Maui Helicopter Blog
Escape the Winter Cold: Maui Helicopter Tours and Beach Adventures for a Perfect Holiday Getaway
Swap winter snow for Maui’s tropical adventures. From doors-off helicopter tours to surf lessons in Paia and snorkeling at Molokini, here’s your guide to the perfect holiday escape.
Winter is here, and for those longing for sun, sand, and surf, there’s no place like Maui. Ditch the heavy coats and snow for a tropical holiday full of adventure and relaxation. Start with an epic aerial tour, add in some surf lessons on Maui’s famous beaches, and you have the perfect formula for a memorable winter escape. Here’s how to make the most of your Maui getaway with helicopter tours, surf lessons in Paia, and other island activities that celebrate the spirit of Aloha.
Soar Over Maui: Air Maui Doors Off Helicopter Tour
Begin your adventure with a truly thrilling experience: the Air Maui Doors Off tour. This open-air helicopter tour offers spectacular views of Maui’s landscapes, from towering cliffs to emerald valleys and the vast Haleakalā Crater. With the doors off, you’ll feel the island breeze and enjoy unobstructed photo opportunities.
Highlights of the Air Maui Doors Off Tour:
Breathtaking views of Maui’s lush rainforest, hidden waterfalls, and scenic coastlines
Unique open-air experience that lets you feel the Hawaiian atmosphere
Insightful narration from expert pilots to deepen your connection with the island’s natural wonders
After your exhilarating flight, you’ll be primed for the next part of your Maui adventure: learning to ride the waves.
Ride the Waves: Surf Lessons in Paia
What’s a Hawaiian vacation without some time on a surfboard? For a classic Maui experience, head over to Paia, a laid-back beach town known for its surf culture. Surf lessons in Paia offer the perfect opportunity to try out this iconic sport. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, local instructors guide you through the basics, ensuring a safe and exciting experience.
Why You’ll Love Surf Lessons in Paia:
Experience Maui’s famous North Shore waves with the guidance of seasoned instructors
Fun and accessible lessons for all skill levels
A unique way to connect with Maui’s ocean culture and meet local surfers
Combine your surfing adventure with a helicopter tour, and you’ll get the best views of Maui from both above and below.
Explore Underwater Wonders: Molokini Snorkel Tour Aboard Calypso
After experiencing Maui from the air and the surf, dive into its crystal-clear waters with a Molokini snorkel tour aboard Calypso. Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped volcanic formation, is one of the best snorkeling destinations in Hawaii. The Calypso vessel offers everything you need for an unforgettable trip, from sun decks to waterslides and knowledgeable guides.
Highlights of the Molokini Snorkel Tour:
Explore vibrant coral reefs and spot unique marine life
Enjoy a comfortable cruise with modern amenities on board
Great visibility and calm waters, making it perfect for snorkelers of all levels
Unwind with a Sunset Sail or Whale Watching Tour
Wrap up your adventure with a relaxing sunset sail or whale-watching tour. Winter is prime whale season in Maui, and the island’s warm waters offer a front-row seat to witness these majestic creatures. As the sun sets over the ocean, you’ll see why so many travelers consider Maui the perfect winter escape.
Why a Sunset Sail or Whale Watching Tour Completes Your Day:
Spectacular views of humpback whales in their natural habitat (December-April)
Enjoy drinks and appetizers as you watch the sun dip below the horizon
A serene and romantic experience to balance out a day of excitement
Plan the Ultimate Winter Getaway in Maui
From the sky to the sea, Maui offers endless opportunities to embrace the season in paradise. Combine an exhilarating Air Maui Doors Off helicopter tour with surf lessons in Paia, a Molokini snorkel, and a relaxing sunset sail to create your ideal winter holiday. With warm sun, stunning views, and unforgettable experiences, Maui is waiting to show you what winter should feel like.
