Maui Helicopter Blog
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.
Jurassic Park Scenes on A Maui Helicopter Tour
Jurassic Rock and Maui’s Iconic Waterfalls by Helicopter
Did you know that some of Hawaii’s most iconic movie moments were filmed right here on Maui? One of the most famous locations is Keopuka Rock, also known as Jurassic Rock, made legendary by its appearance in the opening scenes of the original Jurassic Park (1993). This dramatic outcrop can be seen near the Garden of Eden Arboretum along the Road to Hana—but the best way to take in its cinematic splendor is from the sky.
How to See Jurassic Rock from a Helicopter
To get the best view of Jurassic Rock, book one of these Hana-focused helicopter tours that fly along Maui’s lush northeast coastline:
These flights offer unforgettable perspectives of the coastline, valleys, and waterfalls that define the beauty of East Maui.
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:
Discover Molokai: The Island Off West Maui with Towering Cliffs and Rich History
If you're staying in West Maui, chances are you've looked out across the ocean and wondered, “What is that island over there?” The answer: Molokai—Hawaii’s fifth-largest island and home to some of the most dramatic landscapes and deep cultural history in the entire archipelago.
From the shores of Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua, Molokai is clearly visible on the horizon. But to truly understand its beauty and historical significance, the best way to explore it is by helicopter tour. On a West Maui and Molokai helicopter flight, you’ll fly over the tallest sea cliffs in the world, remote valleys, massive waterfalls, and the powerful story of the Kalaupapa Peninsula.
The Majestic North Shore of Molokai
Molokai’s north shore is one of the most remote and visually stunning places in all of Hawaii. Towering sea cliffs, some rising more than 3,000 feet, were formed over 1.5 million years ago when a significant portion of the island collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. This cataclysmic event carved out the rugged, awe-inspiring coastline visible today—accessible only by air or sea.
Your helicopter tour will also take you over the Kalaupapa Peninsula, which juts out dramatically from the base of these cliffs. Unlike the rest of Molokai, the peninsula was created by a submarine volcanic eruption roughly 250,000 years ago.
Kalaupapa: A Place of History and Healing
Beyond its geological wonder, Kalaupapa carries a deep human story. In the mid-1800s, Hansen’s Disease (commonly known as leprosy) spread through the Hawaiian Islands. With limited medical understanding and widespread fear, King Kamehameha V enacted the "Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy" in 1865. This law required patients with severe cases to be isolated, and Kalaupapa was selected for its extreme remoteness.
The first group of patients arrived in 1866. Over the next century, more than 8,000 individuals lived out their lives on the peninsula. One of the most revered figures of this era is Father Damien, a Belgian priest who dedicated his life to caring for the residents. He ultimately contracted the disease himself and passed away in 1889. His legacy is honored throughout Hawaii and the world.
If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of this chapter in Hawaiian history, the novel "Molokai" by Alan Brennert offers a powerful and emotional look through the lens of historical fiction.
Kalaupapa Today
Today, Kalaupapa is a U.S. National Historical Park. While a small number of former patients still reside there by choice, the area is mostly protected and preserved for its historical importance and natural beauty. Access is extremely limited—there are no roads in or out, and hiking in is no longer permitted due to trail damage.
The only way to fully appreciate the dramatic cliffs, the history, and the untouched beauty of Molokai’s north shore is from the sky.
Experience Kalaupapa and Molokai’s Wonders by Helicopter
To see this extraordinary region, we recommend the West Maui and Molokai helicopter tour. These flights depart from Kahului Heliport on Maui and provide breathtaking views of:
Molokai’s sea cliffs and waterfalls
The historic Kalaupapa Peninsula
The lush Halawa Valley
Scenic coastline and mountain terrain of West Maui
This is a once-in-a-lifetime aerial adventure that connects you to both the natural and cultural essence of Hawaii.
Book your West Maui and Molokai tour today and experience one of Hawaii’s most incredible hidden gems.
