Kahului is a prime hub for helicopter flights and tours that reveal Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes from a new perspective. Unlike simple sightseeing, these flights offer access to some of the most dramatic sights on Maui and beyond, such as waterfalls, rainforests, volcanoes, and rugged coastlines. The islands’ volcanoes, lush forests, and sheer sea cliffs are best appreciated from the air, and Kahului’s central location makes it easy to book these adventures. Whether you’re after a quick thrill, a comprehensive scenic overview, or a day trip to the Big Island, these tours deliver unique experiences worth planning around.
What makes these helicopter tours stand out is their focus on specific regions—whether it’s the Hana rainforests, Haleakala Crater, or West Maui Mountain views—each offers a distinct window into Hawaii’s natural wonders. The tours vary in length, price, and focus, giving you options for different interests and schedules. For a full day that includes the Big Island’s volcanoes, there’s even a helicopter and bus combo that makes it possible to see an active volcano on the same trip.
Quick Overview
This list highlights three top helicopter tours around Kahului, each with its own appeal: from a 45-minute flight exploring Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater, to a similar time exploring West Maui and Molokai, and a full-day adventure that takes you to the Big Island’s active volcanoes. For detailed descriptions, see below.
1. Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater 45-min Helicopter Tour
At number one, this tour takes you over the volcano summit at Haleakala, then descends into Maui’s lush east coast. The 45-minute flight offers an aerial view of Hana’s rainforests, waterfalls, and the North Shore’s rugged coastlines. Starting from the Kahului heliport, you’ll receive a safety briefing before your flight, which promises exclusive views of rainforest canopies, cascading waterfalls, and the dormant volcano. This tour is highly rated at 4.9/5 based on 16 reviews, which suggests a reliable and memorable experience.
What makes this tour special is the chance to see Hana’s remote landscapes with minimal crowds, combined with the iconic Haleakala Crater—one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks. The pilot’s commentary is typically engaging, pointing out features like the Oheo Gulch and the Pacific coastline. The flight’s short duration makes it a good choice for travelers with limited time but wanting a high-impact scenic experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a combination of volcano and rainforest views in under an hour, with excellent reviews confirming its quality and value.
2. West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour
Number two on our list is the West Maui and Molokai flight, also lasting 45 minutes. This tour is a hit with travelers who want to see both Maui and neighboring Molokai in one flight. Starting at the same Kahului heliport, it offers spectacular views of West Maui Mountains, the sea cliffs of Molokai, and the ocean reefs along the coast.
Rated a perfect 5/5 by those who have taken it, this tour’s highlight is crossing between two islands to see Molokai’s towering sea cliffs, waterfalls, and rainforests from above. The West Maui Mountains are equally impressive, with their deep valleys and lush slopes. The flight includes a humorous and knowledgeable pilot—a point that many reviews highlight as enhancing the experience.
This tour is highly recommended for those who love diverse scenery in a short timeframe. The value is excellent given the richness of sights packed into just 45 minutes, and it suits travelers seeking a variety of landscapes without a whole day commitment.
Bottom Line: If you want to cover two islands and see cliffs, waterfalls, and rainforests all in one go, this is an ideal, highly-rated option.
3. Maui to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter & Bus Tour
For those craving an in-depth volcanic experience, the Maui to Big Island combo offers a full-day adventure. Priced at around $1,300 per person, it involves a helicopter flight from Maui to the Big Island, followed by a bus tour of Volcanoes National Park. This 11-hour trip immerses you in one of the world’s most geologically active environments.
The helicopter portion covers current volcanic activity and highlights features like Kilauea Iki Crater and the Chain of Craters Road. The bus tour then adds cultural and historical insights, with a guide explaining Hawaii’s volcanic evolution and significance. This tour is ideal for adventure seekers and geology enthusiasts, offering a rare chance to see lava flows, steam vents, and volcano craters up close.
The reviews note that this is a long but rewarding experience, perfect for those who want to see both Maui and the Big Island in one day without the hassle of multiple trips or overnight stays. Keep in mind the price and duration make it more suitable for dedicated explorers.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those with a curiosity for volcanoes and geology, and who want to maximize their time exploring Hawaii’s most iconic volcanic landscapes.
How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Kahului
When selecting your helicopter experience, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re short on time but want a breathtaking overview of Maui’s rainforests and volcanoes, the Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater or West Maui and Molokai tours fit perfectly. For those enamored with volcanoes and geology, the full-day Big Island trip is hard to beat, offering a comprehensive look at Hawaii’s active volcanoes.
Timing, budget, and your specific interests—whether it’s waterfalls, cliffs, rainforests, or volcanoes—should guide your choice. Book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Kahului offers a range of helicopter tours that showcase Hawaii’s most stunning features. For a quick but high-impact flight, the Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater is a winner. If you want variety and a perfect 45-minute overview of both Maui and Molokai, then the West Maui and Molokai tour is an excellent choice. For geology lovers willing to spend a full day, the Big Island Volcano tour provides an unmatched look at Hawaii’s most active volcanoes.
Whatever your preference, booking early and choosing a tour that aligns with your interests will ensure a memorable aerial adventure above some of the most spectacular scenery in Hawaii.