Top Maui Adventures to Pair with a Helicopter Tour
Planning an unforgettable trip to Maui? A helicopter tour is the perfect way to see the island's breathtaking landscapes from above. Imagine soaring over cascading waterfalls, lush valleys, and volcanic craters for a panoramic view of paradise. But why stop there? Make the most of your day by combining a helicopter tour with other iconic Maui adventures. Here are some top recommendations to pair with your aerial adventure, from snorkeling at Molokini to whale watching aboard the Calypso.
1. Take Flight with the Air Maui Doors Off Tour
Kick off your Maui adventure with a thrilling Air Maui Doors Off helicopter tour. This tour is ideal for those looking to add a touch of excitement to their sightseeing. With no doors, you’ll feel the tropical breeze as you fly over Maui’s stunning landscapes. This open-air experience offers unparalleled photo opportunities, allowing you to capture shots of Haleakalā Crater, the lush rainforests of Hana, and dramatic coastal cliffs with nothing between you and the scenery.
Highlights of the Air Maui Doors Off Tour:
Up-close views of Maui’s rugged coastline
Thrilling open-air flight experience
Panoramic views of Haleakalā, Hana, and more
Pairing this exhilarating tour with a relaxing ocean experience makes for the perfect balance in your day. Read on for some unforgettable options.
2. Explore the Underwater World with a Molokini Snorkel Tour Aboard Calypso
After a morning of high-flying adventure, dive into Maui’s vibrant marine life on a Molokini snorkel tour aboard Calypso. Molokini Crater is one of Maui’s most famous snorkeling destinations, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant sea life. The Calypso vessel offers a comfortable and exciting way to explore Molokini, with a range of amenities to enhance your trip.
Why Choose a Molokini Snorkel Tour:
Swim alongside tropical fish and colorful coral reefs
Explore Molokini’s unique crescent-shaped crater
Enjoy a relaxing cruise with onboard facilities, including sun decks and waterslides
This tour is a great way to cool down and experience the beauty of Maui from below the water’s surface after you’ve taken in the views from above. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, the crew on the Calypso makes sure your experience is unforgettable.
3. Witness Majestic Marine Life on a Whale Watching Tour
If you’re visiting during whale season (December through April), don’t miss out on the chance to join a whale watching tour aboard with Pac-Whale Eco. This tour offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring shows, as humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters. After your helicopter tour, where you might even spot a whale from above, seeing these magnificent creatures up close by boat is a magical follow-up.
What to Expect on a Whale Watching Tour:
Chances to see humpback whales breach and tail slap
Knowledgeable guides who share insights on whale behaviors
Comfortable viewing areas and amenities with Pac-Whale.
Pairing a helicopter tour with a whale watching excursion adds a whole new dimension to your Maui experience, letting you witness the island’s diverse ecosystems from the sky and sea.
4. Create Your Perfect Maui Adventure Combo
Whether you’re soaring over Maui’s lush landscapes, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or watching whales breach against a backdrop of island beauty, combining these adventures makes for a day you won’t forget. Consider booking the Air Maui Doors Off tour in the morning for stunning aerial views, followed by an afternoon Molokini snorkel or whale watching tour to complete your Maui adventure.
Summary of the Perfect Maui Adventure Day:
Morning:
With these options, you’ll capture Maui from every angle, creating memories and photos that will last a lifetime.
Molokai Waterfalls
Molokai, also known as the “Friendly Isle,” is a small island located in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is known for its natural beauty, unspoiled beaches, and lush rainforests. Among the many natural wonders on the island, the waterfalls on Molokai are some of the most spectacular. These waterfalls are not only visually stunning, but they also offer a unique opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty and culture.
The first waterfall on Molokai that is worth visiting is Moaula Falls. This waterfall is located in the Halawa Valley, which is also known as the “Valley of the Lost Tribe.” The valley is a sacred place for the Hawaiian people, and it is said to be the home of the last remaining Hawaiian tribe. Moaula Falls is a beautiful and secluded waterfall that is located in the heart of the valley. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and it is a great place to take a dip in the cool water.
