Maui is one of the most breathtaking places in the world, from lush, green mountains to crystal-clear waters, it’s a place I think everyone should visit at least once.

However, if you’re like me and just didn’t know which tour to take to soak in the best views, you’re not alone. The fact that there are so many activities to partake in and adventures to go on can actually be a bit overwhelming, which is why I’m here to help!

If you want views like no other, I highly recommend taking up one of the 5 top Maui helicopter tours, which are all worth your time and money. I’ve detailed them all right here, so let’s get started!

Be sure to see our reviews of Maui Luaus, Whale Watching Tours and Sunset Dinner Cruises.

Best Helicopter Rides in Maui

	Maui: Road to Hana Helicopter & Waterfall Tour with Landing	Doors Off West Maui and Molokai 45 minute Helicopter Tour	Oceanfront Landing 75-Minute Helicopter Tour
Location:	Lelepio Pl, Kahului, HI 96732	108 Lelepio Pl, Kahului, HI 96732	108 Lelepio Pl, Kahului
Start:	9:00, 11:00 AM & 1:00, 3:00 PM	Between 7:00 AM & 4:00 PM	Between 7:00 AM & 4:00 PM
Duration:	75 minutes	45 minutes	75 minutes
Includes:	Helicopter flight, landing in Hana, in-flight commentary	Professional pilot-guide, helicopter tour	Professional pilot-guide, helicopter tour
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Maui Helicopter Tours For 2024

1. Maui: Road to Hana Helicopter & Waterfall Tour with Landing
2. Doors Off West Maui and Molokai 45 minute Helicopter Tour
3. Oceanfront Landing 75-Minute Helicopter Tour
4. Central Maui: Two-Island Scenic Helicopter Flight to Molokai
5. Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight with Landing from Maui

Maui Helicopter Tour Reviews

1. Maui: Road to Hana Helicopter & Waterfall Tour with Landing

I’ve been all over Maui – from picturesque hikes and lounging on the beaches to snorkeling in the clear blue waters. However, on this tour you’ll get to experience the magnificent beauty of Maui like never before.

The Maui: Road to Hana Helicopter & Waterfall Tour with Landing experience offers a unique perspective of the island’s stunning landscapes, where rainforests, waterfalls, and rugged coastlines all unfold in an unreal scene!

Limited to a maximum group size of just 6 participants, it’s perfect for solo travelers, friend groups, or even entire families! The pilot-guides are incredibly experienced and well-trained, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

Ours made the experience very relaxing and comforting – especially as it was the first time in a helicopter for me and many others in my group!

We boarded the helicopter at the Kahului airport, taking off and flying along the north coast for all kinds of incredible views of Mother Nature.

As we flew high above different points of interest, our guide offered commentary on them, helping us understand the geology and culture involved. We even got to fly over the infamous Road to Hana and Jurassic Rock, arriving to a spot deep in the rainforest for a safe landing.

It was here that we got about half an hour to explore the former taro plantation located in the valley, checking out an area that the vast majority of visitors don’t get to see! We even got to try some fresh fruit right off of one of the trees!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. Doors Off West Maui and Molokai 45 minute Helicopter Tour

If you have a bit of an adrenaline-junkie streak or simply appreciate uninhibited beauty, this next tour is just for you!

The Doors Off West Maui and Molokai 45-Minute Helicopter Tour lets you enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Hawaii’s natural landscapes in all of its unobstructed, unfiltered glory.

Go beyond the ordinary tour, feeling the wind in your hair, watching Maui and Molokai all around you like never before.

Clocking in at just 45 minutes, it’s much shorter than other types of tours, but remains one of the most memorable experiences you’ll surely have!

Not to mention, if you’re bothered by the chance of window glare appearing in your photos or videos from the tour, you’ll love this helicopter! It’s completely doors-off – in fact, it’s the only doors-off helicopter tour in all of Maui!

The professional pilot-guide we had was super fun and friendly, clearly showing their skill as they expertly navigated the beautiful aircraft. They answered any and all questions we had, offering interesting commentary about the different sites we passed over.

