The 15 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours in Maui
Exploring Maui from the air is one of those experiences that can transform your view of the islands. Unlike driving or even boat tours, a helicopter flight delivers a bird’s-eye perspective that reveals the true scale and diversity of this volcanic paradise. From towering sea cliffs and lush rainforests to waterfalls spilling into the sea, Maui’s landscape is breathtaking when seen from above.
What makes Maui especially appealing for helicopter tours is its combination of accessibility and wild terrain. The steep cliffs of Molokai, the expansive Haleakala crater, and deep valleys like Iao Valley are simply inaccessible by land or sea in many cases. This list showcases the best options, from quick scenic rides to luxury excursions with landings and multi-island options, giving you a chance to see Maui’s most iconic sights in style.
1. West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour
This popular 45-minute flight offers a concise yet comprehensive view of Maui’s western coast and neighboring Molokai. You’ll glide past hidden waterfalls, lush valleys, and rugged ridgelines in West Maui, with narration providing insights into the landscape and history. Crossing the channel, you’ll see the world’s tallest sea cliffs on Molokai, dropping 4,000 feet into turbulent shoreline waters.
Unique for its access to areas unreachable by land, the tour’s highlight is the close-up of Molokai’s cliffs and rainforests, combined with excellent commentary from your pilot. Reviewers praise the door-off upgrade for jaw-dropping views and the knowledgeable guide Vince for making the experience memorable.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a quick, immersive overview of Maui and Molokai’s dramatic scenery, with top-notch narration and access to stunning vistas.
2. Road to Hana Luxury Limo-Van Tour with Helicopter Flight
For around $565, this 6-hour journey combines a luxury limousine van drive along the famous Road to Hana with a stunning helicopter flight back over Haleakala and the coast. The small group of six ensures a personalized experience, stopping at Ke’anae, Wai’anapanapa State Park, and a waterfall where swimming might be possible.
The highlight is the 36-minute helicopter ride, offering aerial views of remote waterfalls, Haleakala Crater, and rugged coastline. Plus, a beachside lunch enhances the day, with vegetarian options available. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and pilot, who make this both educational and visually spectacular.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a full-day, high-end experience combining land and air, especially if you prefer a more intimate group and personalized service.
3. Maui: Road to Hana Helicopter & Waterfall Tour with Landing
This 75-minute helicopter tour offers a deeper dive into Maui’s lush landscapes. Departing from Kahului, you’ll fly over the Hana rainforest and even land in the Wailua Valley, exploring a former taro plantation. The tour includes panoramic views of sea cliffs and waterfalls, with the chance to walk through the Hana ranch and see banana, coconut, and native flowers.
This tour’s unique feature is the ground exploration in Hana, paired with scenic aerial views of remote waterfalls and rugged coastlines. Passengers rave about the professional pilot Nick, who shares detailed insights during the flight. It’s ideal for travelers wanting both aerial and ground experiences in one tour.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for those wanting a combination of sightseeing and a taste of Maui’s rainforest and rural areas, with a more in-depth experience.
4. Central Maui: Two-Island Scenic Helicopter Flight to Molokai
This 55-minute flight covers Maui and Molokai in one smooth loop, giving spectacular views of Honokohau Falls, Iao Valley, and Molokai’s sea cliffs. You’ll fly over dense rainforests, dormant volcanoes, and waterfalls that cascade into the ocean, all while your pilot shares fascinating details.
Special for its focused two-island coverage, this tour offers a comprehensive look at the towering sea cliffs and remote valleys. Reviewers appreciate the informative narration and the stunning vistas, especially the Honokohau Falls and the Iao Valley. It’s a good choice for those who want a quick but broad overview of Maui’s diverse terrain.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a balanced, mid-length tour that highlights Maui’s waterfalls, volcanoes, and Molokai’s cliffs.
5. Oceanfront Landing 75-Minute Event Helicopter Tour
This 1 hour and 15-minute tour combines spectacular scenery with the thrill of an oceanfront landing. Flying over West Maui and Molokai, your helicopter will land at a private oceanfront location, giving you a unique perspective on the shoreline and cliffs.
The waterfront landing adds a memorable element, perfect for photos or just soaking up the surroundings. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable pilot Cameron and the unbeatable views of the untouchable landscapes. It’s suited for travelers who want a slightly longer flight with an exclusive touch.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting an immersive, scenic tour coupled with a rare landing at Hawaii’s dramatic coast.
6. West Maui and Molokai 60-Minute Helicopter Tour
Spanning about an hour, this tour offers comprehensive views of mists, waterfalls, and towering sea cliffs. You’ll fly over Halawa Valley, the Wall of Tears, and Kahiwa Falls — some of Maui’s most impressive waterfalls, plus Molokai’s world’s highest sea cliffs.
Reviewers praise the calm, professional pilot Kirk, who makes the flight smooth and engaging. It’s perfect for travelers wanting extensive scenery in a relatively short period, with the added benefit of learning about Maui’s microclimates and history.
Bottom Line: Great for those seeking a full overview of Maui’s rugged west coast and Molokai’s cliffs within an hour.
7. Waterfalls of West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour
This 50-minute narrated flight specializes in waterfalls, valleys, and lush scenery. Designed for those short on time but eager for spectacular views, you’ll fly over Haleakala, West Maui Mountains, and Kahakuloa Bay. The pilot also acts as a Hawaii-certified tour guide, sharing details about the landscape and history.