Another waterfall on Molokai that is worth visiting is Papalaua Falls. This waterfall is located in the West End of the island and it is known for its beautiful and secluded location. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and it is a great place to take a dip in the cool water. The waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, and it is also a great place to take a hike.
The third waterfall on Molokai that is worth visiting is Manawainui Falls. This waterfall is located in the East End of the island and it is known for its beautiful and secluded location. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and it is a great place to take a dip in the cool water. The waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, and it is also a great place to take a hike.
The fourth waterfall on Molokai that is worth visiting is Puko’o Falls. This waterfall is located in the West End of the island and it is known for its beautiful and secluded location. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and it is a great place to take a dip in the cool water. The waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, and it is also a great place to take a hike.
The last waterfall on Molokai that is worth visiting is Kahiwa Falls. This waterfall is located in the East End of the island and it is known for its beautiful and secluded location. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and it is a great place to take a dip in the cool water. The waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, and it is also a great place to take a hike.
All of these waterfalls are not only visually stunning, but they also offer a unique opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty and culture. Visiting these waterfalls is a great way to explore the island and to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The waterfalls are also a great place to relax and to reconnect with nature.
In addition to the natural beauty of the waterfalls, they also offer a unique cultural experience. The waterfalls on Molokai are located in areas that are considered sacred by the Hawaiian people. The Halawa Valley, for example, is home to the last remaining Hawaiian tribe and it is considered a sacred place by the Hawaiian people. Visiting these waterfalls is a great way to learn more about Hawaiian culture and to connect with the island’s history.
It is important to note that many of the waterfalls on Molokai are located in remote areas
Which Maui Helicopter Tour Is The Best?
There are many adventures to experience in Maui including snorkel tours, luaus, zip-lining, and hiking. Many would agree that the best way to truly explore Maui is by air. Maui has more flight options than the other Hawaiian Islands and it can be hard to decide which flight to take because they are all amazing! Here are the three best options for a Maui helicopter tour.
Hana and Haleakala
The Hana and Haleakala helicopter tour features the highlights of East Maui. You will view the valleys and waterfalls of Hana along with Haleakala, the worlds largest series of dormant volcanoes. This helicopter tour is the same flight pattern as the Complete Island, minus the West Maui Mountains. It offers less time in the air, so it is less expensive.
West Maui and Molokai
This tour begins in the West Maui Mountains, home to Pu’u Kukui watershed with lush valleys and waterfalls. The tour continues across the Pailolo channel to the north shore of Molokai which features the tallest sea cliffs in the world and the largest waterfall in Hawaii. During whale season in Maui (December-April) you also have a chance to witness humpback whales as you cross the channel. Air Maui offers an exciting Doors Off option for this flight pattern.
Complete Island of Maui
This is one of the more popular choices to see all of Maui in one hour. It includes the highlights of both East and West Maui and features the Hana rainforest, Haleakala Crater and the West Maui Mountains. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers this tour with an added private landing at Ulupalakua on the slopes of Haleakala. It is called the Maui Spectacular and it is 90 minutes total time.
A few more things to consider when choosing your Maui helicopter tour:
There are three types of aircraft to choose from:
The A-star aircraft is an industry-standard built with sightseeing in mind. It costs less to fly in an A-Star than an Eco-Star.
The Eco-Star was also built for sightseeing and it also has 23% more space inside with wraparound windows for better viewing.
Doors Off. There is only one option for a Doors Off helicopter and that is with Air Maui on their West Maui and Molokai flight.
Seating:
The helicopters hold six guests plus the pilot. Seating is based on the weight and balance of the passengers and is determined by the tour provider. Air Maui and Blue Hawaiian offer a guaranteed front seat upgrade for a fee.
