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This tour gives an aerial introduction to Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Lanai, and the Big Island. Hawaii is beautiful from the air. It is amazing how much you can see of each island in an airplane or helicopter. Mountains, beaches, reefs, and cities all fall into clear relief as you soar above. When the air is clear, you can easily make out important destinations like Waikiki, Mount Haleakala, and even the resort coast of Maui. Some sites, such as the central area of Kauai, are only accessible by helicopter. Aerial tours are available from a number of operators on each island, and range from a short helicopter overview tour up to a multi-hour detailed exploration of the island.

HAWAII FROM AN AIRPLANE

If you fly from one island to the other on a commercial airliner, you are likely to get great views of the islands below. For instance, flights between Kauai and Maui will pass over Oahu and usually Molokai as well. If you fly between Oahu and the Big Island, you will be treated to spectacular aerial views of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. In fact, although it is very convenient to fly directly to your destination island from the mainland, a stopover in Honolulu will almost certainly give you the added bonus of having a great (free) aerial overview tour of at least one other island. To see the islands up close, of course, you have to purchase an aerial tour from a local helicopter operator, but if this is outside your budget, an inter-island hop is an alternative.