Top 5 Hanga Roa Helicopter Tours: A Pilot’s Review

Easter Island, otherwise known as Rapa Nui, it’s almost like a speck of mystery right there in the middle of the Pacific. The moai are like these big, quiet statues that seem to hold all sorts of stories. Now, seeing them from the ground is something, but, in a way, can you guess what’s even more mind-blowing? Seeing all that from a helicopter. Believe it or not, a tour from up high can truly change how you experience this island.

1. Rapa Nui Helicopters: The Classic Island Tour

Rapa Nui Helicopters are, seemingly, a solid choice for those of you seeking to tick off the major spots. Think of it as your intro to Easter Island from a bird’s point of view. The main tour will generally take you soaring past those iconic moai at Ahu Tongariki, that striking volcanic crater of Rano Kau, and that utterly breathtaking coastline that simply stretches out endlessly.

What makes them kind of special? Well, that’s easy: their pilots often tend to know their stuff. It’s like getting a history lesson as you hover; they throw in the island’s backstory and maybe some local legends. Basically, in fact, it is not bad if you want to combine scenery with, maybe, a touch of story telling. That stated, it’s probably not the cheapest option around, but arguably the memories? Totally priceless.

2. Easter Island Flights: The Adventurer’s Choice

Easter Island Flights seemingly gears toward that kind of person who’s got, almost, a bit of that adventurous streak. They tend to push past just, almost, the usual suspects and offer tours that zip you way, way off the beaten track. That means you could just be spying landscapes you just will never see from any normal tourist bus.

Their fleet tends to be reasonably well maintained, and you know what’s kind of reassuring? That they seemingly emphasize safety big time. Usually you can chat with the pilot to personalize what you glimpse— perhaps some more of that rugged northern coast or a deeper peek at, nearly, some ancient cave systems. Basically, that, maybe, small detail, it feels more like you’re basically discovering Rapa Nui on, your own, instead of just being shuttled around.

3. Mahina Tours: Budget-Friendly Views

Okay, Mahina Tours might just be perfect if your checking out Hanga Roa, and you’re perhaps hunting around for some decent views without completely draining your vacation funds. Don’t expect those fancy, high-end helicopters, but, basically, expect reliability and, obviously, a sincere way to see the island’s key bits from above.

Their trips may be slightly shorter, but usually they will swing past important things, perhaps like Orongo (that ceremonial village), those moai giants and definitely show off enough coastal scenery to fill up that camera roll. Arguably their selling point has got to be, in fact, that bang-for-your-buck factor; pretty solid service that seems to allow those on, maybe, some tighter budgets a chance to experience that breathtaking, Rapa Nui view.

4. Aku Aku Turismo: Small Group, Big Experience

Aku Aku Turismo kind of promotes a small-group vibe, which sometimes seems to be attractive if you’re into having, just a little, bit more of some close-knit feel. Their helicopter trips generally offer that more personalized thing where that pilot might just be knowing your name. Usually, it is pretty welcoming as soon as you get there, too, that counts for something, no?

They, apparently, are often pretty flexible for tweaking tours. Have you got a major itch to maybe spend more time buzzing over that Poike Peninsula or that Anasena beach location? So, they might possibly try and accommodate you. And as a matter of fact it makes sense for you to pick Aku Aku when it’s like, more about who you’re with than just the sights you are taking in.

5. Green Island Tours: Eco-Conscious Flights

Okay so, If you kind of worry a bit about that footprint you leave, seemingly consider Green Island Tours. They kind of push hard towards doing stuff responsibly, that seemingly includes, just maybe, keeping flight paths respectful to important local spots and following some eco-friendly practices wherever they can. Okay but, can one go eco-friendly, way up there?

Their helicopters seemingly get checked a lot, they tend to hire locally (always a bonus!), and yes, they do a flight over everything. Rano Raraku will get some peeks (like the location where every one of those moai was carved). It’s basically really reassuring to actually know you’re glimpsing all the spectacle without leaving any excessively rough marks on our world.