Best Helicopter Tour in Maui: Discover Breathtaking Views!

Aloha, fellow adrenaline enthusiasts!

There’s nothing quite like soaring high above the stunning Maui Island, capturing those unbelievable aerial views of its lush rainforests, picturesque waterfalls, serene coastlines, and awe-inspiring volcanic craters. Trust me; I’ve experienced it firsthand with my boyfriend during our many escapades to this paradise.

Being a seasoned adventurist, I’ve had my fair share of helicopter tours on this beautiful island. And you know what? I’m here to share all my insider knowledge with you – the absolute best tours that give you the most bang for your buck and an unparalleled glimpse into Maui’s hidden gems.

Now listen up: My top picks are based on key factors like safety (of course!), tour duration, value for money, route taken, sights seen along the way, and overall experience quality. So buckle up as we prepare to embark on a thrilling journey over mesmerizing jungles and rugged shorelines that only few are fortunate enough to witness!

Warning: You may find yourself daydreaming about these helicopter adventures long after your vacation has ended… but hey, at least you’ll have priceless memories to cherish!

Ready? Let’s spread our wings and dive into the breathtaking world of Maui’s finest helicopter tours!

What Will I Learn? show

#1 West Maui and Molokai

Duration: 60-Minute

Address: 108 Lelepio Pl 108 Lelepio Pl, Kahului, HI 96732

For a completely new and different adventure, this is the best tour on the island. This tour lasts about 1 hour and takes off from Kahului Heliport. They have a morning and afternoon tour, and you need to book ahead because the tour sells out.

Taking this tour I felt super safe because the 6-seat, A-star helicopter was basically new, and the pilot was super knowledgeable and strict on safety. On the tour, it was the two of us and one other couple. Right from takeoff, the pilot was full of great historical information and we could hear him perfectly through the two-way headset.

During the flight, we saw a lot more than we could have ever driven around. My favorites were the Wall of Tears and the many gushing waterfalls mostly inaccessible in any other way. We also saw Honokohau Falls which is the tallest waterfall on the island at about 1.100 feet and Kahiwa Falls, which drops 1,750 feet (on Molokai’s remote coastline). Another highlight was the Moku Ho’oniki rock surrounded by turquoise water and all the lush green jungles along the coastline.

This is a perfect tour to see some of everything, waterfalls, dormant volcanos, lava flows, jungles, open ocean, and the Molokai from all sides. We took some amazing pictures (one-of-a-kind) and got some great information.

This is a must-do helicopter tour because:

  • The tour is comfortable, informative, and safe with professional staff and crew.
  • The views are breathtaking including two massive waterfalls, coastlines, jungles, and Molokai.
  • There is a morning and afternoon tour options.

#2 Complete Island Helicopter Tour

Duration: 60-Minute

Address: 108 Lelepio Pl 108 Lelepio Pl, Kahului, HI 96732

This is a rare tour where you get to fly deep inside the West Maui Mountains in areas totally inaccessible to tourists. You will get a view and an incredible appreciation of the colorful cinder cones of Haleakala Crater as well as the rest of the island. As well as crystal blue waters, sandy beaches, and open ocean.

The crew is exceptional and the pilot guide is very knowledgeable about everything you see. You get a lot of quality information and many opportunities to take great pictures.

I enjoyed the bird’s eye view of the historic road to Hana along with its many waterfalls and rainforest canopies. We saw many more crystalline pools and falls than when we did the drive. Also, the many falls at the Wall of Tears were gorgeous and breathtaking. My boyfriend’s favorite part was the Molokai renowned, 4,000 ft. sea cliffs.

I appreciated that they gave us the option to buy a USB of our tour footage. It was well worth it because it included the pilot’s narrative and information. It’s a one-of-a-kind souvenir. There are two tour times each day, but book way ahead because they are popular.

Don’t miss out on the Complete Island Helicopter Tour of Maui because:

  • It’s a chance to see the entire island and Molokai with a professional and knowledgeable guide.
  • Much of the bird’s eye view is stunning and inaccessible in any other way.
  • You get to see the entire coast including the historic Hana road with endless waterfalls, pools, and jungles.
  • Other highlights include the 4,000 ft. sea cliffs and the Wall of Tears.

#3 Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight with Landing from Maui

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes 

Address: 108 Lelepio Pl 108 Lelepio Pl, Kahului, HI 96732

This is an exciting and kind of –all-inclusive tour where you get to land in the Wailua Valley and explore along with a breathtaking areal flight over the shoreline and rainforest.

