クチコミ

Despite my fear of heights and after researching several local companies, I booked this (closed door) helicopter tour of Honolulu. I could not have made a better choice. Makani Kai picked me up at the hotel and provided shuttle transportation to their launch pad at the airport. They were very professional and friendly and their safety record was flawless. The helicopter appeared quite new and decked out for comfort. Upon boarding we were belted in and provided headphones to block noise and to hear the pilot describe the sites below. Take off was smooth and before I knew it we were high in the sky. Our pilot was exceptionally experienced and definitely knew his stuff. The only flaw was that due to his accent, it was a bit hard to follow his commentary on what we were seeing below. However, this was just a small inconvenience. The 45 minute tour was breathtaking and the very best way to see parts of the island I would have never been able to access on the ground. I spent several days researching helicopter tours in Honolulu and this was by far the most memorable experience I could have ever imagined. If you are wanting to tour Honolulu by air, I highly recommend Makani Kai tours. You won't be disappointed!

On a fait un tour d'une heure au dessus d'Oahu. Certes c'est un peu cher, mais ça vaut vraiment le coup. Makani est venu nous récupérer devant notre hôtel de Waikiki et nous a ramené. Les consignes de sécurité sont données pendant le trajet (environ 30 mn). Le survol est commenté par le pilote qui prend soin de faire pivoter l'hélicoptère pour que chaque passager puisse faire des photos.

I opted to take the doors-off, "Magnum, P.I.", helicopter tour as part of things to do to treat myself on my vacation. I have to admit that it wasn't quite what I expected, even for it being my first time in a helicopter. I hadn't quite realised how small the interior of the chopper would be, and while the flight was exhilarating with the doors off, especially on some of the turns and flying past/over some of the mountain ridges, it was also really windy...it also ended up being a little cooler at altitude than I expected, and the vibrations made taking video without stabilisation very difficult, and keeping the sights in frame was often a challenge (watch your zoom factor). However, I did enjoy the nearly-one-hour flight, and it was really interesting seeing the island from the air instead of the ground, including the difficult-to-access Alii Falls, as well as the aerial flight over Pearl Harbour just before landing. Surprisingly, the flight was almost too long, given the conditions I mentioned, but I suppose that's self-inflicted. :/ The criticisms I would level from my experience would be 1) that on the flypast of Waikiki, the pilot didn't do a double pass: that is, he didn't give both sides of the chopper a good view, which is something I had seen this helicopter do from the ground; and 2) the pilot was hard to understand even through the headsets we were all wearing...his manner of speech was part of the issue. Additionally, though DVDs of the flights are offered, this flight does not have them, and that's not explicitly stated anywhere I saw when booking the flight. All in all, though, it was a good experience, and it's definitely a unique way to tour the island.

We made with my Family an Oahu helicopter tour for 45 minutes. It was awesome! Excelent service, and most important, Safety goes First! Don't remember the name of the Japanese-American pilot but he was very professional and skilled! Mahala- Arigatogozamazu- Gracias- Thank You!

Not that I track - but I believe that President Obama and Family have vacationed in Hawaii every Christmas Break since he was elected. If you read a newspaper and are aware of the international threats that exist- not surprising that the air space around his location is restricted. So why was this helicopter company close to freaking out about it? From the moment we go into the shuttle the driver was going on and on about it. When we arrived at the check in spot at the airport - they're going on and on about it. The pilot commented on it. Just put the disclosure on your web site and be done already. Management should be well aware of it by now. Stop upsetting your customers with it. The tour was perfectly enjoyable and beautiful even with the slight alteration. The check in with additional TSA involvement - not a big deal. The "Obama Drama" as they called it - wasn't - them being overly dramatic about - exhausting.

We took a 'doors off' helicopter tour of the island within a few hours of flying into Oah'u, and absolutely loved the experience. It may not be for everyone, especially if you have a fear of heights, but aerial view of the beaches and close up look at the mountains was worth it. We were lucky enough to see a pod of whales off Sunset Beach, and got some brilliant photos. The only (minor) criticism we had was the pilot's commentary was difficult to hear/understand.

