Famed for its lush landscapes and magnificent beaches, Maui in Hawaii has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most alluring destinations.
Since eighty percent of this island’s legendary beauty is inaccessible by road, a Maui helicopter tour is the most scenic way to explore this island.
Maui’s unique topography – from the dignified crater of Mt. Haleakala and the high valleys of the West Maui Mountains to the towering sea cliffs on Molokai’s north shore makes viewing it from the sky particularly magical.
As a result, many helicopter tour operators offer hundreds of helicopter tours, which confuses the tourists.
This article shares everything you must know before booking your helicopter tour of Maui, Hawaii.
Table of contents
- West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour
- Molokai and Maui Helicopter Tour
- Doors-Off West Maui and Molokai Experience
- Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight with Landing
- Maui Helicopter Tour – Complete Island Flight
- Helicopter Tour over Haleakala Crater
- Private Airplane tour of Maui
- What to expect in Maui
- Departure point
- Restrictions strictly followed
- Exclusions of the air tour
West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour
This 45-minutes helicopter tour is a scenic flight over West Maui and Molokai.
You will soar past valleys and hidden waterfalls inaccessible by land and hover above ridgelines that sit at the heart of the rugged West Maui mountains.
Then cross the channel to neighboring Molokai for a flight past the world’s tallest sea cliffs. These vertical sea cliffs spill 1180 meters (3900 feet) to the turbid shoreline below.
Timings: You can choose from morning (7 am to 12 pm) or afternoon (12 to 5 pm) departure.
Tour operator: Air Maui Helicopters
Airtime in the helicopter: 45 minutes
Cost of tour: US$295 per person
Molokai and Maui Helicopter Tour
This helicopter tour over Maui and Molokai takes off from Kahului and lasts 55 minutes.
Watch surfers riding Maui’s breaking waves as you fly towards Molokai’s sheer coastal cliffs.
You will see aerial views of Kahiwa Falls and the isolated North Shore, then turn towards the emerald green Halawa Valley.
Watch out for whales and dolphins as you cross the Pailolo channel.
Your chopper then swoops over Maui’s lush rainforest canopy and flies over Iao Valley State Park.
On your return path, you see the fascinating Honokohau Falls and Haleakala volcano.
Timings: 7.30 am to 3 pm
Tour operator: Maverick Helicopters
Airtime in the helicopter: 55 minutes
Cost of tour: US$426 per person
Doors-Off West Maui and Molokai Experience
If you want to increase the adrenalin rush of your helicopter tour in Maui, we recommend the doors-off West Maui and Molokai Experience.
During this 45 minutes tour, you will soar over the natural landmarks of Maui and Molokai in a helicopter without any doors.
Even as you glide over scenic vistas of towering waterfalls, sparkling rainbows, and unspoiled valleys thick with rainforest, you will feel the island breeze in your hair, making you one with nature.
You can also snap stunning photos from your mobile because there are no glare-causing windows.
This experience is the only doors-off helicopter tour in Maui.
Timings: You can choose from morning (7 am to 12 pm) or afternoon (12 to 4 pm) departure.
Tour operator: Air Maui Helicopters
Airtime in the helicopter: 45 minutes
Cost of tour: US$387 per person
Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight with Landing
This helicopter tour from Maui takes you straight to Hana Rainforest and northern shores, which are a treat to watch from the air.
You will glide over the completely green north coast, passing beauty spots like the ‘Jaws’ surf break beach and Jurassic Rock.
The best part is when your helicopter touches down on a virgin spot in the verdant Wailua Valley.
You get plenty of time to step out and explore the tropical vegetation and admire views over waterfalls and canyons before your return flight.
Timings: 9 am to 3 pm
Tour operator: Maverick Helicopters
Airtime in the helicopter: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cost of tour: US$399 per person
If you love oceans, you may want to check out the West Maui & Molokai Heli Tour with an oceanfront landing.
Maui Helicopter Tour – Complete Island Flight
Maui is an island that’s best seen by air, and on this complete island Maui helicopter tour, you soar over both East Maui and West Maui and catch a glimpse of neighboring Molokai.
Fly deep inside the West Maui Mountains, where there aren’t even any trails, and gaze upon the colorful cinder cones of Haleakala Crater.
Off the coast of Hana, you will enjoy splendid waterfalls that tumble their way directly into the sea and see hidden coves and white sand beaches you never even knew were there.
During this one-hour tour, you will see more than a dozen waterfalls.
Timings: You can choose from morning (7 am to 12 pm) or afternoon (12 to 4 pm) departure.
Tour operator: Air Maui Helicopters
Airtime in the helicopter: 60 minutes
Cost of tour: US$393 per person
Helicopter Tour over Haleakala Crater
The highlight of this East Maui helicopter tour is the thrill of soaring high above the cinder cones of Haleakala Crater.
Upon lifting off from the heliport, you will see the waterfalls as you approach the East Maui rain forest.
You will see valleys and hidden pools only accessible by air and get a sense of how much of the island is still uncorrupted.
After flying above the Hana coastline and watching waterfalls spill towards the sea, you will climb high up the eastern flank of the Haleakala volcano to peep in.
Once back home, you can boast that you flew over the world’s largest and tallest dormant volcanoes.
Timings: You can choose from morning (7 am to 12 pm) or afternoon (12 to 4 pm) departure.
Tour operator: Air Maui Helicopters
Airtime in the helicopter: 45 minutes
Cost of tour: US$295 per person
Private Airplane tour of Maui
This experience is the only airplane tour of Maui Island, which aims to reveal the magical and hidden beauty of the island.
Up to three passengers can sit comfortably in the private cabin, which offers fascinating views from its non-tinted windows.
Timings: 9 am to 3 pm
Tour operator: Maui Plane Rides
Airtime in the airplane: One hour 30 minutes
Cost of tour: US$452 per person
Other exciting tours
Here are a few other tours that are too awesome to miss:
| Airplane Tours | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 Island Maui County Discovery Flight | US$452 per person |
| Majestic Molokai Sea Cliffs Discovery Flight | US$339 per person |
| Romantic Sunset Maui Tour with Champagne | US$339 per person |
| Maui Whale Watching Air Tour | US$339 per person |
What to expect in Maui
Departure point
All Maui air tours take off from 1200 Airport Rd.
Address: 108 Lelepio Pl, Kahului, HI 96732, USA. Get Directions.
Note: Come to the Kahului Heliport and Air Maui Helicopters is the last hanger on the left.
The location is near public transportation.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Maui.
A minimum and maximum number of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, it will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
A valid photo ID is required.
Not wheelchair accessible.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
Check-in at least 30 minutes early.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Exclusions of the air tour
Maui heli tours do not include hotel pick-up and drop-off unless stated otherwise.
Photos for souvenirs and refreshments are excluded from your ticket.
Your ticket price is also not inclusive of gratuities.
Cancellation policy
You can cancel your helicopter tour of Maui, Hawaii, up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.
All air tours over Hawaii require good weather.
If it is canceled due to poor weather (heavy rain, low cloud ceilings, lightning, or extreme winds), you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Failure to show up for your appointment without notice will result in the cancellation of your tour without a refund.
Recommended Reading
# Helicopter tours in Kauai
# Helicopter tours in Big Island
# Helicopter tours in Oahu
# Helicopter tours from Honolulu
# Helicopter tours from Kona
# Helicopter tours from Lihue
# Helicopter tours in Hawaii