In just 45 minutes, I was surprised at how much I learned about the history, culture, and geography of Hawaii and Maui, specifically.

The group sizes are obviously quite small as there’s very limited space, and I believe the helicopter fits a max of 6 group members. If you have longer hair, I do recommend wearing your hair up or wearing a hat, as it can get a bit windy up there without the doors!

This is an exhilarating experience that you’re sure to want to repeat – with the photos and videos for priceless mementos!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Oceanfront Landing 75-Minute Helicopter Tour

This next tour was equally as cool and awe-inducing as it was beautiful and memorable. The Oceanfront Landing 75-Minute Helicopter Tour is like flying into paradise –  so much so that it took a few minutes to wrap my head around what we were experiencing as reality.

With either a morning or afternoon departure time and a total flight time of 75 minutes, it’s super easy to fit into even the busiest itineraries.

With professional pilots with plenty of experience who take safety very seriously, it’s actually a great option for families with kids who tend to get bored with “regular” sightseeing.

You’ll arrive at the Kahului Heliport, go through a briefing with the pilot and learn all about the helicopter. The ASTAR helicopter features 6 seats that offer amazing 180-degree views, and are surprisingly comfortable!

The vibrant green valleys, rugged cliffs, and rich blue waters all contrasted perfectly, creating this kind of masterpiece laid out before us. There were times we even soared up above cascading waterfalls and rich rainforests, while our pilot shared stories about the island’s intense history!

However, what really set this tour apart was the exclusive oceanfront landing on Molokai, where we could step out, breathe in the fresh ocean air, soaking in the serene surroundings – an experience few are able to have!

As if that weren’t cool enough, the entire trip is recorded for you and you can purchase it on a USB after your flight! However, there are plenty of opportunities for recording incredible videos and photos from your phone throughout!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Central Maui: Two-Island Scenic Helicopter Flight to Molokai

The Central Maui: Two-Island Scenic Helicopter Flight to Molokai tour is simply phenomenal, with an expert pilot with knowledge of all the best spots to fly over.

I’m not sure if it’s every pilot with this tour is the same, but ours had flown over a whopping 6000 helicopter flight hours, so you can rest assured they know what they’re doing! If you want to go on an aerial adventure that shows off the flawless beauty of Hawaii’s lesser-known island, check this one out!

This one also starts at Kahului Heliport, where you’ll receive a briefing and get to ask any questions you may have so everyone is on the same page.

You can also share any special sites you have in mind to fly over, and they’ll try to make it happen if it’s possible given the weather and flight route. We got to see plenty of the more remote areas, including the North Shore down into the Halawa Valley, which felt like traveling back to prehistoric times.

I also loved seeing the huge fish ponds and the Valley State Park, as well as the incredible Honokohau Falls: the tallest falls on the island. I’m not sure why it surprised me that they had a volcano, but it was also interesting (and intimidating) to see the Haleakala volcano (don’t worry, it’s dormant!).

Not only was our pilot knowledgeable about the geography and cool locations to fly over, but he also knew a ton about the history and culture surrounding them, like the movies that had been filmed there.

I was expecting to obviously see some amazing landscapes, but I wasn’t expecting to see so many waterfalls, and definitely not the majestic whales we spotted! If it’s your first time in Maui and you want to get a “lay of the land” I can’t recommend this tour enough!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight with Landing from Maui

Last but certainly not least, we have the Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight with Landing from Maui tour. This one is unlike any other, not only offering you a jaw-dropping helicopter tour soaring over Maui, but the chance to actually land in the pristine Wailua Valley!

Boast to all of your friends that you got to step foot in a spot that very few visitors get to see, and take plenty of photos in this tropical paradise to prove it!

Have you ever watched Jurassic Park and felt like you wanted to experience that kind of lush, untouched environment (without the predators, of course) firsthand?

This is essentially as close as you’ll be able to get, but with a more relaxed ambiance. With various start times available, it’s easy to fit into busy schedules, and very well worth it!

You’ll hop into the ECO-130 helicopter with your small group and your expert pilot, get comfortable in your seat, and feel the thrill of soaring through the skies of Maui!

