15 Best Helicopter Tours in Maui

Imagine soaring above emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and ancient volcanic craters, with the vast Pacific stretching endlessly beneath you. Maui, the Valley Isle, is a masterpiece of nature, and while its beaches and lush landscapes are stunning from ground level, nothing quite compares to the breathtaking panorama you’ll experience from a helicopter. It’s an unparalleled adventure, offering a perspective only a privileged few ever witness. From tracing the rugged Hana coastline to circling the majestic Haleakala volcano, or even hopping to a neighboring island, a helicopter tour transforms your Maui vacation into an unforgettable odyssey.

To truly appreciate Maui’s dramatic beauty, you must see it from the sky. The best time to embark on these aerial escapades is during Maui’s dry season, roughly April to October, ensuring clearer skies and optimal visibility. Early morning flights often provide the calmest air and best light for photography, making for an even more magical experience. Get ready to elevate your Maui adventure!

Maui Dream 65-Minute Helicopter Flight

Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey that encapsulates the very essence of Maui’s natural splendor. The Maui Dream 65-Minute Helicopter Flight is designed to give you a comprehensive overview of the island’s diverse ecosystems, from the verdant, often cloud-shrouded slopes of West Maui to the dramatic, rugged coastline leading to Hana. As you ascend, you will witness the island unfold beneath you, revealing hidden valleys carved by ancient rivers, countless waterfalls cascading into pristine pools, and the vibrant blue of the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon.

This tour often includes breathtaking views of the famous “Wall of Tears” in the West Maui Mountains, a spectacular collection of hundreds of waterfalls that are inaccessible by any other means. You will feel a profound connection to the island’s raw beauty, seeing its majestic scale and intricate details from a unique vantage point. This is perfect for first-time visitors to Maui who want to grasp the island’s geography and beauty in one unforgettable experience.

Maui and Molokai Scenic Helicopter Flight

Elevate your Hawaiian adventure with the Maui and Molokai Scenic Helicopter Flight, a tour that transcends a single island and offers a truly unparalleled perspective of two distinct yet equally stunning landscapes. This flight takes you beyond Maui’s familiar shores to the neighboring island of Molokai, renowned for having the world’s tallest sea cliffs, plunging dramatically thousands of feet into the ocean. You will marvel at these colossal natural formations, often shrouded in mist, with countless waterfalls cascading down their sheer faces.

The tour also showcases Molokai’s isolated northern valleys, accessible only by air or sea, revealing a pristine, untouched Hawaii. On the Maui leg, you will typically explore the lush West Maui Mountains, with their deep, verdant valleys and sparkling waterfalls, before returning with a renewed appreciation for the diverse beauty of the Hawaiian archipelago. This tour is ideal for seasoned travelers looking for a unique, multi-island experience and photography enthusiasts seeking dramatic landscapes.

Maui Spirit Helicopter Flight over Hana and Haleakala

Embark on a spiritual and visually stunning journey with the Maui Spirit Helicopter Flight over Hana and Haleakala. This tour focuses on two of Maui’s most iconic and contrasting regions: the lush, rainforest-covered Hana coastline and the otherworldly, volcanic landscape of Haleakala. You will trace the famous Road to Hana from above, gaining a bird’s-eye view of its countless curves, black sand beaches, and hidden waterfalls that are often missed from the ground.

Then, the flight ascends to the summit of Haleakala, the massive dormant volcano whose crater is a mosaic of reds, browns, and grays, resembling a lunar landscape. Seeing the crater’s vastness and intricate cinder cones from above is an experience of profound scale and beauty. This flight offers a unique blend of verdant rainforest and stark volcanic terrain, appealing to those who appreciate both natural beauty and geological wonders. It’s a fantastic choice for photographers and nature lovers seeking diverse vistas.

Maui: Multi-Island Sunset Odyssey Helicopter Tour

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, experience the Maui: Multi-Island Sunset Odyssey Helicopter Tour. This isn’t just a flight; it’s a magical aerial spectacle that combines the dramatic beauty of Maui with the allure of its neighboring islands under the golden glow of twilight. You will glide over Maui’s stunning coastline, watching as the landscapes transform with the changing light.

Depending on the route, you might catch glimpses of Lanai or Molokai, illuminated by the setting sun, offering unique photographic opportunities. The highlight is undoubtedly witnessing the sunset from the air, an unparalleled experience as colors explode across the sky, reflecting off the ocean and the island’s contours. This tour is inherently romantic and luxurious, perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion or anyone seeking a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The serene beauty of the islands bathed in the soft, fading light is simply mesmerizing.

Maui: 75-Minute Hana Rainforest Helicopter Tour

Dive deep into Maui’s lush heart with the Maui: 75-Minute Hana Rainforest Helicopter Tour. This extended tour is a paradise for nature lovers and those fascinated by the island’s incredible biodiversity. You will journey over the famously scenic Hana Highway, but instead of navigating its numerous turns, you will soar above it, gaining an unobstructed view of the dense rainforest.

