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Tour Pilot Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Pilot

Lihue, HI · On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

Blue Hawaiian has specialized in air tour and charter work since 1985. Blue Hawaiian pilots are responsible for conducting air tours in the safest way possible while giving a world class tour ...

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Pilot

Lihue, HI · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Blue Hawaiian has specialized in air tour and charter work since 1985. Blue Hawaiian pilots are responsible for conducting air tours in the safest way possible while giving a world class tour ...

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Pilot

Lihue, HI · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Blue Hawaiian has specialized in air tour and charter work since 1985. Blue Hawaiian pilots are responsible for conducting air tours in the safest way possible while giving a world class tour ...

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Pilot

Lihue, HI · On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

Blue Hawaiian has specialized in air tour and charter work since 1985. Blue Hawaiian pilots are responsible for conducting air tours in the safest way possible while giving a world class tour ...

$76K/yr

ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with ... AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil Global: A3 ...

$76K/yr

ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with ... AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil Global: A3 ...

... tour, and accommodate guests in an attentive, courteous manner. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reasonable ... Weigh guests and record actual weight on pilot manifest. * Perform weight and balance for each ...

Tour Pilot information

See Hawaii salary details

$8

$19

$34

How much do tour pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for tour pilot in Hawaii is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $21.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tour pilot?

Tour pilots are professional pilots who operate aircraft, such as helicopters or small planes, to provide sightseeing or charter tours for passengers. They are responsible for safely flying the aircraft along designated routes, offering commentary about landmarks, and ensuring passengers have an enjoyable and safe experience. Tour pilots typically work for tour companies in scenic locations and must hold the required pilot certifications and adhere to all aviation regulations.

What does a tour pilot do?

As a tour pilot, you fly a plane or helicopter to give rides to tourists. You may explain sightseeing opportunities, transport passengers between local destinations, or answer questions about the areas you pass by. For most tours, you follow a predetermined path that begins and ends at the same airport. You may drop passengers off at designated locations, then return to pick them up later. Most tour pilots work with registered tour companies that help advertise flights and find customers, though some work independently. In this career, you may also work as a certified flight instructor (CFI) or provide emergency transportation as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tour pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tour Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong navigation skills, and thorough knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and aircraft-specific instrumentation is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and situational awareness are essential soft skills for engaging with passengers and ensuring safety. These abilities are crucial to providing a safe, enjoyable, and informative tour experience while maintaining compliance with aviation standards.

What are some common challenges tour pilots face when managing group dynamics during sightseeing flights?

Tour pilots often need to balance providing an engaging, informative experience with ensuring passenger safety and comfort. Managing diverse groups can be challenging, especially when dealing with nervous flyers or guests with varying levels of interest and mobility. Pilots must communicate clearly, anticipate guest needs, and adapt their narration style to suit different audiences, all while maintaining strict adherence to flight protocols. Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism help create a positive atmosphere and foster memorable experiences for guests.

What is the difference between Tour Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectTour PilotHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), specific to sightseeing flightsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentTourist destinations, sightseeing routes, scenic flightsVarious, including charter flights, corporate, and transport
Industry UsagePrimarily in tourism and leisure sectorsBroader, including transportation, emergency services, and tourism

Tour Pilots specialize in providing scenic and sightseeing helicopter flights within the tourism industry, requiring specific certifications for passenger flights. Helicopter Pilots have a broader scope, operating in various sectors beyond tourism, such as transportation and emergency services, with similar licensing requirements. While all Tour Pilots are Helicopter Pilots, not all Helicopter Pilots work in tourism. The key difference lies in their work environment and specialization.

What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Tour Pilot jobs?

Cities in Hawaii with the most Tour Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Tour Pilot job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,649 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods Pilots

Lihue, HI • On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview

BLUE HAWAIIAN

EC130 VFR

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is the premier tour company in the state of Hawaii. Operating the largest fleet of EC130 B4 & T2 aircraft in the state with operating bases on all the major Hawaiian Islands. Blue Hawaiian has specialized in air tour and charter work since 1985.

Blue Hawaiian pilots are responsible for conducting air tours in the safest way possible while giving a world class tour experience for their guests. We are looking for skilled pilots that prioritize safety of flight over everything, and that enjoy working in a transparent environment where they know they have the support from management to make conservative decisions.

Responsibilities

The Pilot assigned to any flight is charged with the responsibility to operate the aircraft in accordance with applicable FARs, company operating procedures, operations specifications, and the operating limitations of that aircraft as provided in the approved AFM.

The classification of this position is broad and assigned specific functional areas; duties and assignments may overlap depending on the operational needs of the department.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Ensure that the following items and equipment are on board the aircraft as required:
    • Aircraft Registration.
    • Airworthiness Certificate.
    • AFM, Daily Logbook and the Company GOM.
    • Current Hawaiian Island Sectional Aeronautical Chart, current Pacific Chart Supplement.
    • Passenger briefing cards, number applicable to type of aircraft.
    • First aid kit, fire extinguisher(s) and airsickness bags.
    • For all flights, one Life Jacket for each occupant.
    • For night flights, those items of equipment required in FAR 135.159 and 135.161.
  • Check the aircraft maintenance record log to determine that the scheduled maintenance or other required inspections are current for the aircraft. Check the aircraft daily log sheet to determine that mechanical irregularities or defects reported from previous flights have been corrected and review the previous five (5) daily log sheets for maintenance performed.
  • Determine that the aircraft is airworthy and that a proper preflight, in accordance with the AFM and company policy, has been performed.
  • Determine that the aircraft is loaded within center of gravity limitations, does not exceed maximum gross weight or center of gravity limitations for takeoff and landing.
  • Check current weather, NOTAMS, PIREPS, and all other available information concerning the flight.
  • Ensure that the passengers are briefed on boarding, in-flight, deplaning and emergency procedures.
  • File a Company or FAA flight plan for all flights. This includes test flights, ferry flights and training flights.
  • Ensure that the following items are in his personal possession at all times on all flights: a) Valid FAA Airline Transport Rating and/or Commercial Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings.
    • Valid FAA Class I or Class II Medical Certificate, issued to the holder.
    • Valid Government ID or Driver's license.
  • Have passed a flight check given by the Administrator or an approved check pilot in the type of aircraft to be used for the flight since the beginning of the 12th calendar month before the flight.
  • Other duties as assigned

Additional Job Requirements

  • Regular scheduled attendance 
  • Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling - 70%

Subject to applicable laws and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position.  All employees must follow Blue Hawaiian Helicopters employment practices and policies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  In accordance with applicable laws, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.

Education & Experience

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • 2,500 hours Pilot-in-Command hours documented and verifiable.
  • 1,000 turbine hours
  • Pilot in Command Hours preferred.
  • Have a Commercial-instrument Helicopter Rating.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and easily with outstanding customer service.

Skills

  • Excellent communication skills; ability to clearly and concisely articulate conclusions to senior management and teams.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple, cross-functional projects simultaneously.
  • Must be a team player with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to establish effective relationships with team members and general public.

Computer Skills

  • Intermediate with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Valid Commercial Pilot License
  • Current Class II flight Physical completed with current medical certificate obtained.

Physical Demands             

  • Clearance on TSA/FBI background check.
  • Position participates in FAA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
  • Must be able to work effectively in the extreme heat and cold safely.
  • Ability to lift 35 pounds regularly.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop and able to reach over shoulders.
Minimum payUSD $90,000.00/Yr.Maximum PayUSD $120,000.00/Yr.Benefits

For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

This position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).

Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

This position will be open and posted until filled, with a minimum posting period of three days.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME