Best Helicopter Tours in Maui

Flying over Maui in a helicopter will be the best memory you will keep of your vacation, forever. Adrenaline and incredible views are guaranteed.

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

6 min read

Best Helicopter Tours in Maui

Aerial views of the Molokini crater | Farid Askerov

There is no vertigo when you can fly over Maui by helicopter and have a bird's eye view of this beautiful island known as "The Valley Isle", for its geography full of beautiful green valleys and impressive waterfalls. It will be one of the most unforgettable memories of your trip to Hawaii!

1. Helicopter tours to visit Hana

Napili Bay| ©Andrew Bain
Napili Bay| ©Andrew Bain

If you are passionate about road trips, Hawaii has one of the most beautiful roads in the world where the important thing is not the destination but the journey itself: Road to Hana.

It is a spectacular route of about 72 kilometers along the north coast of Maui that has 620 hairpin bends and more than 50 bridges that will lead you to wonderful landscapes of virgin jungle, steep cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, fields of palm trees and black sand beaches.

Considering the peculiar geography full of curves along the road to Hana, the best way to make this road trip and get to know the landscapes of Maui is by joining one of the tours that explore Road to Hana, as local drivers and guides know the terrain like the back of their hand and will show you the most amazing places without taking any risk behind the wheel.

To get an overview of the beautiful scenery of Maui, there are tours to Hana that combine the visit by land and by air. That is to say, part of the circuit is done by car and the other by helicopter, since many places can only be accessed from the sky due to the unique geography of the place.

In order to have a personalized experience, this type of excursion is usually done in small groups and during the visit you will see incredible sites such as Wai'anapanapa State Park, Waikani Falls, Haleakala Crater, Hana Tropicals Gardens or the cities of Ke'anae and Hana.

So don't hesitate and get your camera ready for a memorable adventure on the Road to Hana!

Compare the best helicopter tours

2. Maui Helicopter Tours of different durations

Halawa Valley| ©Forest and Kim Starr
Halawa Valley| ©Forest and Kim Starr

With its beautiful green valleys and imposing waterfalls, the island of Maui is a spectacle in itself and even more astonishing when you appreciate its beauty from the air, during a helicopter flight.

There is no doubt that it is an experience that will remain in your memory.
In addition to the fascinating views of Maui that seem to be taken from a lost world, there is the adrenaline of flying at hundreds of kilometers per hour over Hawaii and the Pacific. You won't stop taking pictures!

During your vacation you can choose from several helicopter tours in Maui with different durations and routes. Some of the most beautiful sites covered by these tours are the north and west coast of the island, Molokai, Halawa Valley, Pailolo Channel, Iao Valley State Park, Honokohau Falls, Haleakala Volcano or the Maui Rainforest, among others.

These types of activities are usually flexible so, depending on availability on the selected dates, you can choose schedules, prices and standard or premium options to adapt the experience to your tastes, budget or needs.

How to choose between tours

Your budget will probably determine the tour you choose, but even if you choose the shortest flight, the experience will be just as beautiful and the pilot will make sure you enjoy the views to the fullest. You will take home a magical souvenir of your visit to Maui!

Compare the best helicopter tours

3. Helicopter tour with open doors

Helicopter with open doors| ©Jakob Owens
Helicopter with open doors| ©Jakob Owens

If in addition to being a nature enthusiast you love thrills, how about taking a helicopter tour of Maui with open doors?

The sensation of floating in the air and the adrenaline rush is even greater when there is no barrier between you and the landscape. If you are concerned about safety, you should know that these flights are totally safe as you will be wearing an extra seat restraint, so don't worry about that.

Just make sure you carry your camera with you because the pictures you will take will be dizzying! Many of the valleys, waterfalls and rainforests that you will see during the journey through Maui and Molokai can only be seen from the air, so you can't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Of course, no camera other than your cell phone is allowed during the flight. The operator will provide you with a lanyard case so you can safely use your camera during the flight.

Compare the best helicopter tours


How much does it cost to take a helicopter tour in Maui?

View of Ke'anae| ©Navin75
View of Ke'anae| ©Navin75

A helicopter tour in Maui can cost between 200 and 400 euros per person approximately.

Everything will depend on factors such as the duration of the excursion, whether it is a standard or premium tour, the number of tourist attractions visited, the type of aircraft or whether or not lunch is included, among others.

How long are helicopter tours in Maui?

Waikani Falls| ©Neora Aylon
Waikani Falls| ©Neora Aylon

Helicopter tours in Maui last between 40 and 55 minutes approximately. The fantastic thing about flying in a helicopter on this island is that minutes after taking off you will enjoy amazing views, so no matter which tour you choose, you will see some wonderful Polynesian landscapes.

For example, the Maui helicopter tour combined with the Road to Hana tour has the shortest flight but by blending a land and air experience, it shows you all the facets of the island.

However, if you are one of those travelers who believe that flying in a helicopter is one of those once in a lifetime experiences, then I advise you to go for the longer tour because it will still not be enough.

The good thing about booking online is that you will be able to compare itineraries, prices and duration of the tours before selecting one, so it will be hard to go wrong.

Can I take a helicopter tour with the doors open?

Quite an experience| ©Ted Murphy
Quite an experience| ©Ted Murphy

That's right! You may be a little apprehensive about riding in a helicopter without doors or with the doors open, but you have nothing to fear because they are very safe. You'll be strapped into your seat with harnesses and belts for added protection.

Specifically in Hellotickets is available a 45 minutes flight in a helicopter with open doors with which you will have a panoramic view of the island of Maui without barriers.

Will I be able to see volcanoes from the helicopter?

Maui Coast| ©Anton Repponen
Maui Coast| ©Anton Repponen

Indeed, during the helicopter flight you will be able to contemplate the Haleakala volcano which rises over the island of Maui forming more than 75% of its surface and can be seen from almost any point. The writer Mark Twain described it as "the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed".

What else will I see from the helicopter?

Enjoy the experience| ©Ethan Eddins
Enjoy the experience| ©Ethan Eddins
Haleakala Crater| ©Paul VanDerWerf
Haleakala Crater| ©Paul VanDerWerf

Depending on the route followed by the pilot, you will normally visit the most emblematic places of the island by helicopter while you listen to him narrate the visit. Some of them are:

  • Maui's north and west coast
  • Molokai
  • Haleakala National Park
  • Iao Valley State Park
  • Halawa Valley
  • Pailolo Channel
  • Honokohau Falls
  • Maui Rainforest
  • Kahiwa Falls

What are the best helicopter tours in Hawaii?

Take the best pictures| ©Ted Murphy
Take the best pictures| ©Ted Murphy

In reality, there is no helicopter tour worse than another. The main difference between them is the duration or the fact that the aircraft has the doors closed or open. I recommend you to book online to compare prices, duration and itineraries.

What documentation is required to fly in a helicopter?

Discover inaccessible paradises| ©Ted Murphy
Discover inaccessible paradises| ©Ted Murphy

In accordance with FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations, all passengers 18 years of age and older must show a valid photo ID (such as a passport or driver's license) at the time of check-in.

How to take the best photos of helicopter sights?

Molokai| ©Mark Shepherd
Molokai| ©Mark Shepherd

A little tip to get some great pictures during the helicopter tour in Maui: wear dark clothes so that there is less reflection on the windows of the aircraft when flying.