This flight is all about waterfalls – hundreds of them, from delicate ribbons to thunderous cascades, plunging into emerald pools. You will witness the vibrant greens of the rainforest, the dramatic sea cliffs, and the secluded black sand beaches that dot this remote side of the island. The longer duration allows for more extensive exploration of hidden valleys and inaccessible areas, offering a truly immersive experience in Maui’s wild, untamed beauty. This tour is ideal for adventurers, photographers, and anyone seeking to connect with the raw, untouched natural splendor of the island.

Half Day Big Island Volcano Discovery Flight

For the ultimate geological adventure, the Half Day Big Island Volcano Discovery Flight takes you beyond Maui to the fiery heart of Hawaii’s active volcanic landscape. This is a truly epic journey, beginning with a scenic flight from Maui to the Big Island, where you will witness the ongoing creation of new land. As you approach, the landscape transforms from lush green to stark, black lava fields, and you will have the chance to see active lava flows (when present and safe to view) from a privileged aerial perspective.

You will circle the Kilauea volcano, marveling at its massive caldera and steam vents, gaining a profound appreciation for the power of nature. This extended tour combines inter-island travel with an unparalleled close-up of volcanic activity, making it a bucket-list experience for geology enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those who want to witness the Earth in its rawest form. It’s a full sensory experience that will leave you in awe.

60 Min Maui Romantic Champagne Sunset Private Air Tour

Ignite the flames of romance with the 60 Min Maui Romantic Champagne Sunset Private Air Tour. This exclusive experience is designed for couples seeking an intimate and luxurious way to celebrate their love amidst Maui’s stunning beauty. As the sun begins its descent, painting the sky with an array of vibrant colors, you and your loved one will embark on a private helicopter journey over Maui’s breathtaking landscapes.

The route is often customizable, allowing you to focus on your preferred views, be it the dramatic West Maui Mountains, the serene coastline, or the distant silhouette of Molokai. The highlight is uncorking a bottle of champagne as you witness a spectacular Hawaiian sunset from your elevated vantage point, creating a truly unforgettable moment. This tour offers unparalleled privacy, personalized service, and a magical ambiance, making it the ultimate romantic gesture for honeymoons, anniversaries, or special proposals.

60 Min Maui Whale Watching Private Air Tour

Witness one of nature’s most magnificent spectacles from a unique aerial perspective with the 60 Min Maui Whale Watching Private Air Tour. During Maui’s whale season (roughly December to May), the waters around the island become a sanctuary for thousands of humpback whales. While boat tours offer close-up encounters, a helicopter tour provides an unparalleled panoramic view of these majestic creatures and their behaviors.

From above, you can often spot entire pods, observe their migration patterns, and witness behaviors like breaching, tail slapping, and spouting across a wider area. The clarity of the water from the air also allows for incredible visibility. This private tour ensures an intimate experience, with your pilot guiding you to the best viewing spots while maintaining a respectful distance. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who dreams of seeing whales in their natural habitat from a truly unique vantage point.

Small-Group Road to Hana Luxury Tour and Helicopter Flight

Combine the best of land and air exploration with the Small-Group Road to Hana Luxury Tour and Helicopter Flight. This meticulously crafted experience offers a unique dual perspective of Maui’s famous eastern coastline. You will begin with a luxurious ground tour, navigating the winding Road to Hana in comfort, stopping at key viewpoints, waterfalls, and local attractions, often with a knowledgeable guide sharing insights into the area’s history and culture.

Enjoy the journey, savoring the lush scenery and local flavors. Then, for the grand finale, you will board a helicopter for a breathtaking aerial return flight, soaring above the very same landscapes you just explored by road. This allows you to see the scale of the rainforest, the dramatic sea cliffs, and the hidden waterfalls from an entirely new angle, providing an unforgettable contrast. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the Road to Hana in depth without the stress of driving, while also gaining the ultimate aerial perspective.

East Maui 45-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Haleakala Crater

Discover the majestic scale of Maui’s iconic dormant volcano with the East Maui 45-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Haleakala Crater. While many visitors experience Haleakala from its summit at sunrise or sunset, this aerial tour offers an entirely different and equally profound perspective. You will ascend directly over the massive Haleakala crater, witnessing its incredible lunar-like landscape, vast cinder cones, and the vibrant hues of its volcanic rock formations.

From above, you truly grasp the immense size and geological power of this natural wonder. The tour often continues along the rugged East Maui coastline, revealing hidden waterfalls and verdant valleys that lead down to the ocean. This shorter, focused flight is ideal for those primarily interested in Haleakala’s unique geology and the dramatic landscapes of East Maui, offering a quick yet impactful aerial adventure without the extended duration of a full island tour.