The windows offered a surprisingly unobstructed view, and I took full advantage of it with plenty of incredible photos and videos. As we cruised along, our pilot regaled us with commentary about the sights we passed overhead, with plenty of interesting facts surrounding the geology, history, and culture.

Then, head into the Hana rainforest, where you’ll make a safe landing at a former taro farm, taking time to walk around the paradise-like environment. This was truly like nothing I’d ever seen before, with more beauty than I could comprehend.

After all, very few people in the world have ever had the privilege of walking on this very land. Then head back to your starting point and enjoy all of your stories and media!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Maui Travel Guide

When Polynesian adventurers found and settled the previously uninhabited island of Maui, they thought they had found Paradise. You will too!

There is so much to see and do on this compact island that you are spoiled for choice. You can go whale watching, climb a volcano, hike through tropical rainforest, and learn how to hula dance from professionals.

Before you go, it is in your interest to fully research the accommodations, transport arrangements, local foods, and attractions to ensure you get the most out of your visit. This guide is designed to help you on your way.

Airports & Entry

Most visitors to Maui arrive on an airplane or a cruise liner. Using either method, you’ll most likely arrive in Kahului.

Kahului is the main settlement on Maui, hosting its commercial shopping centers, light industrial areas, a deep-draft harbor for cruise liners, and Kahului Airport.

Although Maui only boasts a population of 155 thousand, over 5 million passengers pass through Kahului Airport every year. Many flights from the mainland involve a layover in Honolulu, but there are direct flights.

When booking, try to get a direct flight to save time. There is only one terminal building at Kahului, but you can find all the usual amenities on the second floor.

The Visitor Information Office in the central building is open from 7:45am to 9:45pm, and there are information desks throughout the airport.

ATMs and internet stations are found throughout the second floor. The airport shops—a DFS, gift store, jewelers, and newsstand—open at times varying from 6am for the newsstand to 8:45am.

All the shops close around 9pm. While the earliest of the 9 food outlets—Starbucks—opens at 5:30am, they are all closed by 10:30pm.

There are 8 car rental companies operating from the airport, but it’s a good idea to book in advance to save time at the airport and ensure that there’s a vehicle available.

A convenient and affordable shuttle service connects the airport to the main tourist accommodation locations on the island, including Wailea, Napili, Makena, Lahaina, Kihei, Kahana, Ka’anapali, Honokawai, and, of course, Kahului’s commercial center.

The Maui Airport Shuttle Service desk can be found in the Baggage Claim area, and no reservations are required. The desk opens at 5:30am and closes after the last flight arrival of the day.

If you are traveling light, the local public transportation system is an affordable option. Cash fares on the Maui Bus service are $2 per person for a single ride or $4 for a day pass.

Route 35 (Haiku) and Route 40 (Upcountry) operate every 90 minutes from 5:30am and 6:00am to 9:40pm and 10:11pm respectively.

However, the public bus has a strict luggage policy, so only one suitcase or carry-on bag is allowed and must fit on the passenger’s lap or under their seat. So, Maui Bus is only an option if you are a “hand luggage only” kind of flyer.

Taxis pick up from the front of the baggage claim area, but they are expensive. The metered rate is $3:00 per mile. That means it would cost you approximately $65 to Makena, $78 to Lahaina, and $105 to Kapalua.

Cruise ships moor at Pier 1 in Kahului Deep Draft Harbor. Maui Bus operates a service that stops at the harbor, and taxis are an option.

It is a 25-minute walk from Pier 1 to the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, Kahului’s main commercial center and transport hub.

Traveling in the time of Covid

Like many other destinations worldwide, tours and visitor attractions in Maui have adopted special procedures.

Wearing a mask in mandatory in many locations. You will be expected to supply your own mask and wear it when you enter public buildings.

Keep your distance from other visitors who are not in your family group or bubble. You will be expected to keep your distance inside minibuses and other vehicles and when seated in restaurants.