Experiencing Maui by air is one of the most exciting things you can do on this beautiful island. You will not be disappointed!
Helicopter Tour Prices in Maui
Taking a helicopter tour in Maui is one of the most exciting things to do. Experience scenic and dramatic landscapes only viewed by air. Highlights of a Maui helicopter tour may include the Haleakala National Park, Hana Rainforest, West Maui Mountains and the north shore of Molokai. The price of a Maui helicopter trip varies from about $169.00 - $339.00 plus tax and fuel charge. With all fees included you are looking at $230.00-to $440.00. Prices are per person fee and there are no child rates, although infants 24 months and younger fly for free when they sit on the lap of an adult.
So why do the prices vary for helicopter tours on Maui?
Keep reading to find out why some tours are more expensive than others.
There are three types of aircraft that the tour companies run in Maui. The first is an A- Star, which is considered the industry standard. It is built with viewing in mind and is a great choice for any flight. The second type is an Eco-Star and boasts 23 % more space inside, captain’s chairs and wraparound windows for better viewing. It is quieter than an A Star which cuts down on outside noise pollution. The third aircraft is an A star with Doors Off. Air Maui is the only one who runs this flight and the flight pattern is available in the 45 minute West Maui and Molokai option.
The next thing that may affect the pricing of a helicopter tour is the duration of flight time. Most companies offer 45, 55, and 65-minute tours. The longer you are in the air, the pricier the flight becomes. Some tours such as the Blue Hawaiian Maui Spectacular even offer a bonus private landing mid-flight, which also affects the final price of the tour.
Somethings to Consider:
All of the helicopter tours on Maui depart from Kahului heliport by the main airport.
· They fly multiple times a day with the first flight of the day departing at 8:00 am and the last flight of the day at 4:00 pm.
· The morning flights book up the fastest, especially for the Hana and Haleakala flight patterns. The clouds tend to block the Haleakala Crater visibility in the afternoon.
· It is recommended to wear dark-colored clothing on your tour to avoid reflections from the windows in your pictures.
· Seating in the aircraft is based on weight and balance and is up to the discretion of the helicopter provider. If you want front seats guaranteed, you can pay for the upgrade with Air Maui or Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.
· Each company has different weight limits before the passenger must purchase a comfort seat, which may be a half seat to a full seat charge depending on the helicopter company policies. The A star's weight limit is 240 pounds while the Eco-Star can vary between 260-300 pounds.
· It can be confusing deciding which flight and aircraft to choose that meets your desires and your budget. Need help deciding? Give us a call! Our local concierge has experience all of the Maui helicopter tours first hand and are happy to help you choose the right trip for you.
What Maui Helicopter Tours Leave from Kapalua airport?
Maui has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and it said that 70% of the island can only be seen by air. We offer 45 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90-minute helicopter tours. They have different flight patterns and some of the highlights include Hana waterfalls, Haleakala Crater, West Maui Mountains and the island of Molokai. You will also choose from different types of aircrafts including A-Star, Eco-Star and even a doors-off option!
The one thing you cannot choose is what part of the island your helicopter departs from.
There are no helicopter flights that leave out of Kapalua or the west side of Maui. All of the helicopter tours in Maui depart from the Kahului heliport just 5 minutes from the main airport. The drive time to the Kahului heliport from the west side of Maui is 45-60 minutes and from the south side it is 20-30 minutes. If you are traveling inter-island, Kapalua airport offers commuter flights to Oahu and Molokai. Mokulele airlines also offers a Father Damien Kalaupapa tour out of Kapalua several days a week. This tour begins with a flight across the Pailolo Channel where you will experience the tallest sea cliffs in the world and some of Hawaii’s tallest waterfalls. After landing, you will be taken on a guided tour of Kalaupapa Settlement and learn about the rich history and the life of Father Damien.
You may be thinking “Is it worth driving back to the airport to do a Maui helicopter tour?