My wife purschaed this 50 minute helicopter ride for my birthday. We selected the Doors Off! Tour, in the helo that is identical to the helicopter the character TC flew in the TV series Magnum, PI. This was the BEST experience in 10+ trips down to Hawaii. GREAT staff at Makani Kai Air! These guys are pros, and they give you the Red Carpet treatment from the moment they pick you up. I showed up with my Magnum PI shirt, and my buddy wore his Island Hoppers shirt (TC's company in the TV show). The pilot picked up on the Magnum PI references immediately and he knew we picked that copter because of it's connection to the show. You depart Honolulu Airport, cruise down Waikiki, up over Diamond Head, down by Hawaii Kai and out to Makapu Point Lighthouse. Then it's out to Sacred Falls, Bellows Field and onward to the classic North Shore (Sunset Beach, Pipeline, etc.). The pilot kept us fully informed during the entire flight, and he knew where all the "must sees" were. He even pulled the copter into a full 360 swing when we passed over the house used in Magnum PI, to ensure both of us could get good shots. You overfly the Dole Plantation, and then down over Shofield Barracks and then down into Pearl Harbor. GREAT flyover of the Arizona Memorial and Ford Island. It was over much too soon, and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Couple of tips: If there are 2 (or more) of you, "assign" phoot shooting duties to each side of the copter. Focus on yor side for shots. But, also, take time to put the camera down and just enjoy the ride. Doors Off! is truly the best way to see Oahu!

We opted for the 1 hour service and did not regret it. The weather was perfect for flying and sight seeing. The pilot did a tremendous job of pointing out all sights of interest. I definetly recommend Makani Kai Helicopter tours!! Enjoy!!!

Our experience with Makani Kai Helicopters was fantastic! The beauty of Oahu is something that can only be fully appreciated from the air. "Pilot Jim" was an excellent guide. His knowledge of the island was tremendous and we learned so much about the history of Oahu. Pilot Jim's passion for flying was apparent. He and the staff were very professional in all aspects of the flight from the initial briefing through a post-flight conversation where we learned even more about the island. Pilot Jim's positive attitude and sense of humor were wonderful. I highly recommend this excursion early in your visit because it will help you determine other things you would like to see close up. Bring a camera, you won't need anything else. The website tells you everything you need to know. You will not regret this experience.

Any view over Hawaii is, of course, very beautiful. This is the only civilian helicopter I have flown on and I do consider a flight over the island one of the best ways to sight see. We were picked up at our hotel and went along to pick up other passengers throughout Waikiki. The van was right on time, as advertised. At the last pick-up, the driver took a call and reported to the passengers that the "doors-off" flight was being canceled due to a maintenance issue. That is understandable and he then had to drive back and drop those passengers back at their hotels. We watched a short safety video on the way to HNL. Upon arrival, we were given the chance to store bags in lockers, use the restroom, and have water. We were given life vests, which had been demonstrated on the previous video. We were given no other safety information and we didn't even have IDs checked. That is a bit disconcerting for me. Please be aware that I do consider this a great way to see the island, it is a bit of money for most travelers. There are 4 seats in the back and they fill all 4. I was in one of the 2 middle seats and I could not even move at all. I could see most things, but it was not comfortable at all. And, of course, I did not have the great view the person sitting by the window does. Just something to realize if you are not already aware, it is a chance that you take, you may not get a great seat. We had a pilot that seemed very competent and flew the aircraft very smoothly, even during some rougher wind and some rainy areas. We flew the route as described and he would turn the aircraft on more popular spots so both sides had the opportunity to see it. After landing, I found out that the person I had traveled with was able to hear the pilot the whole trip. I did not hear him in my headset. I don't know if it was not available to all, if I had a way to adjust my headset, or what. I missed all of his commentary on the sites. We were never briefed on this and do not remember it from the video. I wish this is something the staff would have mentioned. In all, a flight is always a win. If you can afford it and aren't scared of flying, definitely do so. I cannot compare to other companies on the island, but there are helicopters flying all over.

Vi bestilte en morgentur, der er vejret bedst, uden døre i helikopteren. Blev henter på hotellet og kørt i lufthavnen. Masser af frisk luft. Fremragende tur rundt øen. Skønt at se den smukke ø oppefra.

We picked the 45 minute flight and the scenery was awesome! Our pilot Jim was entertaining and very knowledgeable of the island. He did an excellent job of ensuring that everyone in the helicopter had the opportunity to take pictures depending on where you were seated. Highly recommend as one of those "must do" things before you leave the island!

Big shout out to Jim the pilot!!! You made our first helicopter experience great! Even with the winds! ha Thank you to the driver who picked us up and dropped us off! :) Allister & Gilda S

Just did the 1 hour helicopter ride with our 26 year old daughter and it was truly amazing. Best way to see the island. 5 star effort to our pilot Jim! We have been on helicopters before but never have we had a pilot that was so informative and made you feel safe and also he was funny!! Thanks Jim and Makani Kai Helicopeters!

My husband and I stayed in Honolulu for a few days after our cruise finished in September 2014. We packed in as much as we could and were very glad that we did the helicopter tour, particularly with the doors off. The views were breath taking and my husband and I got some really amazing photos. I would recommend making sure that any long hair is tightly tied back and any shoelaces are tightly secured too. This tour is a must and highly, highly recommended.