Hawaii is one of the world’s premier helicopter destinations: coastlines carved like cathedrals, valleys threaded with waterfalls, and volcanic craters best appreciated from the sky. On this two-island plan—Oahu and Kauai—you’ll combine high-thrill flights with time to savor beaches, hikes, history, and superb island cuisine.

Oahu layers modern Honolulu and Waikiki with royal palaces, WWII history, and the surf culture of the North Shore. Kauai, the “Garden Island,” feels wilder—home to the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon, both jaw-dropping by helicopter and magnificent on foot and by car.

Book helicopter tours early, and aim for morning slots when winds are calmer. Most operators have weight limits and do quick weigh-ins; doors-off flights require snug clothing and secure hair ties. Interisland travel is easy with short flights, and renting a car (especially on Kauai) makes exploring a breeze.

Honolulu (Oahu)

Oahu blends big-city energy with ancient landscapes. From the crescent of Waikiki to Diamond Head’s iconic rim and the emerald Ko‘olau mountains, it’s an island that dazzles at every altitude.

Helicopter highlights include circling Diamond Head, peering into volcanic craters, skimming the Windward Coast’s sandbars, and—on doors-off flights—feeling the trade winds as waterfalls scroll beneath you. Top operators here include Blue Hawaiian, Paradise Helicopters (Ko Olina), Magnum, and Mauna Loa Helicopters.

Where to stay: Stay beachfront in Waikiki for easy strolls and sunsets, or in quieter neighborhoods like Kaimukī for local eats and easy highway access.

• Find Waikiki/Honolulu stays: VRBO Honolulu | Hotels.com Honolulu
• Flights to Honolulu: Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. West Coast–HNL is ~5–6 hours; typical roundtrips range ~$350–$800 depending on season.

Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu, Settle into Waikiki

Afternoon: Land in Honolulu and check in near Waikiki Beach. Stretch your legs with a seaside walk from Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon to Queen’s Surf. Pop into Kona Coffee Purveyors for a latte and kouign-amann; it’s one of the island’s best espresso bars.

Evening: Keep it easy with dinner at Marugame Udon (hand-pulled noodles, tempura cafeteria-style; expect a line that moves fast). For a welcome toast, try House Without a Key for oceanfront hula at sunset, or slip into Bar Leather Apron downtown for expert Japanese-style cocktails—reserve ahead.

Day 2: Oahu Helicopter Flight + East Oahu Coast

Morning: Helicopter day. Choose a 45–60-minute circle-island or doors-off flight from Honolulu or Ko Olina. You’ll trace Waikiki and Diamond Head, the turquoise Kaneohe Sandbar, and waterfalls in the Ko‘olaus; on clear days you may glimpse Sacred Falls. Morning departures have calmer air. Typical costs: ~$325–$475 per person depending on doors-off and duration.

Afternoon: Reward flight nerves with malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery (plain sugar or haupia filling). Then drive the scenic southeast coast: Halona Blowhole lookout, Makapu‘u Point (paved lighthouse trail, 2 miles roundtrip, epic views). Snack stop: Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack in Waimānalo for plate lunches and fish tacos.

Evening: Dinner in Kaimukī at Miro Kaimuki (seasonal tasting menus) or Mud Hen Water (inventive Hawaii regional plates). Nightcap gelato at Via Gelato in Kaimukī, or stargaze from Kapi‘olani Park.

Day 3: Windward Valleys to North Shore

Morning: Coffee and malasada puffs at Pipeline Bakeshop, then head to Kualoa Valley. Consider a 90-minute movie-sites tour (Jurassic landscapes; book ahead) or simply enjoy the views at nearby beach parks. Continue up the Windward Coast—stop at the tropical confections stand at Tropical Farms Macadamia for samples.

Afternoon: Lunch at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (garlic butter or spicy plates) in Kahuku, then beach-hop the North Shore. In summer, snorkel at Shark’s Cove tide pools; in winter, watch the big-wave spectacle at Waimea Bay or Banzai Pipeline. Shave ice at Matsumoto’s in Hale‘iwa—lilikoi and coconut with azuki beans is a classic combo.

Evening: Dinner at Hale‘iwa Joe’s (prime rib and island fish) or Beach House by 604 in Hale‘iwa for casual sunsets. Drive back to Waikiki; if you’re hungry late, Side Street Inn’s pork chops and kimchi fried rice hit the spot (kitchen open late; lively vibe).

Day 4: Pearl Harbor, Palaces, and Diamond Head

Morning: Visit Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial (timed tickets released in advance; arrive early). History buffs can add the Battleship Missouri or Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum for 2–3 more hours.

Afternoon: Lunch in Chinatown—The Pig & The Lady (modern Vietnamese; brisket pho French dip) or Fête (farm-driven New American). Walk to ʻIolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue. Later, hike Diamond Head (advance reservation required) or do the breezier Tantalus Lookout drive for a city panorama.