Maui Helicopter Tour: Complete Island Flight

Experience the ultimate aerial immersion with the Maui Helicopter Tour: Complete Island Flight. This comprehensive tour is designed to showcase every facet of Maui’s extraordinary beauty, leaving no stone unturned – or rather, no valley unseen. You will embark on an extended journey that circles the entire island, revealing its incredible diversity from every angle.

This includes the lush West Maui Mountains with their inaccessible waterfalls, the dramatic sea cliffs of the North Shore, the vibrant rainforests and hidden beaches of the Hana coastline, and the majestic, often cloud-capped summit and vast crater of Haleakala volcano. You will gain a profound understanding of Maui’s geography, its diverse microclimates, and its stunning natural wonders. This is the definitive helicopter tour for those who want to see it all, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities and a truly unforgettable perspective of the Valley Isle. It’s perfect for first-time visitors and returning guests alike who want the full aerial experience.

Maui Hana and Haleakala Helicopter Tour with Cliffside Landing

Elevate your adventure with the Maui Hana and Haleakala Helicopter Tour with Cliffside Landing, an exclusive experience that combines breathtaking aerial views with an unforgettable private landing. This tour takes you over the verdant rainforests and cascading waterfalls of the Hana coastline and then ascends to the majestic, lunar-like landscapes of Haleakala.

The true highlight, however, is the unique opportunity to land at a remote, private cliffside location, often on a working taro farm or similar secluded spot, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the ocean, valleys, and distant mountains. This private landing allows you to step out of the helicopter, breathe in the fresh Hawaiian air, and capture stunning photos from a vantage point inaccessible to others. It’s an intimate and luxurious experience, perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone celebrating a special occasion who desires an extraordinary and highly personalized adventure.

Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour

Embark on an epic inter-island journey with the Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour, a flight that unveils the dramatic contrasts and ancient beauty of two distinct Hawaiian islands. Your adventure begins over Maui, often showcasing its lush West Maui Mountains and hidden valleys. The real spectacle unfolds as you cross the Pailolo Channel to Molokai, an island largely untouched by modern development.

Here, you will be mesmerized by the world’s tallest sea cliffs, soaring thousands of feet directly out of the ocean, often shrouded in mist and adorned with countless waterfalls plunging into the Pacific. You will also witness Molokai’s isolated northern valleys, accessible only by air or sea, which hold deep historical and cultural significance. This tour offers a profound sense of Hawaii’s untamed wilderness and geological grandeur, providing a unique perspective on the archipelago’s diverse landscapes. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking dramatic scenery and a deeper connection to Hawaii’s natural heritage.

Flight Lesson to Big Island Volcano

For the aspiring aviator or the ultimate adventure seeker, the Flight Lesson to Big Island Volcano offers an incredibly unique and hands-on experience. This isn’t just a tour; it’s an immersive opportunity to learn the basics of helicopter flight while embarking on an epic journey to the Big Island’s active volcanoes. Under the guidance of a certified flight instructor, you will get a chance to take the controls (under supervision, of course), learning about aerodynamics, navigation, and the principles of flight.

The destination is the Kilauea volcano, where you will witness the raw power of creation from the air, seeing lava fields, steam vents, and potentially active flows. This unique blend of educational experience and breathtaking sightseeing makes for an unparalleled adventure. It’s perfect for individuals with a fascination for aviation, a desire for an active learning experience, or anyone looking for a truly one-of-a-kind Hawaiian memory.

Circle Island Deluxe Tour

Embark on the ultimate aerial exploration of Maui with the Circle Island Deluxe Tour, a truly comprehensive helicopter experience that promises to unveil every hidden gem and iconic landmark from above. This extended flight is designed to give you the most complete perspective of the Valley Isle’s diverse landscapes, from its pristine beaches to its rugged interior. You will journey over the lush West Maui Mountains, tracing their dramatic valleys and countless waterfalls.

The tour continues along the stunning North Shore, renowned for its surf breaks, before heading over the untouched rainforests and remote coastlines of Hana. Finally, you will ascend to the majestic Haleakala crater, witnessing its otherworldly beauty before returning to the heliport. This deluxe tour ensures ample time to savor each view, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities and a profound appreciation for Maui’s natural grandeur. It’s the perfect choice for those who want the full, uncompromised aerial adventure.

Plan Your Visit

Maui is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that captivates the soul, and seeing it from above is truly transformative. These 15 helicopter tours offer an unparalleled way to witness the island’s dramatic beauty, from the ancient volcanic landscapes of Haleakala to the untouched rainforests of Hana and the majestic sea cliffs of Molokai. Each flight promises unique perspectives, revealing hidden waterfalls, inaccessible valleys, and the sheer scale of the Valley Isle’s natural wonders.

Whether you seek romance, adventure, a deep dive into geology, or simply the most breathtaking views imaginable, there’s a helicopter tour perfectly suited for you. Remember to book your flights in advance, especially during peak season, and consider morning tours for the best visibility. So, what are you waiting for? Elevate your Maui vacation and soar into an unforgettable adventure that will forever change the way you see paradise.