Wailua Valley itself has scenic viewpoints, and views of Ke‘anae Valley and Ko‘olau Gap at Haleakala’s rim. The actual flight is about 40 minutes and the stop is 30 minutes. During the stop at Wailua Valley, you also get to explore the taro plantation which is full of lavish vegetation including banana trees, coconuts, and wildflowers.

It’s all done in a new, super safe, and comfortable helicopter and guided by a trained and professional pilot. If this is something you are doing as a family, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, while those under 2 sit in the parent’s lap.

This adventure is perfect for those who prefer exploring the rainforest rather than the shoreline. Although there is some of everything, including many stunning waterfalls and rugged shorelines.

Choose this Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight because:

  • You get to explore in depth the road to Hana and see many waterfalls and waterholes inaccessible by car.
  • There is a 30-minute landing in the taro plantation of Wailua Valley which is full of tropical rainforest plants and scenic views.
  • There is an opportunity to explore on land in an area few people have the opportunity to access.
  • The tour is informative, well-planned, and safe. The information shared is interesting and educational.

#4 Waterfalls of Scenic West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour

Duration: 50 minutes

Address: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters 1, Lelepio Pl, Kahului, HI 96732

This stunning helicopter tour passes over so many amazing sights. We flew over Molokai, Lahaina, Kapalua, Halawa Falls, Olowalu Beach, Puu Kukui and more.The highlight tour for me was the Halawa Falls and the tallest sea cliffs in the world, along with the famous Kalaupapa peninsula.

Everything on this tour is state of the art. They use aviation-grade, electronic noise-canceling headsets, and microphones with 2-way communication with the pilot. The information provided is abundant and exciting. I felt safe and taken care of during the whole trip.

 This trip is for the picture taker and Instagram fan. You get to see so many diverse scenes it’s hard to believe you see them all in one trip. There are waterfalls, cliffs, shorelines, jungles, open ocean, small islands and more.

If you do the tour in winter, you are guaranteed to see whales, and even their young. There are morning and afternoon trips available and I think children under two can sit in the parent’s lap.

The Waterfalls of Scenic West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour is well worth it because:

  • You get to see many (more than in most tours) destinations.
  • There is a quality commentary and historical information provided.
  • The tour includes shoreline views, rainforests inaccessible by foot, waterfalls, and cliffs.
  • The staff and pilot are professional and safety is the biggest priority.

#5 Hana and Haleakala Scenic Helicopter Tour

Duration: 50 minutes

Address: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters 1, Lelepio Pl, Kahului, HI 96732

In a contrast to the rainforest tours with most helicopter flights, this is a great option for those interested in the volcano and crater (like my boyfriend).

It’s also a great option for someone who has done the waterfall and rainforest tour before. Not to say that you still won’t see beautiful rainforests and waterfalls (after all this is Maui), but the bigger focus is on the powerful dormant volcano.

 Some of the highlights of our tour were the Haleakala Crater and a vast view of the dormant volcano which reminds me more of a Mars setting than Hawaii. Also Makawao Forest Reserve, Ke‘anae Point, and historic Hana (surrounded by waterfalls and lush forest.) Lots of great pictures are to be taken of breathtaking sites.

Safety is a top priority on this flight. There is 2-way communication with the pilot who is a state-certified tour guide. Unlike many tours, I noticed this one is wheelchair accessible and there is assistance available.

The Hana and Haleakala Scenic Helicopter Tour are a top option because:

  • It is different than the typical helicopter tour because there is an in-depth tour of the dormant volcano for a bird’s eve view and of Haleakala Crater.
  • The tour is wheelchair accessible and there is assistance available.
  • There are breathtaking views inaccessible by the foot of Makawao Forest Reserve, Ke‘anae Point, and historic Hana.

Conclusion on the Best Helicopter Tours on Maui

Maui is a top tourist attraction full of trails, beaches, waterfalls, and more. However, a large part of the island is completely inaccessible by land and tourists.

The best way to truly see the island is with a helicopter tour. Whether you are looking to see enormous cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, jungles, shorelines, or the majestic dormant volcano and crater, Maui has a tour for you.

Check out this list for the most reliable, safest, and checked for quality tours.

Trust me – you won’t be disappointed. 

Last Updated on April 7, 2023 by Brigitte