vacations, this is one of the best, we will talk about this for years to come.