Aerial Tours in Honolulu and Oahu

An aerial tour of the Islands opens up a world of perspective. Looking down from the sky at the outline of the USS Arizona where it lays in its final resting place below the waters of Pearl Harbor or getting a glimpse of how Mother Nature carved a vast expanse of volcanic crater are the kinds of views only seen by an "eye in the sky." If you go, don't forget your camera.

Island Seaplane Service. Harking back to the days of the earliest air visitors to Hawaii, the seaplane has always had a special spot in island lore. The only seaplane service still operating in Hawaii takes off from Keehi Lagoon. Flight options are either a half-hour south and eastern Oahu shoreline tour or an hour island circle tour. The Pan Am Clipper may be gone, but you can revisit the experience for $125 to $230. 85 Lagoon Dr., Honolulu. 808/836-6273.

Makani Kai Helicopters. This may be the best way to see the infamous and now closed Sacred Falls park, where a rock slide killed 20 people and injured dozens more; Makani Kai dips their helicopter down to show you one of Hawaii's former favorite hikes. There's also a Waikiki by Night excursion that soars by the breathtaking Honolulu city lights. Half-hour tour rates begin at $135 per person, and customized private charters are available starting at $1,500 per hour. 110 Kapalulu Pl., Honolulu. 808/834-5813. www.makanikai.com.

The Original Glider Rides. "Mr. Bill" has been offering piloted glider (sailplane) rides over the northwest end of Oahu's North Shore since 1970. These are piloted scenic rides for one or two passengers in sleek, bubble-top, motorless aircraft. You'll get aerial views of mountains, shoreline, coral pools, windsurfing sails, and, in winter, humpback whales. Reservations are recommended; 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-minute flights leave every 20 minutes daily 10 to 5. The charge for one passenger is $59 to $129, depending on the length of the flight; two people fly for $138 to $238. Dillingham Airfield, Mokuleia. 808/677-3404.