We opted for the doors-off Magnum P.I. style helicopter tour. After 20+ years of military and law enforcement helicopter experience, I can say that our pilot, Eiki Miyasato, was a very experienced and competent pilot. The weather on the day of our tour was very questionable due to rain and low clouds. He safely and skillfully "threaded the needle" going around the areas of clouds and rain. He was very knowledgeable about the history of Oahu and Pearl Harbor. The doors off experience was great and gave a fantastic vantage point for taking pictures.We also need to mention that we were picked up and dropped off at our hotel by a very friendly and helpful driver Kevin Petersen. Kudos to a well-run operation!!
We stayed in the Ko' Olina area and took the Oahu circle tour from that area. We enjoyed the flight and loved seeing the views from the sky. Our pilot was very informative and narrated the trip for us. Worth the money.
For my trip it took more planning I have mobility issues ie. Wheelchair, they accommodated with finesse and humor perfect. They have a lift that helps you in helicopter with help of staff for safety reasons .It was clear and sunny saw all the sights that I wasn't able to access by ground loved every moment totally breath taking Plan to come back someday.
This was an awesome way to see the island. Our pilot Brody was very informative and gave us a great commentary. Mahkani Kai helicopters were very professional from being picked up from our hotel by the lovely Vincent to making us feel well informed and at ease before we flew. Well worth every cent.
We booked at our hotel tour desk for the 50 minute doors off copper flight so U get great photos with no obstructions. Pick up and drop off at our hotel. What a great way to see waikiki and the coast flying over vocation where gilligans island, Jurassic park etc was filmed and over the mountain peaks and down deep valleys and over pearl harbor Pilot was great talking us through all what we flew over. What a rush
Jeff was AWESOME! Great guide. This is a MUST SEE as you get to see everything by air and see the entire island. great tour one of my favorite tour I went on great price as well. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................
I booked this trip with the tour guide in my hotel and was not disappointed. Initially we had planned to book the doors off flight but I changed my mind at the last minute. I have been on a trip over the Grand Canyon and suffered terribly with motion sickness and was rather apprehensive but I had nothing to fear. It was a very smooth flight and the pilot pointed out all the local landmarks as well as going further along the coast. As a result my fiancé and I hired a car to go in search of some of the beautiful beaches, scenery etc. This was my first time to a Hawaii and it was well worth every penny!
I booked the trip directly with the company. This must be one of the "Too do" things in Hawaii. The experience was exhilarating. Brodie the pilot made us all feel at ease and gave us a birds eye view of the island. I ignored the advice to wear warm clothing as it was so hot at the time. Once we took off I realised that it gets very windy and cool up there.
We are into adventures and making memories and our hour-long helicopter flight around Oahu filled both categories. Our pilot, Jeff, a former Army helicopter pilot and Oahu native was a talented flyer and an informative guide. We went for the full-hour tour which is usually the best because if you try to save a few bucks you will miss some of the great sights. We flew all the way up to the North Shore. This is the only way to see the Sacred Falls of Oahu because the trail has been closed to the public. We were low enough to spot our vacation rental home north of Haleiwa. Our photos came out great. If you have a VR setting on your camera lens, set it for "active" because there is some vibration. The peaks and valleys are beautiful from the air and this is the only way you will see them. We picked Makani Kai because of their good safety record. Flying is fun, but landing is more important.
The pick up was taken care of by Vincent.Friendly service,professional& clear instructions on safety video. Brodie was our pilot.(ex Marine with Hawaiin family heritage!)Safe, efficient& professional. A great way to see the Island if you have limited time.Some of the most breath taking views I have ever seen& all with no plexi glass in the way.You must take ONLY your camera on board as space is limited& make sure you have a wrist strap on your camera.
I apologize for the late entry since my trip was back in June of this year, however, this is the first thing I talk about to friends and family of my trip to Hawaii. I was excited about the ride up to the point of walking to the helicopter. I then realized what I was going to do. This is coming from some one whom is terrified of roller coasters. The idea of flying 110 miles per hour in an aircraft with no doors, well.....This tour was the best. And by saying that, isn't enough. Every one from the gentleman who picked us up and returned us to our hotel, staff and pilot did an outstanding job. Brodie, our pilot. did an excellent job flying and narrating the tour. His handling of the aircraft put me at ease due to the weather being a bit windy. If you have enough time to do one thing, TAKE THIS TOUR. There is nothing more exhilarating than having 110 M.P.H. wind blowing through your hair and seeing the island from the air.
I can't say enough about how fun this was. By far our favorite thing done in Hawaii. The pilot "Brodi" was wonderful and had interesting facts about the Island throughout the flight.
Makani Kai's customer service was awesome from the pick up at our hotel all the way to the return back. Brodie was our pilot that provided us with an excellent adventure of Oahu! Having no doors obstructing your view adds an excitement that cannot be explained that you would have to experience. I highly recommend Makani Kai to anybody wanting to see Oahu by helicopter. Jeff A
Wow, wow, wow. We took the one hour helicopter flight over Oahu with Brodie as our pilot. He was really nice and full of interesting information. The views were spectacular and truly the only way to see the whole island. Time really flies when you are having fun and nothing was more true on this trip. It was very Hawaii Five-O the way Brodie flew the helicopter like a car around the airport. A must for everyone. Do not miss it. We only just arrived back in Australia 3 days ago and could not miss posting what a great experience it was, so try it, you won't be disappointed. Monique
What a great experience. Brody gave us a lot of information and history, with politeness. Some great views which would never be seen by car, and saved a lot of driving all over the island. I would recommend Makani Kai Helicopters to any visitor