Helicopter & Air Tours
Magnum Helicopters
Honolulu (Airport)
9.0/ 10
Good to go
A 50-minute doors-off flight in a Hughes 500 helicopter — the same model used in Magnum P.I. — with reviews consistently praising knowledgeable pilots who share both scenic highlights and island history. Positioned as a premium, open-air photography experience rather than a budget overview tour.
Why Roamwise recommends this
Magnum Helicopters is O'ahu's oldest helicopter operator (est. 1988), offering a premium-priced ($350–420) doors-off flight in a Hughes 500 — the Magnum P.I. aircraft — best suited to photographers and open-air flight enthusiasts rather than budget travelers, and requiring the traveler's own transportation to the airport.
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- Hazards / conditions:
- Doors-off flight — genuine open-air exposure, not enclosed like Blue Hawaiian's standard tour.; Standard aviation weather/wind cancellation policies apply.
- Safety notes:
- Photographers should be told upfront about the confirmed device policy — one device only, secured via a Magnum lanyard/hardpoint (rental case $5, purchase $10), no selfie sticks or gimbals. This affects what gear a traveler should plan to bring.
Local tips
- •Most expensive of the four O'ahu helicopter operators researched — position as the premium/photography-focused pick, not the default.
- •No shuttle service — confirm the traveler has a rental car or rideshare plan to reach the General Aviation area of HNL Airport.
- •Photographers should bring only one device and expect to rent/buy a securing case — not a casual "bring your phone" situation.
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