This was a great experience overall, the staff were excellent. Brodi (pilot) did an excellent job flying us around the island. Very professional and from what I understand he served in Afghanistan, not exactly sure as what, but I'm assuming a pilot, so you know you're getting top notch pilots. Very smooth flying; no hiccups. The helicopter also has a camera that records the whole thing which you can purchase afterwards for $40 if you live in the US and $50 for international. I highly recommend this tour for everyone!
We did the 45min helicopter tour. Our pilot, Brody, made this a really amazing experience. He's a former marine and his fantastic piloting skills kept our flight nice and steady on this windy day. Knowledgeable and smooth commentary throughout, he even managed to show us some breaching whales and sea turtles - bonus!! Would recommend this flight to anyone and everyone.
The ride takes you on a close aerial view of Pearl Harbor, where you get a great view of the USS Arizona Memorial, the moorings for the other battleships next to the Arizona that fateful day in 1941 as well as the majestic USS Missouri. Next we headed up to the plains - can't remember the names, as I was too scared to retain the details .... this being my first time in a helicopter. The next views we headed out to were the craters that formed the islands - breath taking views; spoilt only by the rain and cloud formations. Waikiki from the air shows you what a phenomenal task it was to clear this once swamp land into what is fantastic beach fronts and rows & rows of hotels, shopping outlets, etc. after about 35 minutes in the air, we finally returned to the helipad. Great ride & experience .... but I was thankful to have my feet firmly on the ground
This was our first helicopter tour. The pilot Elki Miyas ( ? spelling) was an awesome pilot. The ride was so smooth. He was hard to hear at times, but a great pilot. Our guide/assistant was very nice and assisted us with anything we needed. You MUST spend the extra money for first class seating - that means you will be in the front seat with the pilot. There is room for 2 people in the front & 4 in the back. What a way to see Oahu. We took the 45 minute tour ...Hidden tour
I have flown in a helicopter before and wanted to treat my spouse to a ride, its pretty pricey but if you get a discounted tour you can get a flight for 2 around 300$ which is totally worth it. Sadly we didn't get the best pilot, his English was broken and it was hard to hear him at times and what he was describing. Besides that issue, it was one of the best things we did while in Hawaii.
We took our tour the week of the high winds and the north shore having waves up to 80ft. I had taken a helicopter tour on another island, but was pretty scared the day we went up. Our pilot Brodie, quickly reassured us on the flight and had already gone out on his own earlier that morning to make sure we would be OK. His narration and respect on making sure all passengers on board could see points of interest by flying low or circling the area, was great. We had a couple of rough spots over the valley, but he was good to forewarn us so that we were all prepared. I definitely would fly with them again and customer service was awesome!!
We did the 45 minute ride and also did first class so we were guaranteed the front 2 seats in the A Star helicopter we were on. Jeff was our pilot and was the best! He was very knowledable and provided so much info on what we were seeing and what we would see. Since it was whale season, he even took the time to circlle to spot whales - which he did find a mother/baby! It was beautiful views. My bf was in the backseat on the right and Jeff the pilot made it a point to ensure that he was letting both sides of the helicopter see the big sights (waterfalls, whales, etc.). The time flew by (literally) - and we felt we had some amazing views and info packed into the 45 minutes. The other staff at Makani Kai were very friendly, and again, Jeff our pilot did a great job. One of my favorite things I did in Oahu.
THE best thing ever. If you only do one thing, do this. Staff are amazing too, very friendly. First time on a helicopter and I'm hooked. Thank you for an amazing experience :-))
Yesterday my husband and I flew from Honolulu to Molokai topside with Makani Kai Air. I am so pleased with their level of service. Our flight from San Diego on Hawaiian Airlines was an hour late which made us late for our connection to Makani Kai Air. I simply called right after we landed in HNL and explained that we were running late due to late flight from San Diego and they were very helpful. They held the flight for us and were ready and waiting for us as soon as we arrived to grab our luggage and get us on that plane quickly. As for the flight, it was a particularly windy day (which is actually why our flight from San Diego was late--due to very strong headwinds) and the Makani Kai pilot (Nick) handled the plane beautifully, including a soft landing. Thank you!!