At the time of writing, the State of Hawaii welcomes visitors but requires pre-travel testing for Covid-19. You can obtain the most up-to-date information directly from the State of Hawaii Portal.

Eco-Tourism and Sustainability in Maui

The Hawaiian Archipelago offers many areas of outstanding natural beauty and protected wildlife areas you can explore. In order to maintain this wonderful place for future generations, many of the local tour companies operate eco-friendly tours.

When considering the tours we review on the World Travel Guides website, note that there are often eco-friendly options that empower you to become a more sustainable traveler. This is especially true around the islands of Hawaii. Take care of our world and it will take care of our children.

Helicopter Tours in Maui

Maui is reputed to be the most beautiful island in the Hawaiian Archipelago. It is even nicknamed “The Valley Isle”. However, reaching many of the most iconic sites and taking in the most amazing views is often impossible by road and difficult on foot.

Those sites that can be reached by road often involve a long and treacherous journey. The scenic summit of Haleakala, for example, can be reached by road. However, the road involves steep drop-offs and blind turns, not to mention that you may encounter wildlife blocking the road.

The best way to see all that the island has to offer from the most advantageous viewpoint is to book a helicopter tour in Maui. Aboard a helicopter, you can view the picturesque waterfalls in hidden valleys without an 8-hour hike to get there. You can view the top of Haleakala from a unique vantagepoint within the same hour as you explore the sublime beauty of the coastal cliffs.

That isn’t to say that you can’t enjoy a wonderful hiking adventure or scenic bus tour in Maui. But if you don’t have a lot of time to explore the island, a helicopter excursion in Maui will enable you to see everything you couldn’t get to see on foot or on a bus tour.

Planning Tips

It’s always best to be prepared. Here are 5 tips to help you make the most of your stay on Maui.

Tip #1: If you want to see whales, go in winter

During the summer, humpback whales feed and congregate around Alaska. In winter, they migrate south to mate and calve. From mid-December to mid-April, there are an abundance of whale sightings in Maui.

Between 10 and 12 thousand whales congregate in these tropical waters. Whales are often visible at a distance from the beaches and will circle any small boats that approach their pods. Winter is the best time to whale watch in Maui.

Tip #2: Take your time to appreciate all that Maui has to offer

Perhaps you only want to see the whales or surf in the sunshine, but there’s a lot more to see and do in Maui.

Don’t miss the opportunity to climb a volcano, explore inside a lava tube, experience a traditional luau, and visit the historical royal town of Lahaina. See the information on Nightlife and Attractions below.

Tip #3: Book Maui tours in advance, especially during winter

Maui is a popular destination for tourists, so tours quickly sell out. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. You wouldn’t be able to forgive yourself if you went all that way only to miss your opportunity to whale watch because the tours were full.

Since many tours offer free refunds up to 24 hours before the activity begins, you’re not taking a risk if you book before you go. Just check the refund policy of each tour before you book.

Tip #4: Take summer clothes and raincoats

Because Maui is tropical, you need to pack summer clothes. However, don’t forget it also rains a lot on the island.

Light raincoats are an excellent idea. If you intend to see the sunrise or sunset from the top of Haleakalā, you will definitely need a jacket.

And if you plan to visit a plush Martini lounge or attend a luau, you should bring something a bit smarter for those special occasions.

Tip #5: Buy traditional local craft souvenirs

If you want to take home something unique, check out the Maui Crafts Guild in Paia, a small settlement a little east of Kahului just off the Hāna Highway.

This store is a member owned and operated cooperative where you will find the actual artists inside the store eager to speak to you about their arts and crafts.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Maui not only has a unique ecosystem with plants not found in the other 49 States, but it also boasts an uninterrupted cultural history.

That means during your stay you have the unique opportunity to taste genuine Polynesian food untainted by European colonial influences.

Because Maui is an island surrounded by abundant marine life, it’s no surprise many restaurants feature seafood on their menus. A popular dish is Opakapaka, which is crimson snapper either steamed, baked or grilled.

Monchong is a deep-water fish marinaded and grilled. Raw tuna is a favorite with the locals and is found in traditional foods like Poke.

