From an air tour over Maui you see the jungles of Hāna, the 10,000-foot Haleakalā Crater, the west coast around Lāhainā, and the offshore islands of the ʻAuʻau Channel., including the green jungles of Hāna, the 10,000 foot Haleakalā Crater, the sunny west coast of Maui around Lāhainā, and the blue waters and offshore islands of the ʻAuʻau Channel.
These areas are amazing to explore on foot and by boat, but from above, but from above you get a new perspective on their size and scope. From the air you can also reach places that are hard to get to on the ground, like backcountry waterfalls, tall sea cliffs, and high mountain ranges. From November to March, you may even be able to see whale activity from the air!
Table of contents
Most helicopter and other air tours on Maui depart from the Kahului Airport.
Helicopter tours
Thanks to their ability to hover in place and zip around rather quickly,. They can cover a large coastline or massive volcano relatively quickly, and they are small and maneuverable, so they fly lower than airplanes and “hang out” in scenic places by starting, stopping, and swiveling in place.
- 6 different types of helicopter tours on Maui
- What to expect on a helicopter tour on Maui
- Helicopter tour company recommendations for Maui
6 different types of Helicopter Tours
Here are the most common flight types that you’ll find across all companies:
1: Circle Island Flights
Every helicopter tour company will offer some type of “circle island tour” with a route designed to explore as much of the island as possible. On an overview tour the goal is to see as much of the island as you can, rather than focus on a set itinerary.
Circle island tours are very popular, and each itinerary will vary slightly by company, so be sure to check the fine print. On Maui, you can expect circle island tours to visit Hāna, Haleakalā, and parts of the west coast and the West Maui Mountains.
2: Doors Off Flights
Certain helicopter tour companies on Maui offer an extra dose of adventure via a “doors off” tour. It’s most appealing to adrenaline seekers and photographers, who will benefit from the absence of glass.
3: Special Focus Tours
If you’re looking for a tour with more specialization and focus, Many companies offer itineraries that explore a particular part of the island more deeply. Some will simply spend more time in a particular area, and some will focus on a particular feature or offer a landing at a scenic spot.
4: Sunset Tours
These tours are hard to come by, but if you see one, book it.
5: Romantic Landings
Want to set up a romantic outing? Or better yet, thinking of popping the question? Some companies run romantic outings with landings, picnics, and proposal setups.
6: Private Tours
If you desire a customized itinerary and want the helicopter reserved only for your party, book a private charter. Almost all companies offer the option of private tours, but they are the most expensive.
What to Expect on a Helicopter Tour on Maui
Though most helicopter tour companies on Maui will offer similar itineraries on certain trips, the details of the flights will vary, and some companies may offer experiences or comforts that another company doesn’t. It’s important to read the fine print when booking and always ask specific questions when considering one company versus another, including flight time, price, seating options, and any extra offerings. Generally, pricing for helicopter tours starts around $250 per person for a 45-minute flight and increases from there.
For first-timers, this is what you can expect from a helicopter tour:
- Before your flight, a check-in presentation will go over the company’s safety procedures and other details you need to know about the flight, such as visibility and weather. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have.
- Tour helicopters must maintain a minimum altitude. You will be close to the scenery on a helicopter tour, but the FAA requires all helicopters in Hawaiʻi to stay above 500 ft. Most companies fly between 500 and 1,500 feet, on average. If it matters to you, you can inquire with tour companies about how low (or high) they fly.
- Helicopter rides are bumpy. If you get motion sickness, go for a middle seat or take non-drowsy medication, like ginger pills.
- Helicopter rides can be noisy. But a provided headset will cancel out much of the noise and allow you to communicate with the pilot and your fellow passengers.
Recommended Helicopter Tour Companies
Travelers rate these companies well, and their flight-safety records are good. Because helicopter rides can be canceled in inclement weather, we recommend scheduling them early in your trip so you have backup days to try again should your experience get cancelled.
Air Maui Helicopter Tours
Air Maui has an extensive offering of flights that include at least five special focus tours to different parts of the island, and even over to another nearby island, Molokaʻi.
- Departs From: Kahului Airport
- Tour offerings: Circle Island, Special Focus, Doors Off, Romance, Private Charters
- Best for: Variety of special focus tours
- Website: Air Maui
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
If you’re looking for time-tested professionalism, Blue Hawaiian has operations on all islands and is arguably the most established and reliable company serving the islands. Their tours run a little longer than most other companies (1 hour 15 minutes for their circle island tour), although they are one of the most expensive.