Reviewers highlight the close-up views of waterfalls and valleys, making it a favorite for scenery lovers. The small-group setting means more personalized attention. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a quick, immersive experience of Maui’s waterfalls and coastal highlights.
Bottom Line: Excellent for a short but detailed helicopter tour that emphasizes waterfalls and scenic coastlines.
8. Kahului: Doors-off West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour
This 45-minute doors-off tour offers an adrenaline rush with unobstructed views of West Maui Mountains and Molokai’s sea cliffs. With only your cell phone allowed for photos, you’ll truly feel immersed in the landscape. The open-door setup provides the wind-in-your-hair experience for adventurous travelers.
Reviewers mention how easy and safe the experience feels, with pilots ensuring everyone gets great views. It’s perfect if you want a thrilling, photo-friendly tour for a limited time.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventure seekers wanting the most immersive and exciting helicopter experience.
9. First Class Waterfalls of West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour
This luxury 50-minute tour features floor-to-ceiling windows and first-class seating. Flying over deep valleys, waterfalls, and rainforests, it emphasizes comfort and unobstructed views. You’ll see the famed ‘Iao Valley and Mauna Kahālāwai, making it ideal for travelers wanting a premium experience.
Reviews note the high-quality views and professional service. The first-class seating may come at a premium, but many say it’s worth it for the clarity and comfort.
Bottom Line: Designed for travelers who want the best seats and most comfort while experiencing Maui’s waterfalls and valleys.
10. Three Island Helicopter Adventure
This 1-hour 5-minute tour covers Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. You’ll see Elephant Rock, Shipwreck Beach, and towering sea cliffs, with live pilot commentary enhancing the experience. Flying over three islands makes this a comprehensive tour for those wanting multi-island perspectives.
Reviewers note the outstanding scenery and professional pilot, emphasizing how it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. It’s best for travelers who want to maximize island views in a single flight.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a broad tour of multiple islands with rich scenery and engaging commentary.
11. First Class Maui & Molokai Helicopter Tour with Landing
This first-class 1.5-hour tour offers unobstructed views and an exclusive landing at Ulupalakua Ranch, with complimentary drinks. You’ll fly over Maui’s valleys, rainforests, and waterfalls, then across the channel to Molokai’s sea cliffs.
The landing at a scenic ranch makes it stand out, providing a relaxing break and photo opportunities. Reviewers love the personalized service and the stunning vistas. It’s suited for travelers seeking a luxury experience with a blend of aerial and ground exploration.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a luxury tour that includes an exclusive landing and exceptional views.
12. Maui: 3-Island Hawaiian Odyssey Helicopter Flight
This 65-minute flight covers Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, offering a comprehensive view of Hawaii’s three largest islands. Passengers see Shipwreck Beach, sea cliffs, and reefs, with the pilot providing engaging commentary.
Reviewers describe it as a “fantastic way to see the islands” and appreciate the beautiful scenery on all three islands. It’s ideal for travelers who want a broad, panoramic experience across multiple islands in one flight.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a complete multi-island view with a focus on iconic landmarks.
13. Maui & Molokai Spectacular with Exclusive Landing Helicopter Tour
This 1.5-hour tour features an exclusive landing at Ulupalakua Ranch, along with scenic flights over Maui’s valleys and waterfalls. You’ll enjoy first-class seats, aviation-grade headphones, and a luxury experience. The flight continues over Haleakala, Hana, and Molokai’s sea cliffs.
Reviewers highlight the unique landing and personalized experience. It’s a good pick for travelers wanting to combine aerial scenery with a relaxing ground stop.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a luxury, multi-surface experience with exclusive access and scenic views.
14. Maui to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour & Ground Tour
This 11-hour tour is a full-day adventure that includes a flight to the Big Island, a helicopter tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and a ground tour of waterfalls and gardens. You’ll witness Kilauea’s lava flows, craters, and steam vents.
Reviewers mention the professional crew and amazing helicopter views of the active volcano. It’s best for travelers wanting an extensive experience combining aerial and land exploration of Hawaii’s most famous volcano.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventure travelers who want a comprehensive volcano experience in a single day.
15. Hana Rainforest Scenic Helicopter Tour
This 45-minute tour offers aerial views of Haleakala, Ohe’o Gulch, Hana Town, and the rainforest. The Eco-star helicopter provides first-class seats and viewing windows, with narration by a Hawaii-certified pilot.
It’s perfect for those wanting to see the eastern side of Maui’s rainforest and shoreline in a short, scenic flight. Reviewers mention the quality of the views and the professional pilot.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers looking for a quick, scenic overview of Hana and northeast Maui’s lush landscape.
How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Maui
When selecting a helicopter experience, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For example, if you want a luxury experience with a landing, the First Class Waterfalls or Maui & Molokai with Landing may be best.
If your goal is to see multiple islands in one shot, the 3-island tour offers extensive coverage. For those looking to combine land and air, the Road to Hana with helicopter provides a comprehensive day.
Lastly, for thrill-seekers, the doors-off Kahului tour delivers an unmatched adrenaline rush and photography experience. Booking early, especially during peak seasons, ensures you get your preferred time and seat class.
Final Thoughts
Maui offers a diverse range of helicopter tours that showcase its volcanic peaks, lush valleys, waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines. For a quick overview, the 45-minute West Maui and Molokai Special Tour is perfect for first-timers. If you’re after a luxury experience with a scenic landing, options like the First Class Waterfalls deliver high comfort and exclusivity.
Travelers with more time or a desire to see multiple islands in one go should consider the 3-island Hawaii Odyssey. No matter your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable views of Maui’s stunning landscape.