Top Service. Started from the hotel pick up, the driver was very friendly. We had a good chat with him. Very profesional team member, made us feel safe. I am normally afraid of heights, but I had fun. I will even do it again with door open! My husband was so happy, this was my surprise present for him. Bruce the pilot was very knowledgeable, he explained every spot very well. Booked the first class seat was the right thing to do. The best way to see the entire town! So, I guess see you guys again soon!
Although I was not able to take a tour with Makani Kai helicopters due to stormy weather I would still highly recommend them because of the professional, courteous and accommodating treatment that I experienced from their staff while I was there. I also appreciated that the pilot “Brodi” took the extra time to explain to me the FAA safety standards and guidelines. Both he and Makani Kai hold the safety and comfort of their customers and passengers of utmost importance and it made me feel like I would absolutely return again to take a tour when the weather and my schedule will permit. Jeannette Lake Tahoe, Ca.
We were already on Molokai so I hiked the trail down and back but my wife flew in and out because of physical limitations. She is a nervous flyer but she said this was a great flight both ways. No more than 10 minutes each way. Friendly personable service which she appreciated. We all met up with the mule riders for the Damien tour. Highly recommend the hike or flight. They even offer a hike in and fly out option. The flight includes the permit and a little lunch.
Dear Richard Schuman, ( owner of Makani Kai Helicopters ) My name is Cruz Martinez, and I’ve been confined to a wheelchair for over 50 years. Over the years, I have struggled to find fun adventures to help me with my livelihood. It’s always a problem to find an exciting and adventurous activity that accommodates a physically challenged person. I can’t believe how many times I’ve been turned away because of my disability! I’ve always wanted to have fun like everyone else. On, February the 28th, I had the great privilege of taking a ride on one of your helicopters at Makani Kai Helicopters. It all started with your special ride on your easy access van. I was so impressed with how the driver (a very kind young man) loaded me and secured me in the vehicle. There are so many high star hotels I’ve been to that don’t have a van like yours. I was very excited when I arrived at the helicopter site. Everything was explained clearly, and I was included in every way. It was awesome to see the lift chair that would take me up and into the helicopter. Your crew did an outstanding job of taking me out of my chair and transferring me into the chopper. They lifted me correctly, asking questions along the way up, and strapped me in safely. What a kind and caring group! Then the most wonderful part of the adventure was when the helicopter flew upward and took us around all of the beautiful sites of Oahu. It was so cool when the pilot would hover so that I could see all the beautiful sites. I had never had the opportunity to see mother nature’s beauty in such a manner. The ride was very gentle on my body. I was so happy and held a big smile on my face the entire time. Richard and company, I can honestly say, this was the most amazing adventure I’ve been on in my lifetime! I want to thank you and all of your people for making it possible for someone like me to feel like you’re flying! The views were breathtaking! I was there! I will replay this experience in my mind over and over, and it will bring peace and joy into my heart. I will recommend you to many friends! Thanks you Makani Kai Helicopters! I hope to do it again someday! Sincerely, Cruz Martinez P.S.- I will share this on trip advisor!
There are not enough rating discs! My tour was brilliant, professional, friendly and so informative. My visit to Honolulu has been a continuous string of amazing tours, operators and extremely friendly locals but the Mekani Kai experience was the icing on a wonderful cake. Thank you Mekani Kai, thank you Hawaii.
If your budget permits, do not pass this up. Two thumbs up! Staff was friendly and professional. Kevin (shuttle driver) was prompt, friendly and helpful. Brody (pilot) was professional and provided great information during the flight. I took the one hour tour which shows you all of the island.