- Departs From: Kahului Airport
- Tour offerings: Circle Island, Special Focus, Private Charters
- Best for: 1.5-hour Maui Spectacular Tour
- Website: Blue Hawaiian Maui
See the video below for some highlights from the Blue Hawaiian Maui helicopter tours:
Maverick Helicopters
Maverick has locations on Maui and Kauaʻi. Its most unique tour offering is the Hāna Rainforest Experience, which includes a landing in Hāna.
- Departs From: Kahului
- Tour offerings: Circle Island, Special Focus
- Best for: Hāna Rainforest Experience (see video below)
- Website: Maverick Helicopters Maui
Pacific Helicopter Tours
Pacific Helicopters offers a unique three-island itinerary and the option to add a landing to your flight. However, they only run private tours as of this writing, meaning you’ll have to rent out the entire chopper – which may not be a problem if you have a big family or group.
- Departs From: Kahului Airport
- Tour offerings: Doors Off, Private Charters
- Best for: Private Charters
- Website: Pacific Helicopter Tours
Sunshine Helicopters
Sunshine operates on Kauaʻi and Big Island as well, and offers three tours on Maui.
- Departs From: Kahului Airport
- Tour offerings: Circle Island, Special Focus
- Best for: Molokaʻi Deluxe Tour
- Website: Sunshine Helicopters Maui
A helicopter crossing the Maui coastline with Haleakalā on the horizon, on its way to Molokaʻi. Image from the
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Blake Bronstad
Small Airplane Tours
If a helicopter journey sounds too intense overall, but you like the idea of seeing Maui from the air, consider a small airplane tour. They don’t jerk around as much, so the flight is smoother, and while you won’t reach the tightest valleys or fly as low as a chopper, the ride is still scenic. Airplane tours are also generally cheaper.
Recommended small airplane tours
There is only one small airplane tour company on Maui.
Maui Plane Rides
Maui Plane Rides offer a variety of special routes that include a 60-minute sunset romance flight (complete with champagne), a 5-island tour around Maui, and a volcano flight.
- Departs From: Kahului Airport
- Offerings: Circle Island, Special Focus, Sunset, Romance, Private Charters
- Best For: Sunset romance flight
- Website: Maui Plane Rides
Skydiving
Recommended Skydiving Companies
Skydiving companies often offer a selection of packages. Check the fine print or call to ask questions when booking. Inquire about free-fall time, photo packages, and the altitude of the jump.
Maui Skydiving
Maui Skydiving is the island’s only skydiving operator. It operates out of the remote town of Hāna and offers a wonderful jungle-ocean combination for your jump.
- Departs From: Hāna Airport
- Price: Starting at $299
- website: Maui Skydiving
A tandem skydiving jump with Maui Skydiving. Image credit: Maui Skydiving.
Paragliding
Paragliding is a skydiving alternative for those that want a mellow ride. No plane is required, and while the takeoff gets your adrenaline going – i.e. launching the parachute off a mountainside – things settle down after that. Flying tandem, you and an instructor float through the air beneath the parachute, and most of the experience is very gentle and peaceful.
Recommended Paragliding Companies
Paragliding is a very weather-dependent sport, so we recommend scheduling this adventure early in your trip. Then, in case of cancellation, you can try it again another day.
Paraglide Maui
Paraglide Maui launches from either an altitude of 6,500 or 4,500 feet and soars off the side of Haleakalā. They offer tandem flights with instructors.
- Departs From: Kula
- Price: $295 per jump
- Website: Paraglide Maui
Hang Gliding
If you’ve tried all the above and are still looking for more, check out hang gliding. The Maui operation uses a motor-powered glider that gives a stable, open-air ride once airborne.
Recommended Hang Gliding Companies
There is only one hang gliding company on Maui.
Hang Gliding Maui
Hang Gliding Maui offers a motor-powered hang gliding experience over Hāna’s jungles. It is one of the more expensive air tours you can do, with a 30-minute ride costing $240 and an hour costing $400 per person.
- Departs From: Hāna Airport
- Price: Starting at $240
- Website: Hang Gliding Maui
Day-trips to other islands
Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe are all visible from Maui’s west coast, and many air tours fly close to them.
The easiest to visit is Molokaʻi. The “Friendly Island” is a staple on helicopter tour itineraries, typically its eastern shore and waterfall-filled valleys.
For something more comprehensive, Maui Plane Rides offers one of the most extensive visits to the “outer islands” with its 5-island tour that flies over Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Molokini, and Kahoʻolawe.
Air Tours on the other Hawaiian islands
Air tour guides for the neighboring islands: