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.

Doors Off Maui Helicopter Tour

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When you choose to fly in a doors off helicopter tour, you are taking your experience to another level. Not only is it extremely exciting to be high above the clouds in a helicopter without doors, the pictures you are able to take with nothing between you and the scenery are absolutely stunning. On Maui, there is only one doors off flight offered.  The West Maui Molokai flight takes you along the coastline of the beautiful West Maui Mountains and then over to the north shore of Molokai. Experience remote valleys, some of the largest waterfalls in Hawaii and the tallest sea cliffs in the world. As an added bonus during the months of December-April, you may also see humpback whales as you cross the Pailolo channel on your way over to Molokai. A doors off helicopter tour is not for everybody and there are some restrictions. We have listed them below so you can make the right helicopter choice for you and your family.

REQUIREMENTS:

·The minimum age for passengers is 10 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

· The only camera allowed is the camera on your cell phone. No other cameras or devices are permitted.  Air Maui will provide a lanyard case for passenger’s cell phone that will be attached to them during flight.

· You may not wear or bring hats, bags or any loose items allowed and it is mandatory that all passengers wear closed toed shoes.

· Passengers with long hair must tie it up

· Air Maui will provide each passenger a jacket that will be required to wear during flight

Touring West Maui and Molokai in a helicopter without doors is truly a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. Many of our guests let us know it was the highlight of their vacation.