10 Best Maui Helicopter Tours (Volcano, Doors Off & More!)
Updated Sep 24, 2023 • Activities, Maui
Taking a helicopter tour in Maui is an experience like no other. Our favorite is Air Maui’s West Maui and Molokai tour, but you can’t go wrong with any of these tours. Flying above turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and majestic volcanoes is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Maui helicopter tours to help you decide which is for you. Each tour falls into the following categories depending on what you’re looking for:
- West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tours – See Maui and the island of Molokai
- Volcano and Hana Helicopter Tours – Lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes
- Complete Island Helicopter Tours – Circle the island and see it all
- Doors Off Helicopter Tours – A thrilling ride with the doors off
Whether you prefer the thrill of a doors-off experience or a serene journey above the rainforests, these tours are guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime. So, buckle up, get your camera ready, and embark on an adventure that will take your breath away.
Our Picks: Best Helicopter Tours in Maui
Don’t have time to read the entire post? Here are our picks for the best helicopter tours.
- West Maui and Molokai: Air Maui’s Maui and Molokai Tour
- Complete Island: Air Maui’s Complete Island Tour
West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tours
These Maui helicopter tours allow you to explore not one but two islands. In addition to West Maui, you’ll be flown across the Pailolo Channel to the island of Molokai. There you’ll have a birds-eye view of Molokai’s lush terrain and 3000-foot sea cliffs, some of the world’s tallest.
On Maui, you’ll be treated to views of the West Maui Mountains that are only accessible by air. That includes Iao Valley State Park, a rainforest teeming with waterfalls and considered one of the wettest places on the planet because of how much it rains there.
If you’re looking for iconic views that you’ve probably seen in pictures, these are the Maui helicopter tours to consider. You won’t be disappointed!
Air Maui’s 45-Minute Maui and Molokai Tour
Experience the beauty of West Maui and Molokai on this helicopter tour operated by Air Maui. Soar above inaccessible valleys, hidden waterfalls, and majestic ridgelines in the heart of the West Maui mountains. Cross over to Molokai and witness 3,000-foot vertical sea cliffs cascading down to the shoreline below. Learn about these islands’ fascinating history, geology, and wildlife with expert narration.
Air Maui’s 60-Minute Maui and Molokai Tour
Take a longer tour with Air Maui on this 60-minute West Maui and Molokai helicopter tour. This tour is similar to their 45-minute tour, with a longer flight time soaring above the West Maui Mountains and Molokai. This tour offers a privileged perspective of the island’s hidden gems, from mist-covered ridgelines and cascading waterfalls to the world’s tallest sea cliffs and pristine coastlines.
Maverick Helicopters’ Two Island Tour
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Maverick Helicopters’ West Maui and Molokai tour. Soar above two picturesque Hawaiian islands and witness the breathtaking beauty from above. Marvel at the majestic Honokohau Falls, explore the lush rainforests of Iao Valley State Park and take in the stunning vistas of waterfalls, coasts, and iconic landmarks during this 55-minute helicopter flight.
Maui Volcano and Hana Helicopter Tours
These Maui helicopter tours focus on two areas on the island’s east side that typically take hours to see by car. If you’re looking to skip the long drive and try something different, these tours allow you to see the Haleakala Volcano and Road to Hana from a different perspective.
Haleakala, also known as the East Maui Volcano, is the third-largest in Hawaii and rises a staggering 10,023 feet above sea level. It has a stunning landscape marked by cinder cones that looks like something found on another planet.
The Road to Hana, the other sight you can see on these tours, is a 64-mile-long road that takes you through East Maui’s lush rainforests full of waterfalls and hidden pools. Both of these locations offer plenty to see that’s only accessible (or easier to access) by air.
Air Maui’s Hana and Haleakala Volcano Tour
Explore the raw beauty of East Maui’s Haleakala Crater and the lush Hana Rainforest with this helicopter tour from Air Maui. From the comfort of a forward-facing, air-conditioned helicopter, you’ll experience breathtaking 180-degree views of untouched valleys, cascading waterfalls, and the awe-inspiring dormant volcano, guided by an expert narrator.
Maverick’s Hana and Waterfall Tour w/Landing
This tour from Maverick Helicopters only focuses on the Road to Hana in East Maui. However, it’s longer than many helicopter tours and includes a landing! Once on the ground, you’ll have time to explore the lush rainforest floor of a former taro plantation. In the air, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of cliffs, waterfalls, and iconic surf spots like Jaws.
Blue Hawaiian’s Hana Tour w/Flight Back
Blue Hawaiian’s tour is actually a combo tour that includes a Road to Hana drive and a helicopter flight. You’ll start off on a 6-hour adventure in a limo van that includes tranquil stops at the charming Ke’anae hamlet, Wai’anapanapa State Park, and a waterfall where you can swim. After that, you’ll cap off the day with a stunning 36-minute helicopter ride above Haleakala Crater and Maui’s rugged coastline.