Poke is like Japanese Sashimi but with the raw fish served in hearty chunks rather than thin slices.

Something unique to the Hawaiian Islands is luau food cooked in an earth oven called an imu. A tasty example of luau food is Laulau, made with pork, chicken, or fish.

The selected meat is wrapped in taro leaves and then cooked inside the imu for hours until it grows soft with a smoky taste. Delicious!

While many North Americans might consider either bread or potato to be their staple food during meals, on Maui taro is the staple root crop.

Taro is most often consumed as Poi, a thick paste that is either baked or steamed. Poi is slightly sour due to fermentation during its preparation.

And for dessert, why not try some Banana-Apple Fruit, Breadfruit, or Kulolo. Banana-Apple is a common fruit eaten cold or hot. Breadfruit is melon-sized and is served boiled, deep-fried, baked, or steamed.

Kulolo is steamed taro pudding. Yes! Taro is a versatile root.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Despite Maui’s small size, you will find a good selection of venues to let your hair down. The island offers something for everybody’s taste, from a plush Martini lounge to a rowdy beach watering hole where locals play pool and watch the big game live. But something truly special only experienced in the Hawaiian Islands is a Maui luau.

If you want to dress up and drink in style, you could head to the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua and visit the Alaloa Lounge. They offer outdoor or indoor seating and live entertainment Thursday through Monday. The Kapalua Martini is a local specialty you should try.

At the other end of the scale is Life’s A Beach in Kihei, a beach lounge frequented by locals. As well as the football and pool tables you’d expect from a popular watering hole, they also have regular evening entertainment. They offer everything from open mic nights to live reggae bands.

But for a fun-packed evening of traditional songs, stories, food, and drink, you won’t do better than an organized traditional luau.

For around $130, you can experience Lei Greetings, observe the Imu Ceremony (cooking a pig in an earth oven), Hula Dance, and play Hawaiian games. The highlight is a performance by locals telling the story of how their ancestors first discovered and populated Maui, aided by the gods.

Getting Around

If you want to explore the Hāna Highway with the flexibility to stop wherever and whenever you choose, your best option is to rent a car.

However, if you don’t want to do this, you can get around by public transportation, shuttle bus, on a tour, or by taxi. Maui Bus, the public bus service, is an extremely efficient and cheap way of getting around the island.

But Maui Bus’ focus is on getting the locals where they need to go, which might not be what you want to see. A tour bus will take you exactly where you need to go, but on their schedule, not yours.

Taxis are an option for nearby attractions, but at $3 per mile, they are expensive for long journeys.

Accommodations

Most visitors to Maui stay near one of the larger settlements along the coast, but not Kahului, which is relatively industrial and less touristy than other towns.

Popular locations include Kā’anapali, Kapalua, Kihei, Lahaina, Mākena, and Kapalua. There are also hotels and resorts in the Up Country area around Kula.

When deciding where you want to stay, think about what you most want to see and do while you’re on the island.

Bear in mind that towns like Kā’anapali, Kapalua, and Lahaina on the leeward, west coast will be a lot drier and a little warmer than towns like Hāna on the windward, east coast.

Also remember that although the island is small and settlements close to one another, the roads meander, and there are mountains in the way. If you decide to stay in Hāna but intend to visit Lahaina, allow 3 hours each way for the drive.

When you’ve chosen your target location, you will find lots of resorts, hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to choose from. Tourism is big business in Maui, so there are rooms available to suit any budget.

Weather

Although Maui is a small island, you will experience several distinctly different climates while traveling around. This is a product of the island’s unique geography.

There are two important variables: elevation above sea level and position in relation to the two mountainous regions.

If you are on one of the whale tours in Maui, your boat will be at an elevation of 0 feet, but if you are admiring the view from atop Haleakalā, your elevation is 10,000 feet.

The higher you climb, the cooler the air temperature will be. As a rough guide, every 1,000 feet you rise above sea level, the temperature will drop 3.2⁰F.

This means that when the beach is 70⁰F, the summit is 38⁰F! Although Maui’s climate is tropical, snow sometimes appears at the summit.