The answer is YES! A tour of Maui by air may be the most exciting thing you do on your Maui vacation. Plus, there are a lot of fun things to do in the Kahului area before or after your tour. Looking for ideas? You can check out some things to do on this Maui helicopter tour blog post.
How to take the best photos on a Maui Helicopter Tour
A helicopter tour over the island of Maui can be a once in a lifetime experience. Capturing an experience like this to remember forever is high on the priority list for most of us. There are several ways to ensure that you get the best photos or video footage on your helicopter tour. Our helicopter specialists have years of experience and have great tips to assist you in shooting some Instagram worthy content.
#1) Choose the most scenic flight pattern.
Not all helicopter tours are the same. If capturing images and video is a priority ensure to pick the most scenic flight pattern. The sea cliffs and waterfalls on the West Maui & Molokai tour is one of the highest-rated flights for scenery. Experience iconic landmarks such as the Wall of Tears, the tallest waterfall in Hawaii, Papalaua Falls, and the tallest sea cliffs in the world.
#2) Choose the best helicopter aircraft.
There are several helicopters aircraft models to choose from. An ECO-Star helicopter is the most state of the art and features 23% more room than it’s predecessor the A-Star. ECO-Star helicopters offer wraparound glass and theater-type seating for optimal viewing.
#3) Remove the doors.
Choose a tour that offers a flight with the doors off. Only for the fearless and most adventurous photographers! A doors-off helicopter flight removes any obstacles between you and your camera capturing an award-winning photograph. Keep in mind, that normally only a cell phone is allowed onboard.
#4) Wear black clothing.
Glare and reflections can be a photographer’s worst enemy on a helicopter flight. Ensure that everyone in your party wears dark clothing. This will remove unwanted reflections off of the interior glass window which is very common on a helicopter flight. Long sleeves will also assist with removing glare from arms and legs.
#5) Purchase a video of your tour.
Enjoying yourself in the moment can be challenging when focusing on getting the shot. Sometimes the best decision is to just relax and enjoy the experience. Most tours offer a pre-recorded video or an actual video of your flight. They will also always take a photo of you in front of the helicopter prior to boarding.
Jurassic Park Scenes on A Maui Helicopter Tour
Jurassic Rock
Many scenes in Hawaii were made famous by the Jurassic Park movie franchise. On Maui, when you fly in a helicopter, you can see Keopuka rock also known as Jurassic Rock off of the Road to Hana near the Garden of Eden. Jurassic rock was featured in the beginning scenes of the original 1993 Jurassic Park blockbuster film.
If you want to see Jurassic Rock, choose one of these flights:
There are also some amazing waterfalls on Maui and Molokai that are not featured in the Jurassic Park movies. You can see waterfalls on any Maui helicopter tour that you choose although some of the most dramatic waterfalls are located in the interior of the West Maui Mountains and the Northshore of Molokai. The West Maui Mountains are one of the wettest locations in the world and receive between 400-500 inches of rain annually. This area is estimated to be 1.7 million years old. The valleys which have been carved out from erosion are breathtaking. The West Maui Mountains is home to the largest waterfall in Maui, rising just above 1100 feet.
To see experience the Wall of Tears, choose one of these tours:
The Northshore of Molokai has the tallest sea cliffs in the world and some of the largest waterfalls in Hawaii. Papalaua Falls towers at 1200 feet and is one of the most photographed waterfalls you will see on your Maui helicopter tour to Molokai.
If you love waterfalls we recommend the West Maui Mountains and Molokai flight:
Things to Do After Your Maui Helicopter Tour
You have booked your Maui helicopter tour. You are probably wondering where exactly does it depart from and is there anything else to see in the area. All of Maui ‘s helicopter trips depart from the Kahului heliport which is 5 minutes from the airport. While there is not a whole lot to see in do in the town of Kahului, unless you consider the nearby Costco as a great vacation stop, there are many things to do and places to eat in the surrounding area after your Maui helicopter tour.
