There’s no use arguing with us: we 100 percent believe that the Hawaiian Islands are home to more unspoiled natural beauty than anywhere else in the world. And while witnessing Hawaii from the ground is gorgeous enough, the views from the sky will make you speechless. Why do you think helicopter tours of the Hawaiian Islands are so popular? Here are 13 aerial views of Hawaii that prove our island home is truly is paradise.

1. Lava flows into the ocean at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Jen/Flickr
I’m not sure I’ve seen a more beautiful, yet terrifying, sight in my life.
2. Oahu's famous Diamond Head Crater is even more stunning viewed from the air.
Eric Tessmer/Flickr
Bonus: most people will see this landmark as they fly into Oahu.
3. Check out the stark contrast between the green mountains and stunning turquoise water at Maniniholo Bay.
Nikhil Nachappa/Flickr
The crystalline waters of the Pacific Ocean never cease to amaze.
4. The island of Kauai is home to lush, beautiful landscapes.
--Raven/Flickr
Notice the vibrant red dirt patches on the mountaintops in this photograph taken from a helicopter.
5. The Big Island’s Waipio Valley isn’t nearly as imposing as it feels from ground level.
Jen/Flickr
Fun fact: Waipio Valley was once home to Hawaiian royalty and features a stunning black sand beach at its mouth.
6. Haleakala Crater makes up approximately 75 percent of the island of Maui.
Mark Iocchelli/Flickr
Measuring in at nearly 7 miles across, 2 miles wide and approximately 2,600 feet deep, Haleakala Crater’s volcanic landscape is sure to take your breath away.

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7. I wonder how insignificant and tiny this photographer felt while taking in this stunning view.
Christian Arballo/Flickr
Kauai sure is verdant.
8. The southeast shore of Oahu features one of the islands' most popular snorkeling spots, Hanauma Bay, as well as Koko Head, which is home to a popular — yet grueling — 1,100 step climb.
Eric Tessmer/Flickr
9. Though not of the Hawaiian Islands, this photo was taken during naval exercises in 2012 in and around the islands.
Official U.S. Navy Page/Flickr
Just look at that vibrant blue water!
10. Is there really question as to why they call Waimea Canyon the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific?”
Ali Eminov/Flickr
Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon is full of striking cliffs, incredible colors, and cascading waterfalls.
11. An unpaved road at Kekaha Kai State Park, on the Big Island’s Kona Coast, shows us how much of Hawaii has been left undeveloped.
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
Hawaii's beauty sure is rugged.
12. In contrast, this aerial photo shows us the other side of Hawaii… the tourist destinations and the modern luxuries of city life.
Lawrence Pan/Flickr
13. Perhaps most stunning to experience from the sky is Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
This stunning stretch of coastline is only accessible via boat or a grueling, 11-mile hike. You can also take a helicopter tour to experience views like this.

Which of these aerial views of Hawaii is your favorite? Do you have any cool aerial photographs of the Aloha State — taken from an airplane, helicopter, or even while skydiving? Share them in the comments below and in our Facebook group, Hawaii Nature Lovers. And for another incredible aerial experience, check out this drone footage taken high above the island of Oahu.

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More to Explore

Hawaii From Above

Megan Shute | July 27, 2020

What are Hawaii's most easily recognized landmarks from above? 

The Hawaiian Islands are home to countless natural landmarks that are easy to identify from the air, but Oahu's Diamond Head Crater, Kauai's Na Pali Coast, and Maui's Haleakala Crater are three of the most famous. If you've never experienced the beauty of these destinations, add them to your Hawaii bucket list immediately.

How can you experience Hawaii from above? 

While we love looking at aerial photographs of Hawaii, there's nothing better than experiencing the beauty of the Aloha State from above for ourselves. Of course, you'll see the islands from this perspective when flying to or between the islands, but there's little better than a helicopter tour. One of our all-time favorites is the journey that leads you to Manawaiopuna Falls, more commonly known as Jurassic Falls — after its famous appearance in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic, Jurassic Park. For a simple adventure, why not go parasailing off the coast of Waikiki?

What is the tallest place in Hawaii?

The highest point in the entire Aloha State is Mauna Kea, which measures in at 13,796 feet above sea level. When measured from its oceanic base deep in the vast Pacific, however, the mountain measures in at more than 33,000 feet tall — higher than Mount Everest! The summit area of Mauna Kea is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere across the Hawaiian Islands, and you'll want to visit for yourself.

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