Evening: Sunset picnic at Magic Island or dine at Helena’s Hawaiian Food (James Beard–honored: pipikaula short ribs, lau lau, poi). For dessert, Leonard’s on Kapahulu or Ube soft serve at Somisomi in Waikiki.

Kauai (Līhu‘e + North Shore)

Kauai is the lush, ancient heart of the archipelago. The Na Pali Coast rises like green organ pipes; Waimea Canyon rips open the west with reds and rusts; roosters strut everywhere like they own the place. By helicopter, you’ll see amphitheaters few feet ever touch.

Choose between Līhu‘e (central, great for flight logistics) and Poʻipū (sunny south shore) or Princeville/Hanalei (dramatic north shore). Helicopter operators here include Blue Hawaiian, Mauna Loa Helicopters (doors-off), and Island Helicopters—unique for its landing at Manawaiopuna (“Jurassic”) Falls.

Where to stay: For convenience to heliports, Līhu‘e or Poʻipū; for scenery and Hanalei Bay access, Princeville/Hanalei.

• Find Līhu‘e stays: VRBO Lihue | Hotels.com Lihue
• Prefer Princeville/Hanalei: VRBO Princeville | Hotels.com Princeville
• Interisland flights (HNL–LIH ~45 minutes): Search on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical one-way fares ~$90–$160.

Day 5: Fly to Kauai, Beach Time, South Shore Eats

Morning: Depart Oahu for Kauai on an early flight (aim for ~8–10 a.m.). Pick up a rental car—Kauai’s sights are spread out. Coffee at Java Kai in Kapa‘a (coconut cold brew, a local favorite) on the drive south or north to your base.

Afternoon: Settle in, then hit Poʻipū Beach for an easy snorkel and a chance to spot honu (sea turtles) from shore. If you base on the North Shore, lounge at Hanalei Pavilion Beach with Bali Hai views curling around the bay.

Evening: Poʻipū dinner: The Beach House (oceanfront; time it for sunset) or Keoki’s Paradise (island classics, live music). North Shore: Bar Acuda (farm-to-table tapas; reservations essential) or The Dolphin (sushi and fresh fish by the river in Hanalei).

Day 6: Kauai Helicopter + Waimea Canyon and Kōke‘e

Morning: Big flight day. Book a 50–65-minute helicopter from Līhu‘e. You’ll bank over Hanalei Valley’s taro fields, thread into Mount Waiʻaleʻale’s crater (often mist-wreathed), and cruise the Na Pali spires. If you want the rare landing, Island Helicopters’ Jurassic Falls tour touches down at Manawaiopuna Falls for photos and rainforest ambiance. Costs generally ~$339–$399+ per person; doors-off add-ons or landings price higher.

Afternoon: Drive up to Waimea Canyon and Kōke‘e State Park. Stop at Waimea Canyon Lookout, then hike the Canyon Trail to Waipo‘o Falls (3.2 miles roundtrip; moderate; sweeping views). Quick, tasty lunch options in Waimea: Island Taco (handmade tortillas) or Porky’s Kauai (kalua pork grilled cheese or pineapple sausage).

Evening: Golden hour from Kalalau Lookout or Pu‘u o Kila (weather permitting) with the Na Pali amphitheater below. Back down for dinner—on the west/south, try Merriman’s Fish House in The Shops at Kukui‘ula; if you’re North Shore–based, casual vibes at Tahiti Nui with live music and a mai tai.

Day 7: Hanalei Morning, Kīlauea Lighthouse, and Departure

Morning: Breakfast in Hanalei at Hanalei Bread Company (banana bread, breakfast sandwiches) and a peaceful paddleboard on Hanalei River into the bay if conditions are calm. Stop by Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge for seabird and lighthouse views.

Afternoon: Head toward Līhu‘e, leaving generous time for the airport. If you have a spare hour, slurp a classic bowl at Hamura Saimin (local institution since 1952). Fly out in the afternoon—check Trip.com or Kiwi.com for best connections back to Oahu or the mainland.

Evening: If overnighting, celebrate with a final slice from The Right Slice (mango lilikoi pie) and a beach stroll listening for Kauai’s ubiquitous roosters bidding you aloha.

Practical Helicopter Tips

• Timing: Morning flights often have smoother air and clearer views. Build a buffer day in case of weather cancellations.
• Seating and weight: Operators seat by weight and balance; expect a quick weigh-in. If views are a priority, ask about window seats or book private.
• Doors-off: Wear snug, warm layers; no hats or loose items. Camera straps only. Tie long hair securely.
• Motion comfort: If prone to airsickness, sit near the center, look at the horizon, and consider medication 30–60 minutes before.
• Tipping: In the U.S., 10–20% for exceptional service is customary but optional.

Getting Around: Interisland flights are short and frequent—book on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. For on-island exploring, renting a car is strongly recommended—especially on Kauai’s North Shore and for Waimea Canyon day trips.

This week threads Hawaii’s greatest helicopter vistas with time on the sand, in the water, and at the table. You’ll lift off over volcanoes and cathedral cliffs, then land to the simple pleasures of shave ice and ocean sunsets—the essence of island travel.