A vacation to Maui would not be complete without visiting the town of Paia which is only 15 minutes from Kahului heliport. Paia is known for its restaurants, art galleries and local boutiques. In addition to restaurants near the Maui heliport, there are few parks and attractions that are worth visiting before or after your Maui helicopter tour. Check out all of our recommendations below.
Mamas Fish House – located on the north end of Paia, Mams Fish House does not disappoint. They have the same menu for lunch and dinner and the view is outstanding. Their menu features fresh fish and Pacific Rim Cuisine. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Flatbreads Pizza – located in the heart of Paia, Flatbreads pizza is known for its all natural, wood fired, clay oven pizzas. Trust us, they have the best pizzas on the island. They use locally sourced ingredients and their menu has a lot of options.
Paia Fish Market – this iconic Maui restaurant is known for its fresh fish tacos and the most delicious fish sandwiches on the island. Reasonably priced and super casual, Paia Fishmarket is a local favorite.
Haleakala Crater National Park – Most people think that the only way to see the crater is going during sunrise but the crater is great to see in the morning and for sunset too. Plus, to see the sunrise you have to get up at 2 am to get to the crater in time. Going in the day avoids the early wake up time! The Haleakala Crater is only 1-1.5 hours from the heliport so it makes a great destination on your Maui helicopter day.
Iao Valley State Park – The site of the famous battle of Kepiniwaia, this valley is abundant in history and culture. It also features Kuka’emoku also known as the Iao Needle which is a natural steep ridge which rises 1200 feet and can be viewed from a short half a mile walk.
Maui Tropical Plantation – Many visitors to Maui like to visit the Maui Tropical Plantation and take a 40 minute tropical fruit tram tour which also features a 15 minute coconut husking demonstration. If you are there more towards the evening you may want to check out the The Mill House for dinner located at the heart of the plantation.
The History of the Island of Molokai
When visitors arrive on Maui, the question many ask when they are staying in West Maui is “what is that island over there?”
The northern island you can see from the shores of West Maui is the island of Molokai. Molokai is known for both its dramatic landscape and its interesting history. Many visitors choose to take a Maui helicopter tour to experience the north shore of Molokai which boasts the tallest sea cliffs in the world, some of the largest waterfalls in Hawaii and world famous Kalaupapa peninsula.
The Geology of Kalaupapa and the north shore of Molokai is a unique one and is one of the most remote places in Hawaii. The sea cliffs of Molokai reach over 3,000 feet high and are said to be formed roughly 1.5 million years ago when 1/3 of the island collapsed into the ocean. The Kalaupapa peninsula is thought to be formed roughly 250,000 years ago when an off shore shield volcano erupted from the oceans floor.
During the mid to late 1800’s Hansen's Disease was running rampant in the islands and the disease was thought to be incurable and very contagious. Later it was discovered most people are resistant to the disease and effective treatment was developed in the 20th century. In 1865 the Hawaiian King Kamehameha V passed the "Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy". The law required the most serious cases of Hansen’s disease to be moved to a settlement colony on the eastern end of the peninsula. Kalaupapa was chosen due to its isolation and remote location. In 1866 the first twelve patients were dropped off and over the next 100 years more than 8,000 people would live their lives out at the peninsula. In 1873 Father Damien arrived at the peninsula and assisted patients until he eventually contracted the disease and passed away in 1889. There have been numerous books written about these times. The novel Molokai written by Alana Brennert is a great place to start for those interested in learning about the history of Hansen’s disease in Hawaii from a historical fiction point of view.
Today Kalaupapa is a national park. There are still a few people remaining who have Hansen’s disease but they are not required to live there and choose to do so to live out the rest of their lives in peace. You can experience Molokai’s sea cliffs, waterfalls and Kalaupapa peninsula when you join a Maui helicopter tour which features West Maui and Molokai. To see this area by air is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