Complete Island Maui Helicopter Tours
If you can’t decide between the tours in the two sections above, then a complete island Maui helicopter tour might be for you. These tours take you to all the sights covered in those sections, including the Haleakala Volcano, Road to Hana, and West Maui Mountains.
This is a great way to get an overview of the entire island of Maui. There’s so much to see and explore, and it’s often hard to see it all in a single trip. With a complete island helicopter tour, you won’t have to miss out on seeing anything in Maui.
Air Maui’s Complete Island Tour
Experience Maui like never before on Air Maui’s complete island tour. Gaze at the Haleakala Crater, drift above the Hana Rainforest, and marvel at the West Maui Mountains from a comfortable helicopter, expertly narrated by a professional pilot-guide. With both East and West Maui covered and glimpses of neighboring Molokai, it’s a sky-high tour offering unparalleled views of this tropical paradise.
Maverick Helicopters’ Complete Island Tour
Embark on a thrilling aerial adventure with Maverick Helicopters’ complete island tour. This narrated flight circles the entire island, offering captivating views of the Haleakala National Park, Hana Rainforest, towering cliffs, and scenic locales like Lahaina and Wailea. Witness the contrasting beauty of upcountry terrain and Hawaii’s azure beaches, making it a journey of a lifetime.
Blue Hawaiian’s Complete Island Tour
This helicopter tour from Blue Hawaiian actually has multiple routes to choose from, with one of them being a complete island tour. Choose your ideal route from four amazing options, each promising stunning views of sights like the Haleakala Crater, the Hana rainforest, and Molokai’s towering sea cliffs, all narrated by state-certified guides.
Doors Off Maui Helicopter Tours
Last but definitely not least, on our list of the best Maui helicopter tours are “doors off” helicopter tours. The name says it all, but if it’s not clear, these are tours where the helicopter doesn’t have any doors, allowing you to take photos without window glare while feeling the wind on your face.
If that sounds exciting, then you’re in luck! Only one company offers these types of tours in all of Maui, and they are listed below. Check them out if you’re up for a thrilling ride.
Air Maui’s Doors Off Helicopter Tour
Experience Maui and Molokai like never before with Air Maui’s exhilarating ‘doors off’ helicopter flight, the only one of its kind on the island. Feel the island breeze as you soar above breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls to spectacular circular rainbows. With no windows to obstruct your view or glare in your photos, you’ll fully immerse in Maui’s unparalleled beauty, making it an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Maui Helicopter Tours FAQ
All of the Maui helicopter tours listed on this page depart from the heliport at the Kahului Airport, where you likely started your trip if you flew to the island. That’s about a 30-60 minute car ride from most of the popular places to stay in West Maui and South Maui.
How Far in Advance Should I Book a Maui Helicopter Tour?
It’s hard to say exactly how far in advance you should book a Maui helicopter tour. For any activity in Maui, we usually recommend at least three months in advance to be safe. However, for helicopter tours, you could probably get away with a few weeks in advance. During peak seasons or holidays, booking even further in advance is advisable.
How Long Are Maui Helicopter Tours?
The duration of Maui helicopter tours can vary depending on your chosen tour. Typically, these tours range from 30 minutes to 2 hours in duration. Shorter tours usually focus on specific areas or landmarks, while longer tours offer a more comprehensive experience, covering multiple attractions. It’s best to check with the tour operator for precise details on tour durations.
Can I Bring a Camera on the Helicopter?
Yes, you can usually bring a camera on a Maui helicopter tour. Many tour operators allow passengers to bring cameras or smartphones to capture the breathtaking views from the helicopter. However, it’s important to check with the specific tour company beforehand to ensure there are no restrictions or special guidelines regarding photography equipment.
Are There Any Age or Weight Restrictions?
Yes, there are often age and weight restrictions for Maui helicopter tours. The specific restrictions can vary depending on the tour operator and aircraft used. Generally, children under a certain age may be required to sit on a parent’s lap, and there might be weight limitations for safety reasons. It’s important to check with the tour company in advance if you’re not sure.
How Many People Can Fit in a Helicopter Tour?
The number of people that can fit in a helicopter tour depends on the type of helicopter the tour operator uses. Most helicopters used for tours in Maui can accommodate between 4 to 7 passengers, including the pilot. However, there are also options for private tours or larger groups that can accommodate more passengers.
Will I Get Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness can affect individuals differently, and some may experience it during a Maui helicopter tour. The nature of helicopter flights, including maneuvers and changes in altitude, can contribute to motion sickness for susceptible individuals. To minimize the risk, taking motion sickness medication, sitting in a forward-facing seat, avoiding heavy meals before the tour, and focusing on the horizon or fixed points during the flight is advisable.
Meet the Authors
Aloha! We’re Justin and Katie, the owners of Maui Hideaway. We’ve been visiting Hawaii together with our family for 20 years and would love to share the experience of the islands with you. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or just some vacation advice, we’re here to help!
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