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.
Top Tickets
# West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour
# Doors-Off West Maui and Molokai Experience
# Molokai and Maui Helicopter TourIt’s highly recommended to book your Maui helicopter tour tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
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West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour
This 45-minute helicopter tour is a scenic flight over West Maui and Molokai.
Soar past valleys and hidden waterfalls inaccessible by land.
Hover above ridgelines that sit at the heart of the rugged West Maui mountains.
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
Morning departure: 7 am to 12 pm
Afternoon departure: 12 pm to 4pm
Tour operator: Air Maui Helicopters
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$332 per person
Book this tourRecommended
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.
Head 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
Cost of the tour: From US$375
Book this tourRecommended
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-minute tour, you will soar over the natural landmarks of Maui and Molokai in a helicopter without any doors.
Become one with nature as you glide over scenic vistas of gorgeous waterfalls, rainbows, and valleys thick with rainforest.
Snap stunning photos from your mobile because there are no glare-causing windows.
This experience is the only doors-off helicopter tour in Maui.
The tour operator will provide a lanyard for your cell phone.
Timings
Morning departure: 7 am to 12 pm
Afternoon departure: 12 pm to 4 pm
Tour operator: Air Maui Helicopters
Cost of the tour (10+ years): US$388 per person
Book this tourRecommended
Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight with Landing
This 75-minute helicopter tour from Maui takes you straight to Hana Rainforest and northern shores, which are a treat to watch from the air.
Gaze at the 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.
Step out and explore the tropical vegetation.
Admire views over waterfalls and canyons before your return flight.
Timings: 9 am to 3 pm
Tour operator: Maverick Helicopters
Cost of the tour: From US$341
Book this tourOceanfront Adventure: Fly and Land by the Sea!
Perfect for ocean lovers, this West Maui and Molokai helicopter tour offers stunning coastal views plus an exclusive oceanfront landing for a unique and breathtaking seaside experience. Book now!
Know before you go!
How long to wait after scuba diving before flying?
Why helicopter tours are an excellent gift?
Embark on a thrilling chopper ride over Kauai’s hidden gems
Maui Helicopter Tour – Complete Island Flight
Maui is an island that’s best seen by air.
On this complete island Maui heli ride, you soar over both East Maui and West Maui.
Catch a glimpse of neighboring Molokai.
Fly deep inside the West Maui Mountains, where there aren’t even any trails.
Behold the colorful cinder cones of Haleakala Crater.
Off the coast of Hana, you will enjoy splendid waterfalls.
Witness 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
Morning departure: 7 am to 12 pm
Afternoon departure: 12 pm to 4 pm
Tour operator: Air Maui Helicopters
Cost of the tour: US$443 per person
Book this tourHelicopter Tour over Haleakala Crater
The highlight of this 45-minute 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.
See valleys and hidden pools only accessible by air.
Get a sense of how much of the island is still uncorrupted.
Fly above the Hana coastline and watch waterfalls spill towards the sea.
You can also 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
Morning departure: 7 am to 12 pm
Afternoon departure: 12 pm to 4 pm
Tour operator: Air Maui Helicopters
Cost of the tour: US$332 per person
Book this tourPrivate Airplane tour of Maui
This 90-minute experience is the only airplane tour of Maui Island.
Discover 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
Cost of the tour: US$452 per person
Book this tourOther exciting tours
Here are a few other tours that are too awesome to miss:
| Airplane Tours | Cost |
| 5 Island Maui County Discovery Flight | US$536 per person |
| Majestic Molokai Sea Cliffs Discovery Flight | US$420 per person |
| Romantic Sunset Maui Tour with Champagne | US$420 per person |
| Maui Whale Watching Air Tour | US$420 per person |
What to expect in Maui
Departure point
All Maui air tours take off from Kahului Heliport.
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 heliport is near public transportation.
The tour ends back at the meeting point.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
Restrictions strictly followed
| Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Maui. | Passengers exceeding the weight limit must purchase an additional seat at the time of booking. |
| A minimum and maximum number of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, they will be canceled. | |
| Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight. | Purses, fanny packs, backpacks, and other bags are not allowed onboard. |
| No camera devices other than your cellphone are allowed on the doors-off tour. In addition, wearing hats, flip-flops or sandals, or any loose items are not allowed. You must closed toed shoes and tie long hair up in a bun or braid. | A valid photo ID is required. |
| Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication; if, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund. | No pets are allowed onboard except service animals. |
| The tours are not wheelchair accessible. | 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 transfers and food and drinks unless stated otherwise.
Photos for souvenirs and gratuities are excluded from your ticket.
Cancellation policy
Molokai and Maui Helicopter Tour and Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight with Landing are non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
For a full refund on the other tours, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
Wow, I’m so glad I came across this post! I’m planning a trip to Maui soon and was wondering about helicopter tours. Your post provided me with exactly the information I was looking for – prices, duration, and what to expect. I’m definitely considering booking a tour now. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Techy for your kind words.