If you decide to climb Haleakalā, make sure you take warm clothing in your backpack. You may begin your ascent in the tropics, but you’ll arrive to weather more like the Arctic.

Up Country Maui is wetter and cooler than neighboring South Maui because it sits at a higher elevation.

The low-lying central valley, where the airport is situated along with Kahului and Maalaea, is windy but dry and usually sunnier than other areas. The trade winds hit the windward, eastern shores of the island, bringing moist air.

As that air climbs the mountains, it releases the moisture as rain. This leads to a lot of rain on the east side of the island, hence the rainforests.

The leeward, western shores, because they are sheltered from the wind by the mountains, only get a remnant of the rain. This makes the western shores relatively dry, especially where sheltered by Haleakalā.

The average temperatures on Maui don’t change too much from the winter to the summer. Because the island is in the tropics, it’s almost always warm. In the coolest winter months, the average high is 80⁰F and the low 65⁰F, but around 1⁰F cooler along the Hāna Highway.

If you want to snorkel, the ocean temperature is a pleasant 75⁰F. Winter is the season that sees the most rainfall. In the warmest summer months, the average high is 84⁰F and the low 70⁰F but 83⁰F-69⁰F around Hāna. The ocean temperature rises to around 80⁰F in summer.

Attractions

Maui is an island steeped in natural beauty and cultural history. There are many interesting places to visit and activities to enjoy.

You can hike through the rainforest, snorkel in the crystal-clear water offshore, watch whales in the Pacific, or attend an authentic luau.

Maui is volcanic in origin, created by lava flows from two volcanoes. Haleakalā is the larger of the two volcanoes, responsible for over 75% of Maui’s landmass. You can find Haleakalā at the heart of Haleakalā National Park, which is a popular destination for tourists.  A great way to see this area is one an ATV tour, get to areas of the park that few visitors see!

If you enjoy photography, you’ll love the sunset over the Pacific Ocean viewed from the summit of Haleakalā. And once the sun has gone down, Haleakalā is also a fantastic place to stargaze, when it is not cloudy.

At 10,000 feet elevation and with no light pollution, you get an uninterrupted view of the cosmos. The main feature of the park is the volcano’s crater.

It is 7 miles long, 2 wide, and approximately 2,600 feet deep. Another popular attraction inside the park is Hosmer’s Grove.

This is an unusual collection of invasive trees from all around the world, including eucalyptus from Australia and pine from North America.

Visitors love to explore the Hāna Highway—Hawaii Routes 36 and 360. The highway winds along the North Shore between Kahului in Central Maui and Hāna in East Maui.

Built by King Pi’ilani in the 16^th century, this ancient road has a longer history than the Union. It is only 64½ miles long but features 59 bridges, most only one lane wide, and many sharp bends.

Driving along the highway, you will frequently stop to photograph the lush tropical rainforest. You can also visit waterfalls, walk along stunning black-sand beaches, and view scenic mountains.

However, if you decide to travel this route, expect delays. Even without stopping, the drive between the two towns takes 2½ hours.

Over in West Maui, the most popular destination for hikers is Iao Valley State Park. This is a stream-cut valley within the tropical rainforest, which features a distinctive natural landmark. Rising 1,200 feet from its base, the Iao Needle is a stunning basalt formation.

Not far away, on the north coast, you can find Nakalele Point. This scenic area of cliffs is famous for its blowhole, which spouts jets of seawater 100 feet into the air like a geyser.

Tourists fascinated by the cultural history of Maui flock to Lahaina, the largest settlement in West Maui. Once the residence of the royal family, Lahaina was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845.

Here is where you’ll find the oldest buildings and learn about local history. Lahaina still projects the ambiance of a 19^th-century whaler’s seaport.

The settlement’s historic district boasts 9 important historical buildings built between 1823 and 1901. The 1859 Court House was constructed over the site of the royal palace, and the United States Marine Hospital dates to 1842.

Banyan Tree Park occupies the site of the 1831 Lahaina Fort and features the largest banyan tree in Hawaii planted in 1873.